If you’re planning to install solar panels, a solar battery, or an energy-efficient heat pump system in Victoria, you’ve likely come across three major rebate programs:

• STC (Small-scale Technology Certificates)
• VEU (Victorian Energy Upgrades Program)
• Solar Victoria Rebates (Solar Homes Program)

Many homeowners assume these are the same or overlap—but they are completely different schemes, run by different authorities, with different eligibility rules.

Here’s a simple, clear breakdown of how each rebate works and which suburbs in Victoria are covered.

1. STC Rebate (Small-Scale Technology Certificates)

National Federal Scheme – Available Australia-Wide

✔ What it is

STCs are part of the national Renewable Energy Target. When you install an eligible solar system, heat pump hot water system, or energy-efficient technology, you earn STCs. These reduce the upfront cost.

You don’t claim them yourself—your installer usually applies them as a discount on the quote.

✔ What systems qualify

• Solar panel systems (up to 100kW)
• Solar hot water systems
• Heat pump hot water units
• Some small renewable systems

✔ Eligibility requirements

• Must use CEC-approved solar panels and inverters
• Must be installed by a CEC-accredited solar installer
• Property can be new or old; no age limit
• No income test or postcode restrictions

✔ Suburbs covered

Every suburb in Victoria is eligible for STCs.
This includes all metro and regional areas such as:
Melbourne CBD, Dandenong, Cranbourne, Werribee, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon, Shepparton, Mildura, Warrnambool, and more.

There are no exclusions.

2. VEU Rebates (Victorian Energy Upgrades Program)

State Government Program – Victoria Only

✔ What it is

The VEU program provides rebates (called VEECs) for replacing old, inefficient systems with approved energy-efficient technology.

✔ What systems qualify under VEU

• Reverse cycle air conditioners
• Heat pump hot water systems
• Efficient lighting (business)
• Weather sealing and draft-proofing
• Some electric appliances replacing gas

✔ Eligibility requirements

• Must replace an existing system (e.g., gas storage hot water → heat pump)
• Must use a VEU-approved product
• Must use an accredited VEU provider
• Property must be in Victoria

✔ Suburbs covered

The VEU program covers all Victorian postcodes, including:

Greater Melbourne:
Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Carlton, Brunswick, Preston, Doncaster, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Clayton, Dandenong, Narre Warren, Berwick, Frankston, Mornington, Werribee, Tarneit, Point Cook.

Regional Victoria:
Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Traralgon, Sale, Warragul, Mildura, Horsham, Warrnambool, Bairnsdale.

❌ Suburbs NOT covered

Any property outside Victoria, including border towns on the NSW/SA side, is not eligible.

Otherwise, all Victorian suburbs qualify.

3. Solar Victoria Rebates (Solar Homes Program)

State Government Rebate for Homeowners & Renters

This program offers rebates for:

• Solar panel systems
• Solar batteries
• Solar for rental properties
• Solar for community housing
• Solar for business (Solar for Business Program)

✔ Eligibility requirements

• Must be a Victorian homeowner, landlord, or tenant
• Income cap: household taxable income under $210,000
• Property value must be under $3 million
• No prior Solar Victoria rebate claimed on the same property (except battery may be separate)
• Solar system must be installed by a Solar Victoria-approved installer

✔ Suburbs covered

Solar Victoria rebates are available in all suburbs and postcodes of Victoria.

Examples include:
Melbourne, St Kilda, Essendon, Footscray, Sunshine, Cranbourne, Clyde North, Pakenham, Lilydale, Ringwood, Altona, Hoppers Crossing, Epping, Mernda, Sunbury, Melton, Torquay, Ocean Grove.

❌ Suburbs NOT covered

Any suburb outside Victoria is excluded.

Key Differences Explained Simply

Can You Claim All Three?

In many cases, yes, a homeowner can receive:

• STC + Solar Victoria rebate for a solar panel system
• STC + VEU rebate for a heat pump system

However, you cannot claim two rebates within the same scheme (e.g., two Solar Victoria solar rebates on one property).

How Greentastic Helps Homeowners Across Victoria

Greentastic assists homeowners by:

• Assessing property eligibility for each rebate
• Confirming whether the home qualifies for VEU upgrades
• Providing CEC-approved solar systems eligible for STCs and Solar Victoria
• Ensuring all installations meet compliance and documentation requirements

Whether you’re in metro Melbourne or regional Victoria, Greentastic ensures you maximise your available rebates safely and correctly.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between STC, VEU, and Solar Victoria rebates can significantly reduce the cost of going solar or switching to energy-efficient systems.

For any property across Victoria—whether in Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, or any regional town—Greentastic can help you access the right rebate and complete a compliant installation.