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small business Grants and awards | September 03, 2019

Small step in right direction for solar rebate debacle

Calls by the solar industry and Liberal Nationals for changes to Labor’s solar panel rebate program have finally been heard, with Solar Victoria recently announcing an increase in total rebates for the financial year and their release twice a month.

Retailers and installers are also now able to upload quotes at any time, regardless of whether the rebate allocation has been exhausted or not.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said while the changes were a small step in the right direction for the industry, the pressure was still on customers to make their online application.

But in yet another spectacular failure by Labor, Solar Victoria’s website crashed on 2 September, the first day it was reopened to new rebate applications.

“September was supposed to be the start of the solar industry getting back on its feet but instead we see another massive fail under Daniel Andrews,” Ms Kealy said.

“One business has told me that customers will still need to be extremely tech-savvy to get through the application process.

“Applicants need a mobile phone model less than a year old, to understand every nook and cranny in the settings and to be amateur selfie photographers.

“They also need a strong and stable internet connection, own a scanner/printer and be able to decrease the size of an attachment to below 5MB.

“And there is a whole other process if you don’t have a ‘valid’ rates notice.

“As we know the Solar Homes program has led to job losses, closed businesses and a reduction in the number of solar panels installed.

“While it’s too little too late for those businesses who have lost everything, let’s hope Labor can finally get their act into gear and get the solar industry back on its feet.”

Ms Kealy said customers who were unsure of the rebate application process could contact Solar Victoria on 1300 376 393 for advice. There is also an option to complete a manual application.