Thursday, 8 November 2018

A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will include even more Victorians in its half-price solar panels rollout, expanding the solar panels rebate to renters, saving these families hundreds of dollars every year.

This win for renters builds on the Labor Government’s work to cut power bills for Victorians, including installing solar panels, batteries or hot water systems on 720,000 owner-occupied homes across the state through our landmark Solar Homes program – driving down energy prices and greenhouse gas emissions.

The policy, announced in August, has already received almost 11,000 applications from Victorian homeowners across state.

Now, we’ll expand the rollout even further, with Labor investing $82 million over 10 years to provide an additional 50,000 rebates on solar panels for Victorian renters. To be eligible for Labor’s rebate and interest free loans, landlords will need to strike an agreement with their tenants to share the costs of installation.

Renters will make a 25 per cent contribution toward the cost of installation through a small levy on rent spread over four years, with a re-elected Labor Government and the landlord to cover the rest.

For a $4,000 panel, for example, Labor will cover half, the landlord will invest $1,000 over time, and renters will pay a monthly levy totalling $250 per year for four years. The installation of solar panels will save renters up to $890 on their power bills every year, while landlords will benefit by getting panels at low cost.

Owners corporations will also be eligible. In order to receive the 50 per cent rebate and no-interest loan, they will need to demonstrate that the benefits of installing solar panels will be passed on to tenants.

Today’s announcement comes on top of Labor’s changes to make renting fairer, including limiting rent increases to once a year, allowing tenants to make small modifications like hanging a picture, and giving renters the right to own a pet.

The Liberals privatised Victoria’s power industry, promising competition would lead to cheaper electricity prices, but the only winners are the big energy companies making big profits while Victorians pay higher prices.

Only Labor is delivering reforms to strengthen renters’ rights, and helping them save hundreds of dollars on their electricity bills through our Solar Panels program.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“Labor will give renters the right to have a pet in their home, a picture on their wall and solar panels on their roof.”

“We’re putting the power back in the hands of Victorian families and helping them save hundreds of dollars on their electricity bills each year – and we’re now ensuring those who rent reap the same rewards.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Only Labor is creating new jobs and investment for the future, and driving down power prices for Victorian families and businesses.”

“This is in stark contrast to the Liberals who privatised our electricity companies and always support big corporations.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“Unlike the Coalition, we are determined to provide more Victorians with access to the savings and benefits of renewable energy, and to make sure that solar power is available to more households across the state.”