By Mitchell Clarke
Booming outer suburbs such as Pakenham, Berwick and Clyde North are proving to be some of the most popular places for solar installations.
New data from the State Government has revealed 46,000 solar installations have been completed since the Solar Homes program launch.
The program reduces energy bills for families most in need of relief, with 69 percent of solar rebates going to households with an income of less than $105,000 and at least 10 percent going to those earning less than $16,000 annually.
But the statistics have shown outer suburbs are embracing the transition to renewable energy with over 40 percent of rebate applications secured by households outside of Melbourne.
Clyde North recorded 1284 complete solar installations from the program while Pakenham and Berwick have 614 and 625 respectively.
With more than 60,000 rebates for solar panels, solar hot water and batteries secured, Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio said the program has been “speedily” converting applications into installations within the month they’re allocated to customers.
“Solar Homes is putting power back in the hands of Victorians, helping to drive down household energy bills, reduce emissions and respond to climate change,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“The latest figures show that Solar Homes has been overwhelmingly popular and Victorians in every part of the state are rushing to be part of the switch to cleaner, cheaper energy.”
This year, the program has seen a 46 percent increase state-wide, with 60,000 households set to receive the panels, an increase of almost 20,000 installations compared to 2018.
The next release of solar panel rebates is on Friday 1 November.
