Today over 9142 homes in Merri-bek have rooftop solar, but when the Millsom family installed solar on their Coburg home in 2019, they were one of the first solar homes in their neighbourhood.
They were also one of the first Victorians to get a solar rebate from the Victorian Government to help them invest in the clean energy technology.
More than cost savings
Three years down the track the 12 solar panels the family installed continue to provide value.
“I’ve become a lot more aware of how we use energy by having solar panels,” says Rachael.
By using an app on her phone, she can see the daily energy use and production from their solar panels to help them understand which appliances or activities are energy-hungry.
“We used to spend about $4 a day on energy, and now we spend $2 per day,” she says. “This is great news as energy prices increase”.
Support for installing solar
Solar Victoria continues to offer solar panel rebates for up to $1,400 plus the option of an interest-free loan. New and existing solar panel customers can also apply for a solar hot water rebate. For renters, rebates are also available
A limited number of $3000 subsidies from Merri-bek are also available to low-income households. Find out more.
Next steps
Since the Millsom family have installed solar they have also replaced their gas hot water with a heat pump that heats their water during the day when the panels are working to make use of the solar energy made throughout the day.
“Having solar is definitely about saving money but it’s also a vote for green energy, renewables, and it supports jobs of the future,” she adds.
“It’s also nice as a consumer to know that we have some power by choosing how we provide our own electricity”.
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The Millsom family were featured on Solar Victoria
