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 or more across battery, hot water, and heating upgrades—no income testing required.
Let’s break down which rebates are means-tested, which ones aren’t, and how you can take advantage of the support available to help future-proof your home.
✅ Rebates you can claim regardless of income
These rebates are not means-tested and are open to everyone, hom, business or even community group:
🔋 Battery storage – Cheaper Home Battery Program
- Rebate calculated via STCs based on battery size
- Clients are currently receiving $3,000–$15,000+ off large battery installs
- No income cap
- Claim once per property
- STC value decreases every year
💧 Heat pump hot water – STCs + VEECs
- STCs ($700 as of June 2025) and VEECs ($300–$500) apply regardless of income
- Can be stacked with the means-tested Solar Vic rebate (if eligible)
❄️ Heating and cooling – VEECs
- Replacing gas ducted heating with electric qualifies
- VEECs are typically worth $3500 – $5,000, applied upfront
- No income testing
⚠️ The only commonly used means-tested rebate
☀️ Solar Victoria Rebate (solar panel or hot water)
- $1,400 for solar systems or heat pump hot water
- Household income must be below $210,000
- Property value under $3 million
- One per property
This is the one that most people know about, and it’s also the one many high-income homeowners incorrectly assume applies across the board. In reality, it’s just one small part of a much bigger support system. The real money is in the certificate rebates like STC’s and VEEC’s.
What this means for you
If you’re upgrading to solar, adding a battery, replacing hot water or getting off gas, you’re eligible for thousands in rebates—even if you don’t qualify for the Solar Victoria amount.
We’ve worked with dozens of clients who thought they weren’t eligible for any support, only to discover they could access:
- $10,000+ in Solar & Battery support
- $3,000+ in hot water and heating rebates
- And stack those with solar system STCs to reduce upfront costs even further
Example: Steve in Woodend
Steve and Sally built their dream home ten years ago, complete with ducted gas heating and a gas storage hot water unit. They assumed that because they “earn too much,” they weren’t eligible and they almost didn’t bother
But after chatting with us, they learned they could:
- Access over $10,000 in solar and battery rebates through the Cheaper Home Battery Program
- Replace their old hot water system and claim $1,200 in combined STCs and VEECs
- Remove their gas ducted system and claim a VEEC rebate on a ducted electric upgrade, claiming over $4,000.
That’s over $15,000 of support, without a single application and not means tested….
Do I have your attention yet?…
They’ve since cut their bills, eliminated gas, and built a home energy setup that’s smart, comfortable and independent, all without sacrificing quality or chasing gimmicks.
The Bottom Line?
If you’re earning well and planning high-quality upgrades, there’s no need to miss out.
Most of the meaningful rebates available are based on what you install, not what you earn.
And in most cases, the earlier you act, the more you save. Rebates like STCs and VEECs decrease every year, and system design matters if you want to claim them properly.
Want Help Sorting Through It?
You don’t need to fill out ten forms or sit on hold to find out what you’re eligible for. That’s what we’re here for.
Book your free rebate consult here
We’ll walk you through your options, design a system that actually suits your home, and show you where the real value is—not just the headlines.