Solar Energy in Victoria: A Complete Guide to Solar Panels, Batteries & Energy Savings
Discover how solar power, battery storage and smarter energy solutions can help Victorian homes and businesses make better use of renewable energy and take greater control of their electricity consumption.
Explore SOM’S EnergySolar Energy in Victoria
Victoria is continuing to see strong interest in renewable energy, rooftop solar and household electrification. For homeowners and businesses looking for ways to generate their own electricity, solar power can provide an opportunity to use clean energy generated directly from their property.
A properly designed solar system can generate electricity during daylight hours, helping a property use more of its own renewable energy and potentially reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid.
When solar panels are combined with battery storage, energy-efficient appliances and smarter electricity usage, households can build a more flexible energy system around their individual requirements.
Why Choose Solar Energy?
Renewable Energy
Generate electricity from sunlight and make greater use of renewable energy at your property.
Battery Storage
Store suitable surplus solar generation and potentially use stored electricity later.
Energy Management
Better understand your energy consumption and plan your electricity use around your solar generation.
Why Solar Energy Is Becoming Important in Victoria
Electricity consumption is an important part of household and business operating costs. Solar power gives property owners another way to generate electricity rather than purchasing all of their electricity from the grid.
Victoria has experienced significant growth in rooftop solar, with many households adopting solar PV systems as part of their energy strategy.
The suitability of solar is different for every property. Roof orientation, shading, available roof space, electricity consumption and future energy requirements should all be considered when designing a system.
How Does Solar Energy Work?
Sunlight
Solar panels receive sunlight throughout the day.
Generation
Solar panels convert sunlight into DC electricity.
Conversion
An inverter converts electricity into a form suitable for property use.
Energy Use
Generated electricity can be used by appliances and other electrical loads.
Solar Panels for Victorian Homes
Rooftop solar is one of the most visible forms of renewable energy across Australian residential areas. Solar panels installed on a suitable roof can generate electricity during daylight hours.
The amount of electricity generated depends on several factors, including system size, sunlight availability, weather, shading, panel orientation, panel angle and equipment performance.
Factors That Affect Solar Generation
- Roof orientation
- Roof angle
- Available roof space
- Shading from trees or buildings
- Weather conditions
- Solar panel capacity
- Inverter performance
- Household electricity consumption
Should You Add a Solar Battery?
Solar panels generally generate the most electricity during daylight hours, while many households also consume electricity during the evening and overnight.
A battery can store some suitable surplus solar generation and make that energy available later, depending on the system configuration and operating conditions.
Daytime
Solar panels generate electricity while sunlight is available.
Storage
Suitable surplus solar electricity can be stored in a compatible battery.
Evening
Stored electricity can potentially be used when solar generation is lower.
Victorian Solar Rebates and Incentives
The Victorian Government's Solar Homes Program provides eligible Victorian households with support for solar PV systems, including a solar panel rebate and the option of an interest-free loan.
Solar Panel Rebate
Eligible Victorian households can currently receive a solar panel rebate of up to $1,400, subject to the program's eligibility requirements.
Current eligibility requirements include a combined household taxable income below $150,000 per year, subject to the program rules. Other requirements can apply, including property value and previous rebate or solar installation conditions.
Because government programs and eligibility requirements can change, customers should always check the current Solar Victoria requirements before making a purchase decision.
What Are Small-scale Technology Certificates?
Small-scale Technology Certificates, commonly known as STCs, are part of Australia's Renewable Energy Target framework.
Eligible small-scale renewable energy systems can generate STCs based on the applicable rules. For many residential solar installations, the value of STCs is incorporated into the quoted system price by the installer or retailer.
The number and value of STCs can vary depending on factors such as system capacity, location, installation date and applicable regulations.
What Should You Consider Before Installing Solar?
Your Property
Consider roof size, orientation, shading, roof condition and available installation space.
Energy Consumption
Review your electricity bills and identify when your property uses the most electricity.
Battery Storage
Consider whether storing surplus solar generation could suit your energy usage profile.
Future Energy Needs
EV charging, electric hot water, heating and other future electricity loads can affect system requirements.
Upfront Cost
Compare the complete system cost, available incentives, expected usage and long-term requirements.
Installer & Products
Check installer credentials, product eligibility, warranties and applicable consumer protections.
Solar Energy for Victorian Businesses
Solar energy can also be considered by Victorian businesses looking to improve the way they manage electricity consumption.
Commercial properties may have substantial electricity usage during daylight hours, which can align with periods when rooftop solar is generating electricity.
- Generate renewable electricity on-site.
- Make better use of available commercial roof space.
- Reduce reliance on grid electricity during suitable solar generation periods.
- Support sustainability and energy-management objectives.
- Explore battery storage where appropriate.
Solar Energy and the Future of Australian Homes
Australia's energy landscape is changing as more households adopt rooftop solar, batteries, electric vehicles and other electricity-based technologies.
For many homeowners, solar is no longer only about installing panels. It can form part of a broader home energy strategy that includes energy efficiency, battery storage, smart appliances and future electrification.
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Smarter Energy Solutions for Victorian Homes
Every property has different energy requirements. The right solar solution should be based on your electricity consumption, property characteristics and future energy goals.
SOM’S Energy helps customers explore solar and energy solutions designed around their individual requirements.
Visit SOM’S EnergyThe Solar Installation Process
- Energy Assessment: Review your electricity consumption, property characteristics and energy goals.
- System Design: Develop a solar system based on your property's requirements and available installation options.
- Quote and Incentives: Review system costs, applicable incentives, STCs and available financing options where relevant.
- Installation: The solar system is installed by appropriately authorised and qualified professionals.
- Commissioning: Once the system is commissioned and connected as required, your property can begin generating solar electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is solar energy suitable for Victorian homes?
Solar can be suitable for many Victorian properties, but suitability depends on factors such as roof space, shading, electricity consumption, system design and installation conditions.
How much is the Victorian solar rebate?
Eligible households can currently receive a solar PV rebate of up to $1,400, subject to Solar Victoria's eligibility requirements and available program settings.
Do solar panels work during winter?
Yes. Solar panels can generate electricity during winter when sunlight is available. Generation can vary depending on daylight hours, weather, shading, orientation and other conditions.
Do I need a battery with solar panels?
No. A battery is not required for every solar installation. Its suitability depends on your energy consumption, solar generation, tariffs, budget and energy goals.
Can businesses install solar in Victoria?
Yes. Victorian businesses can explore commercial solar solutions based on their electricity consumption, property characteristics, network requirements and applicable programs.
How do I choose the right solar system?
Start by reviewing your electricity usage, roof space, solar exposure, future electricity requirements and budget. A professional assessment can then help determine an appropriate system design.
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