MORE residents in Melbourne’s north are now able to apply for a solar Victoria battery rebate, as part of a state-wide expansion of 80 extra postcodes.
Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green joined Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio in Mernda on Friday to announce the expansion.
Households in eligible postcodes can now apply for one of 400 solar battery rebates, valued $4838, available as part of the current round, with another 400 becoming available in March 2020.
Eligible postcodes include Mernda and Doreen, Beveridge, South Morang, Yan Yean, Wallan and Whittlesea.
“There are so many solar homes across Mernda and Doreen, it’ll give families the option to add a battery for battery storage which could make some of these homes completely self-sufficient,” Ms Green said.
The expansion will provide battery rebates to Victorians living in a total of 59 regional and 45 Melbourne postcodes.
In Melbourne, new areas open to the solar battery program include the western and northern suburbs, the outer-east and the south-eastern growth corridor.
“This about giving families what they need and want, more affordable power and to be able to control their power costs,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
The battery rebate is part of the State Government’s 10-year Solar Homes program, which has already provided more than 45,000 rooftop solar panel systems to homes across Victoria.
Over the life of the Solar Homes program, 10,000 solar storage batteries will be installed.
Householders seeking to apply for a rebate must, have an existing solar PV system equal or larger than 5kW, have a household income less than $180,000 and have not taken part in the Solar Homes program to date, along with other eligibility criteria.
They must also work with a retailer to obtain approval for a battery from their distribution network service provider before applying for a rebate.
The expansion of the battery program has been determined in consultation with network providers, as part of the government’s efforts to modernise Victoria’s electricity grid.
Full details of program requirements can be found at solar.vic.gov.au/solar-battery-rebate.
