Solar Victoria Heat Pump Rebate 2026 — New Income Test, Eligibility & How to Claim
Introduction
The Solar Victoria heat pump hot water rebate provides up to $1,000 off an eligible heat pump installation. From 1 July 2026, the income threshold was tightened — eligible households must now have a combined taxable income of $150,000 or less (previously $210,000). Owner-occupier status is still required. The VEU discount and federal STC rebate remain available to households above the income limit.
What Changed on 1 July 2026
The Solar Victoria Hot Water Rebate income test changed on 1 July 2026:
| Before July 1 2026 | From July 1 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum household income | $210,000 combined | $150,000 combined |
| Rebate amount | Up to $1,000 | Up to $1,000 (unchanged) |
| Owner-occupier required | Yes | Yes |
| Renters eligible | No | No |
If your combined household income is between $150,001 and $210,000, you are no longer eligible for the Solar Victoria rebate from July 1 2026 onwards. You can still access:
- The VEU program discount (no income test)
- Federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (no income test)
| System Type | Supply + Install | Annual Running Cost | Rebate Available |
| Electric storage (replacement) | $900–$1,400 | $700–$950/yr | None |
| Gas storage (replacement) | $1,200–$1,800 | $350–$550/yr | None |
| Heat pump (integrated, mid-range) | $2,500–$4,500 | $200–$350/yr | Up to $1,000 (Solar Vic) + VEU discount |
| Heat pump after rebates (est.) | $599–$2,500 | $200–$350/yr | Applied upfront |
Full Eligibility Checklist — 2026
To qualify for the Solar Victoria $1,000 rebate you need to meet ALL of these:
✓ Own and live in the property (owner-occupier — not a rental) ✓ Combined household taxable income of $150,000 or less ✓ Replacing an existing electric or gas hot water system ✓ Installing an approved heat pump model from the Solar Victoria product list ✓ Using a Solar Victoria-registered installer (Evitech qualifies) ✓ Property located in Victoria
What You Still Get If You're Over the Income Threshold
If your household earns over $150,000, you miss the Solar Victoria $1,000 rebate but still qualify for:
VEU discount: Applied upfront on your invoice. No income test. Value varies by postcode and product – typically $300–$800 for a heat pump hot water system.
Federal STC rebate: Approximately $570–$650 in 2026 for a Melbourne installation.
Combined saving for over-threshold households: $870–$1,450 depending on the product and postcode – still a significant reduction from full price.
Stacking Multiple Rebates — Maximising Your Savings
Eligible households (income under $150,000) can stack all three incentives:
- Solar Victoria rebate: up to $1,000
- VEU discount: $300–$800
- Federal STC: $570–$650
Total potential saving: $1,870–$2,450
Evitech applies all applicable rebates at the point of sale. You sign one consent form – we handle all program paperwork.
How Evitech Applies the Rebates
Unlike some providers that ask you to claim rebates yourself after installation, Evitech applies all applicable discounts before you pay. The process:
- Free quote – we confirm your eligibility for all programs
- Invoice shows full price minus all applicable rebates
- You pay the net amount on installation day
- Evitech handles all program compliance documentation
No portal registrations. No waiting for reimbursements. No paperwork from your end.
Check Your Rebate Eligibility - Free
Contact us on 1300 137 974 for same-day availability.