The continuing rise in energy prices has led many Australians to turn to solar energy for relief from high electricity bills.
Not all homeowners, however, have the ability to fund this type of installation upfront.
This can leave households exposed to escalating electricity costs with no clear end in sight.
Until recently, Victorians were in the same position as many other homeowners across Australia.
However, from the end of August 2018, many homeowners in Victoria became able to install solar panels at almost half the price compared with regular installation costs.
So, how is this possible, and how does the scheme work?
Premier Daniel Andrews announced a $1.24 billion scheme to help Victorian households install solar panels.
Under the scheme, eligible Victorians could receive a benefit of $2,225 towards the cost of installing solar panels for their home.
The amount would be refunded after the installation was completed by a Clean Energy Council, or CEC, accredited installer.
This could amount to more than a 50% discount on solar panel installations for eligible Victorian households.
To qualify, applicants must be owner-occupiers with a combined household income of less than $180,000, and the home must be valued at less than $3 million.
Unfortunately, Victorian households that already have solar panels may not qualify for a system upgrade under this scheme.
Premier Andrews estimated that more than 650,000 homes would benefit from heavily discounted solar installations over the next 10 years.
This could help families save up to $890 per year on electricity bills.
An independent agency would also be set up to oversee the scheme.
In addition, the Andrews Government committed an extra $9 million to provide accreditation for 4,500 electricians, helping support the safe installation of these solar systems.
Victorian Environment Chief Executive Mark Wakeham said that adding an additional 2,000 MW of solar energy into the grid could help reduce energy costs for all Victorians, not just those with solar panels.
For information on installing solar panels in your Melbourne, Sydney, Wollongong, Newcastle, or Central Coast home, call Smart Energy Answers on 1300 948 619 or send us an email.
