Installing solar PV offers numerous advantages for Victorian homeowners. Primarily, it leads to significant reductions in electricity bills. By generating their own clean energy, households can decrease their reliance on the electricity grid, resulting in substantial savings, potentially exceeding $1,000 per year for a typical system. Beyond financial benefits, solar PV systems contribute to a reduced carbon footprint, aligning with Victoria’s commitment to a cleaner environment. Furthermore, homes equipped with solar panels often experience an increase in their property value, making it a sound long-term investment. Solar energy also offers a degree of energy independence, protecting homeowners from volatile energy prices and grid instability.

Solar panels utilize photovoltaic (PV) cells, typically made of silicon, to convert sunlight directly into electricity. When sunlight strikes these cells, it excites electrons, creating an electrical current. This direct current (DC) electricity is then passed through an inverter, which converts it into alternating current (AC) electricity, the standard form of electricity used in homes to power appliances and devices.

Unless a home is completely off-grid with a comprehensive battery storage system, it is likely that homeowners will still receive electricity bills. Even with solar PV, most homes remain connected to the grid to draw power when solar generation is insufficient, particularly at night or during periods of low sunlight. However, the amount of these bills will be significantly reduced due to the self-generated solar energy offsetting grid consumption. In many cases, the bill might only include a service fee for maintaining the grid connection.

Yes, solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days. While direct sunlight yields the highest energy output, PV cells can also capture diffused and reflected sunlight that penetrates through the clouds. However, the efficiency of solar panels is reduced on cloudy days, typically producing between 10% and 25% of their standard output on heavily overcast days. Given Melbourne’s variable weather, it’s important to note that solar systems are often designed with this in mind, and advancements in panel technology allow for better performance in low-light conditions.

Solar panels generally require minimal maintenance. Rain can often help to naturally clean the panels by washing away dust and debris. However, in areas with high levels of dust, pollen, or bird droppings, occasional manual cleaning may be necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Connecting a residential solar PV system to the electricity grid in Victoria involves several steps. Increasingly, distributors require systems to be pre-approved before installation commences, so it’s important to check with your local Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP). After the system is installed by a CEC-accredited professional, they will typically lodge a grid-connection application and a Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES).58 The retailer will then arrange for the installation or reconfiguration of the electricity meter to allow for the export of excess solar energy back to the grid. This process can take anywhere between 6 and 8 working weeks.

From October 1, 2024, all new, upgrading, and replacement rooftop solar systems less than or equal to 200 kW in Victoria must be emergency backstop-enabled. This means the system must have a compatible inverter capable of being remotely managed for export and generation, along with a reliable internet connection (unless an exception applies).52 This mechanism allows distribution businesses to remotely turn down or switch off solar exports in rare emergency situations to ensure grid stability and avoid blackouts.

Eligible Victorian homeowners can receive a rebate of up to $1,400 towards the installation of a solar panel (PV) system. To be eligible, applicants generally need to be owner-occupiers of a property valued under $3 million with a combined household taxable income of less than $210,000 per year, and they must not have previously received a solar panel rebate under this program. An interest-free loan of up to $1,400, equivalent to the rebate amount, is also available to further reduce upfront costs. The application process typically involves obtaining a quote from an authorized solar retailer who will initiate the process through the Solar Victoria portal, followed by the applicant uploading necessary documentation to confirm their eligibility.