August 23rd, 2024Local families slashing millions off energy bills with solar
Thousands of families have managed to slash an annual $279 million off their energy bills with more than five million individual solar panels installed on rooftops, and help from the state’s Solar Homes program.
As of this month, Solar Homes has delivered 2 gigawatts of power across Victoria – close to double the amount generated by Yallourn and nearly as much as Loy Yang A.
The program represents 13 per cent of the total renewable capacity installed in the state, with its solar panels having cumulatively generated 6.5 gigawatt hours of power – enough cheap renewable energy to power every fridge in Victoria for almost two years.
The program has seen 350,000 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed through rebates and interest-free loans.
The electorate of Macedon represents over 4480 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systems installed since the program began in 2018.
The last 12 months have been Solar Homes’ biggest, with 7,873 approved applications last month – including 4,435 rooftop solar approvals and 3,125 solar hot water approvals.
Eligible households can access a $1,400 rebate to install solar panels, a further $1,400 interest free loan and a further rebate of up to $1,000 to replace their hot water system – cutting $3,800 from upfront installation costs.
Customers who maximise their solar can save around $1,000 each year on their energy bill. Combined with hot water, heat pump savings can be up to $1,400 a year or at least $1,600 with a battery.
Victorians are taking control of their energy bills with solar now installed on 30 per cent of Victorian homes – a significant increased from 14 per cent when the Solar Homes program started six years ago.
Since then, the program has also supported 5,500 jobs and delivered free training for plumbers and electricians to upskill, says Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas: “Macedon is leading the charge to take up solar energy, cutting emissions while saving households thousands”
