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 The truth is, there are generous rebates available but there’s also a lot of confusion, half-truths and outdated info floating around.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 how to make the most of them, especially if you’re in the Macedon Ranges, Sunbury, Gisborne or Woodend.
The first mistake people make: Thinking the rebate covers the whole cost
Let’s clear this up straight away—there is no government program that gives you a free solar system. What’s available are partial rebates and a small Solar Vic optional interest-free loan if you want to spread out the cost.
If someone tells you it’s “free,” chances are they’re using the rebate as a hook to sell you a system that might not even suit your home.
So, which rebates are available?
STCs (Small-Scale Technology Certificates)
These are part of a federal program and apply to most solar systems in Australia. The value of the STC rebate depends on:
- The size of your system
- Your postcode
- The date your system is installed
- No application & not means-tested
The earlier & bigger you install, the better. STC values drop every calendar year, and you only get whole certificates, no fractions, so delays can cost you.
Example:
If you live in Gisborne and install a 10kW solar system in 2025, you may be eligible for around 82 STCs.
At a current market rate of $35 per certificate, that’s a rebate worth $2,870 off the system price before applying any Solar Vic rebate or loan.
Solar Victoria Rebate – $1,400
If you meet the criteria, you can claim this rebate to reduce your upfront solar costs:
- Household income under $210,000
- Property valued under $3 million
- You haven’t received the rebate before
Optional Interest-Free Loan – $1,400
This is available to households who qualify for the Solar Vic rebate. It’s paid off over four years with no interest. You can opt in or out, it’s your call.
Just a heads up: the old battery loan from Solar Victoria is no longer running.
Real example: Shelley and Cord from Gisborne
Shelley and Cord installed solar with us in 2018. They accessed both the STCs and the Solar Vic rebate. Since then, they’ve:
- Produced over 34,500 kWh of energy
- Saved close to $3,000 per year
- Gone from paying $398 a quarter to getting a $21 credit
Their only regret? Not doing it sooner.
The 6.6kW trap
A lot of companies will recommend a 6.6kW system. Why? Because it hits the “sweet spot” for STCs and seems like a good deal on paper.
But here’s the thing: if you work from home, have a spa, plan to get an EV or a battery, or just want to future-proof your home, that system probably won’t be big enough.
We’ve had homeowners come to us wondering why their bills haven’t changed much—and it turns out they were sold a system based on rebates, not their real energy needs.
Why some people regret their choice
We’ve spoken to plenty of homeowners in Sunbury, Woodend and Gisborne who:
- Still have high electricity bills
- Didn’t realise their expectations and system weren’t matched
- Had no idea what the difference was between STCs and the Solar Vic rebate
It’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed—especially with all the conflicting advice out there.
How Bluegum does things differently
We don’t push pre-packed systems. Every solar setup we design starts with your actual usage, your roof, and your plans, whether that’s an EV, a battery, or ditching gas completely.
We also handle the rebate paperwork for you and explain it in plain English. You can even come into the office to complete your Solar Vic application with our team’s help. And because we’re based in Sunbury, we’re never far away if you need help later on.
Recap: What you can claim right now
| Rebate | Amount | Notes |
| STCs | Varies | Based on system size, location, and install date |
| Solar Vic Rebate | $1,400 | Income & property limits apply |
| Interest-Free Loan | $1,400 | Optional if you’re eligible for the rebate |
Still got questions?
That’s completely normal—there’s a lot of confusing info out there. If you’re curious about what rebates you could get for your home, we’d love to chat.
No pressure, no sales pitch—just clear, honest advice from someone local who’s been through it too.
Book your free solar rebate consult here or call us on (03) 5426 5522.