Solar & Battery Rebates in Victoria, Australia Incentives & Costs

Energy Usage

Energy consumption patterns in Victoria reflect the state's temperate climate, with higher heating needs during cold winters and cooling needs during hot summers. The average Victorian household uses between 20-30 kWh per day, with Melbourne properties typically consuming more during winter months for heating. Energy-efficient properties throughout Victoria often use significantly less through modern insulation, efficient heating systems, and double-glazed windows.

Before installing solar, consider reducing your energy consumption through improved insulation and energy-efficient appliances. This is particularly valuable in Victoria, where the Solar Homes Program can provide rebates and interest-free loans, and reducing consumption can lower the required system size and improve returns.

Note: Actual usage varies depending on property size, building efficiency, climate, and appliances.

Solar System Sizing

You'll need around 6.6kW of solar to match your average consumption in Victoria. We recommend sizing between 9.9kW and 13.2kW for optimal results, accounting for daily and seasonal variations. Victoria benefits from good solar potential, with Melbourne averaging around 3.8-4.2 kWh/kW/day annually, though generation is lower during winter months compared to northern states.

A 6.6 kW system in Victoria generates approximately 27.8 kWh daily on average, with seasonal variation from 3.23 kWh/kW/day in June to 4.80 kWh/kW/day in February. Victoria's solar potential, combined with the Solar Homes Program rebates and competitive installation costs, makes solar particularly attractive for homeowners across the state.

With solar-only (no battery), a 6.6 kW system provides approximately 50% self-usage in Victoria, depending on your consumption patterns, drawing 50% from the grid. Adding a 10 kWh battery increases energy independence to approximately 86% annually, reducing grid reliance to 14%. Battery storage is valuable in Victoria, allowing you to store excess summer generation for use during darker winter months and maximising the value of your solar investment.

Feed-in tariffs in Victoria vary by retailer, typically ranging from 5-10 cents per kWh. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (from July 2025) provides around 30% discount on battery installations. Victoria's investment in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) supports renewable energy infrastructure and grid stability. For accurate battery savings and ROI calculations specific to your location and retailer, use the full Photonik design tool.

Understanding Solar & Battery System Costs

A 6.6 kW solar system in Victoria costs approximately $7,661, while adding a 10 kWh battery increases the total to around $12,904. Victoria's Solar Homes Program provides rebates up to $1,400, plus interest-free loans, making solar more affordable. Renters and landlords also have dedicated rebate pathways. Solar-only systems typically pay for themselves in around 5.2 years in Victoria, whilst adding battery storage usually extends payback but significantly improves energy independence. The combination of federal STC rebates (25-30% reduction) and state Solar Homes Program rebates makes solar particularly affordable, with many systems achieving payback in under 5 years.

The cost breakdown shows estimates for equipment costs, installation labour, and GST. Adjust system size and battery storage to see how it affects total investment and payback periods. Victoria has excellent installer coverage, with Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited installers operating throughout Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, and regional areas, providing competitive pricing and quality installations.