People still search for the Victorian rebate by a specific dollar figure, and $1,400 is the number most associated with it. Treat that as a historical reference rather than a promise: the amount, eligibility and conditions can change between program years, so the only safe figure is the one on the Solar Victoria website on the day you apply.
What we know with confidence
The household income cap fell to $150,000 on 1 July 2026. That is the main verified change this year. Beyond that, we do not publish the rebate amount or any other cap, because it is easy to be out of date and the consequences of being wrong are real: a customer might sign a quote that relies on a rebate they cannot receive.
How the rebate fits with the rest of your discount
Your upfront price can include several layers:
| Layer | Who sets it | Income tested? |
|---|---|---|
| STC discount | Federal scheme | No |
| Victorian solar rebate | State program | Yes |
| Battery STC discount | Federal program | No |
The STC discount for a typical 6.6 kW system in zone 3 in 2026 is about 45 certificates, around $1,700 at current market prices, which in many cases is larger than the state rebate.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Do I meet the income test, and how is it checked?
- Is the rebate shown as a separate line on the quote?
- Who applies for it, and what happens if it is not approved?
- If my install date slips, does anything change?
What this means for you
Use the $1,400 figure as a prompt to check, not as a budget item. The bigger sure thing is the federal discount, which we explain in how much the solar panel rebate is and in the STC trading overview. For the certificate terms, see the glossary and what an STC is worth.
If you are comparing two quotes, do the arithmetic on the net price rather than the headline rebate. A system advertised with a larger rebate can still cost more once the equipment, installation and STC discount are included. Ask each installer for the final out-of-pocket price, the equipment list and the warranty terms, and compare those three things side by side.