The cap on household income for the Solar Victoria rebate dropped to $150,000 on 1 July 2026. In practical terms, fewer Victorian households qualify than before, and anyone planning an installation should check their eligibility before signing a quote.
What the cap means
The rebate is a Victorian Government incentive, separate from the federal scheme. It is means tested, which is why the household income limit matters. If your combined household income is above the cap, you will not receive the Victorian rebate. If it is at or below, you can apply, subject to the other eligibility rules that Solar Victoria sets, such as property and installation requirements. Check the Solar Victoria website for the full current list, because rules and amounts can be revised.
What you still get
Even if you miss out on the Victorian rebate, you can still receive the federal small-scale technology certificate discount. STCs are not income tested, and the discount is usually built into the quote, so your upfront price is lower. On a 6.6 kW system in zone 3 in 2026 that is roughly 45 certificates, worth about $1,700 at the market price around $38 at the time of writing. See how much is the solar panel rebate.
Before you sign
- Confirm your household income against the current cap.
- Check that the quote clearly separates the STC discount from any Victorian rebate.
- Make sure the installer is accredited and the panels and inverter are approved.
- Ask who applies for the rebate, and when it is reflected in your price.
What this means for you
If you are above the cap, the number to focus on is the federal discount, plus any ongoing savings from your bill. If you are installing an air conditioner or other upgrades, a separate Victorian scheme may help; see VEU air conditioning rebates. For how certificates fit together, read the STC trading overview, the certificate glossary and what an STC is worth in 2026.