Victoria has one of Australia’s most developed solar incentive landscapes, anchored by the Solar Homes Program — one of the most substantial state solar subsidy programmes nationally. Combined with a government-set minimum feed-in tariff and five distribution businesses with a consistent 5 kW export limit, Victoria provides a relatively predictable compliance environment for solar installers.
Solar Homes Program
The Solar Homes Program is administered by Solar Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government. As of 2026, the programme components include:
Solar PV Loan: Interest-free loans for eligible homeowners installing solar PV systems. The loan amount covers part of the system cost and is repaid through reduced electricity bills. Eligibility criteria:
- Homeowner (renters are not eligible for the solar PV loan)
- Annual household income below the cap (check current threshold at solar.vic.gov.au)
- Property value below the cap
- No prior Solar Homes Program solar PV claim on the property
Battery Storage Loan: Interest-free loans for battery storage systems (standalone or co-installed with solar). Available for homeowners who already have solar.
Solar Hot Water Rebate: For solar hot water system installation (not PV solar — separate product).
Eligibility varies: The Solar Homes Program has had periods of high demand where waitlists or funding pauses occurred. Check current availability through the Solar Victoria portal before quoting customers on the programme.
Rental Programme: Victoria has explored solar for rental properties through a separate programme (Solar for Rental). Check Solar Victoria for current availability.
Five Victorian DNSPs
| DNSP | Territory | Export Limit | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jemena | NW Melbourne (Essendon, Coburg, Sunbury, Gisborne) | 5 kW | jemena.com.au |
| AusNet | East Melbourne (Ringwood, Lilydale) + Gippsland | 5 kW | ausnetservices.com.au |
| CitiPower | Inner Melbourne (CBD, South Yarra, Kew, Hawthorn) | 5 kW | citipower.com.au |
| Powercor | West Melbourne suburbs + western/central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong) | 5 kW | powercor.com.au |
| United Energy | Southeast Melbourne (Moorabbin, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula) | 5 kW | unitedenergy.com.au |
The consistent 5 kW single-phase export limit across all five Victorian DNSPs simplifies system design for Victorian installations — unlike SA or regional QLD where limits vary by feeder. For systems above 5 kW, export limiting must be configured in the inverter regardless of which Victorian DNSP serves the address.
Minimum Feed-in Tariff
Victoria is one of the few Australian states with a government-set minimum feed-in tariff. The Essential Services Commission (ESC) determines the minimum annually, based on the wholesale market value of exported solar electricity.
Practical value: The government-set minimum provides a floor — no Victorian retailer can pay less than the minimum for solar export. Premium offers above the minimum exist through competitive retailer products.
Time-varying tariffs: Some Victorian retailers offer time-varying feed-in tariffs — paying higher rates for export during peak demand periods. For customers with batteries (which can discharge at optimal times), time-varying feed-in tariffs can improve the battery’s financial return.
Smart Meters in Victoria
Victoria completed its smart meter rollout earlier than other states — most Victorian properties have had smart meters since around 2013. This is significant for solar installations:
- Bi-directional metering: Most Victorian smart meters already record export as well as import — the bi-directional meter upgrade that NSW and QLD customers often require may already be in place
- 30-minute interval data: All Victorian smart meters record 30-minute interval consumption and export data
- Retailer switching: Victoria’s smart meter data is used by retailers for tariff design — time-of-use tariffs and time-varying feed-in tariffs are more developed in Victoria than in states with less comprehensive smart meter coverage
For installers: confirm with the customer and their retailer that the existing meter is correctly configured for solar (bi-directional recording). In rare cases, an older meter may need configuration or replacement.
VEU (Victorian Energy Upgrades)
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme provides incentives for energy efficiency and some renewable energy upgrades. VEU is separate from the Solar Homes Program:
- Not primarily a solar PV scheme — covers heat pumps, LED lighting, insulation, and some battery upgrades
- Solar hot water systems may qualify for VEU certificates in addition to the Solar Homes rebate
- Batteries may qualify for VEU support under specific circumstances — check the current VEU product register
DER Register
AEMO’s DER (Distributed Energy Resources) Register is recording distributed energy resources including rooftop solar. Victorian installations are subject to DER Register requirements as they are rolled out — check AEMO’s current requirements for the applicable thresholds.
Pro Tip: Register Customers for Solar Homes Program Before the Sale
The Solar Homes Program registration must occur before the sale agreement is signed — customers who sign contracts before registering are typically ineligible. When working with Victorian residential customers who may be eligible, check fund availability and walk them through the Solar Victoria registration process before issuing a proposal. Installers who understand the Solar Homes Program process convert more Victorian residential customers than those who treat it as an afterthought.
Design Victorian Solar Projects with Solar Homes Program Financial Modelling
SurgePV generates connection documentation for all five Victorian DNSPs and includes Solar Homes Program loan amounts in the financial model — showing customers their net cost after the interest-free loan alongside payback and 25-year savings.
Book a DemoNo commitment required · 20 minutes · Live project walkthrough
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Solar Homes Program?
Victorian Government interest-free loans for solar PV, battery storage, and hot water — administered by Solar Victoria. Eligibility includes income and property value thresholds. Check solar.vic.gov.au for current availability.
What is the minimum feed-in tariff in Victoria?
Set annually by the Essential Services Commission — reflects wholesale market value. Check the current ESC determination. Some retailers pay above the minimum.
Which DNSP serves my address?
Five DNSPs serve Victoria: Jemena (NW Melbourne), AusNet (east Melbourne, Gippsland), CitiPower (inner Melbourne), Powercor (west VIC), United Energy (southeast Melbourne). Check your electricity bill.
What is the export limit?
5 kW single-phase across all five Victorian DNSPs.
Do most Victorian properties already have smart meters?
Yes — Victoria completed statewide smart meter rollout around 2013. Most properties already have bi-directional smart meters, simplifying solar metering setup compared to NSW or QLD.
