Solar

Brick house with grey roof and solar panels that qualifies for rebates

How one home claimed over $20,000 in rebates

The biggest mistake people make? Looking at each upgrade in isolation We often meet clients who do their upgrades bit by bit, starting with solar, then years later looking at hot water, maybe heating down the track. And while that’s completely understandable, it can mean missing out on thousands in rebates, simply because the planning wasn’t done early enough. This made-up example shows what’s possible when you approach it strategically from day one. Meet Alex

Two bluegum solar qualified installers applying panels to a roof that will earn STCs

What are STCs? Why they still matter in 2025

You’ve probably heard the term, but what actually is an STC? STC stands for Small-scale Technology Certificate. It’s part of a national rebate scheme designed to help homeowners transition to renewable energy by reducing the upfront cost of eligible systems. And while it’s not a flashy “government grant” kind of rebate, STCs are often the largest financial incentive in any solar, battery, or hot water quote, even in 2025. They’re applied as a discount, so

Solar panels that qualify for the Solar Victoria rebate on a blue-grey roof with a rainbow in the background

The truth about the Solar Victoria rebate: What is still available and what isn’t

Have you heard something about “the $1,400 solar rebate”? Here’s the real story If you’ve been looking into solar lately, chances are you’ve seen headlines or ads shouting about the Solar Victoria rebate. And while there’s still great value in this program, the details have changed and it’s easy to get confused about what’s still available, what’s not and how it all fits in with the other rebates we’ve been talking about. Let’s break it

CEO Chantel Gilbert opening a large wooden door ready to talk about solar rebates

Solar rebates explained by an honest local

Want solar, but not the sales pitch? If you’ve been looking into solar rebates lately, you’ve probably seen all sorts of ads shouting about “free solar” or rebates that sound too good to be true. The truth is, there are generous rebates available but there’s also a lot of confusion, half-truths and outdated info floating around. This guide explains exactly what rebates are available for solar in Victoria right now (mid-2025), how they work, and

High-income? You’re still eligible for most rebates – Here’s what you need to know

We hear it all the time: “We’re not eligible for any rebates.” If you’re in a strong financial position, senior in your field, earning well, and investing in your home long-term, it’s easy to assume that government rebates aren’t for you. But here’s the truth: most of the major energy rebates are still available to you, even if you’re a high-income household. And we’re not talking about pennies. We’ve helped clients claim $10,000 to $15,000

10 Smart Ways to Use Your Solar to Get a Zero Electricity Bill

Thinking about adding a solar battery to your home? Discover how a solar battery installation in the Macedon Ranges can maximise your energy savings, boost your home’s efficiency, and provide reliable backup power. A few years ago, getting a zero electricity bill with solar was much easier. High feed-in tariffs meant you could export excess power to the grid and get credited generously for it. But as feed-in tariffs have dropped, it’s become harder to

Drone photo of house with tin roof and solar system on top

Why You Should Upgrade Your Solar System Before the Premium Feed-In Tariff Ends

The End of an Era: As November 2024 approaches, the end of the premium solar feed-in tariff for Victorian homeowners, including those in Gisborne and the Macedon Ranges, will also be announced. If you’ve been benefiting from this high-rate program, it’s time to face a new energy reality. Electricity prices have skyrocketed over the last three years, and as the premium feed-in tariff is phased out, many are set to experience significant bill shock. But there’s

Transforming Catherine’s Home: A Community Effort to Slash Energy Bills

Bluegum transformed Catherine’s home in Gisborne, reducing her energy bills by 75% with a heat pump and showcasing how sustainable solutions can save money and enhance comfort. At Bluegum, we believe in making a difference—not just through the services we provide but by actively contributing to our community. On July 24, 2024, we embarked on a special project that highlights the heart of our company’s mission: bringing sustainable, all-electric solutions to local families who need

Photos of renovate or rebuild show on TV

Our All-Electric Dream Home: Featured on Channel 9 ‘Renovate or Rebuild’

In a recent episode of Channel 9 ‘Renovate or Rebuild’ (Episode 5), our Gisborne home was showcased as a perfect example of an all-electric, energy-efficient dream home. The feature, done in partnership with Fronius Australia, highlighted our cutting-edge home energy system, which exemplifies the high-quality, holistic solutions we offer at Bluegum for Families in the Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges. Our home’s energy system includes 35kW of REC Solar Panels, two Fronius Gen24 Symo 10kW

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