The Victorian Government has announced it has increased the amount of rebates available under its Solar Homes Scheme, which has come under fire after recent allocations were exhausted within 90 minutes of their release.
Earlier this month Victorian solar installers rallied outside Premier Dan Andrews’ office, claiming the government was killing the solar industry and needed to increase monthly allocations.
Now, more than 23,000 extra households will have access to the scheme , with Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio saying rebates will be released fortnightly, not monthly.
The increase will see:
- A tripling of the number of rebates for September.
- A doubling of rebates between now and the end of 2019.
- Almost 50 per cent increase in the number of rebates in the first half of 2020.
“The change will mean Victorian households don’t have to wait until the start of each month to apply for the popular program and ensure a more consistent supply of work for solar installers,” the Victorian Government said in a statement.
Related article: Qld Govt adding hydrogen cars to fleet
“On top of bringing the rebates forward the industry has agreed to a package of reforms that will boost safety and quality, with more audit staff, stronger fraud prevention and better information-sharing.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said the government was strengthening its landmark program, which has already helped 35,000 households put a power station on their roof.
“We’ve listened to Victorians and to the solar industry about how we can make Solar Homes even better. These measures will mean cheaper bills for more Victorians this year, and provide a shot in the arm for the industry.”
The Clean Energy Council and Smart Energy Council have both welcomed the government’s move to increase rebates available.