Solar Savers
Interested in solar but don't know where to start, or who to trust?
We can help with our complimentary Solar Savers program.
Many residents want solar panels but are put off by how hard it is to choose the right product, find a credible installer, and apply for rebates.
Our Solar Savers program does the hard work for you, making solar installation easier than ever.
When you go through the program (Council-funded and provided free to you):
- we find you a suitable product and trusted installer
- we check which government rebates you can claim
- we provide free support throughout.
If you already have solar panels, or you're looking for something else to save energy and money at home, you can use the Solar Savers program to get a:
- split system air conditioner/heater
- heat pump hot water system
- solar storage battery.
- You register your interest online via the Solar Savers website, or call the team on 1300 548 598.
- We check your eligibility for the program.
- Our trusted solar installer will arrange a quote for you to review.
- We can help you apply for the state rebate and, if needed, the no-interest loan.
- Your solar system will be installed and you can enjoy free energy from the sun.
Please note this service is provided to the Hobsons Bay community for free, however the cost of the solar product you purchase is not subsidised by Hobsons Bay City Council. Through the Solar Savers program you will receive support to access the most appropriate rebate(s) and subsidies that you are eligible for.
Register your interest in Solar Savers online now
Solar and electrification across your home
Did you know? From 1 January 2024, gas connections in new homes were banned in Victoria. The State Government is phasing gas out of households because of the rising cost of gas bills, health concerns, and to help communities reduce emissions for a cleaner, brighter future.
So when it’s time to replace your household appliances, choose electric. Electric is healthier, cheaper to run, better for the environment, and essential to a comfortable, modern home.
Make your Go Electric Action Plan
Click here to download a template(PDF, 1MB) that will help you choose which appliances you'll replace, when, and links to available rebates and discounts.
Scroll down to learn more about the various rebates and government support programs that are available to help you install solar and electrify your home.
Heating and cooling
One of the best ways to keep bills under control and reduce your environmental footprint is through a reverse cycle air conditioner that can both heat and cool your home.
Why electric?
According to the Victorian Government, the average household spends a third of their energy bill (up to $800 per year) just on heating! An efficient electric heating/cooling system will significantly reduce these costs, and the energy use, associated with heating and cooling your home.
Government support
- Discounts on purchasing a new heating/cooling system: You could get a discount of up to $8,400 when you replace an old system or purchase a new system. Click here to learn more.
Solar Savers
- If you would like free help to choose the right product, installer and access rebates for a new split system air conditioning/heating unit, you can access the Council-backed Solar Savers program. To learn more register your interest online via the Solar Savers website, or call the team on 1300 548 598.
Learn more
- Click here for information on buying the right heating/cooling system for your home. Please note although the focus of this information is on heating, there is excellent information on dual heating/cooling systems.
Cooking
Induction stovetops heat food quickly while leaving the surrounding surfaces cool to touch. You’ll also avoid the health risks of inhaling emissions from gas stoves.
Why electric?
Induction cooktops are fast, responsive and energy efficient. They’re safer than gas because there’s no open flame, you can typically set cook times (so if you forget, it switches off), and heat indicators let you know when the hot plates are safe to touch. Induction cooktops are also much easier to clean than the grooves and furrows of a gas stovetop.
Additionally, scientists have found that around 12% of childhood asthma in Australia can be attributed to the use of gas stoves for cooking (National Asthma Council).
Learn more
Hot water
Many households find themselves in a rush to purchase a new hot water system only after their existing system fails.
Any hot water system is a significant long-term investment, so it's worth looking at different options before your existing system gives out. That way you can select one that provides enough hot water to your household while saving you money and energy — even if you need to make the purchase at short notice.
Government support
- Rebate of up to $1,000 on eligible solar hot water and heat pump hot water systems. Eligible owner-occupiers can get a hot water rebate of up to $1,000 to help you cover the costs of installing an efficient heat pump or solar hot water system.
Solar Savers
- If you would like free help to choose the right product, installer and access rebates for a heat pump hot water system, you can access the Council-backed Solar Savers program. To learn more register your interest online via the Solar Savers website, or call the team on 1300 548 598.
Solar panels
Solar panels are used to collect sunlight and turn it into electricity. Installing solar is a great way to combat rising energy prices and reduce your household's greenhouse emissions.
With our Solar Savers program and a range of rebates, along with incentives like interest-free loans to reduce the up-front cost of installing a solar panel system, it's easier than ever to get solar.
Solar Savers
- If you would like free help to choose the right product, installer and access rebates for solar panels, you can access the Council-backed Solar Savers program. To learn more register your interest online via the Solar Savers website, or call the team on 1300 548 598.
Government support
- Solar panel rebates for existing homes and homes under construction: Home-owners can save up to $1,400 for the installation of solar panels on their property, and access a $1,400 interest free loan. Click here to learn more.
- Solar panels for apartments: The Solar for Apartments program will provide successful applicants funding of up to $2,800 per apartment to reduce the cost of installing solar PV on apartment buildings. Click here to learn more.
- Solar rebates for rental properties: Eligible landlords can claim a rebate of up to $1,400 for the installation of solar panels on their property, slashing the upfront costs of solar while increasing the value and appeal of their property. You can also claim an interest-free loan of up to $1,400. Click here to learn more.
Learn more
Free energy webinars
In collaboration with the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action and the sustainability experts at Renew, we are proud to present a series of free online webinars to help you gain independent and reliable advice on a range of energy topics. These sessions cover topics like energy efficiency, electric appliances, solar and batteries.
Want to go further?
Learn about other green energy technology below.
A home battery works a lot like any rechargeable battery. You can charge it up to store electricity, and then use it to power your home later.
Battery systems are usually designed to save unused power from solar panels, but they can also be set up to store electricity from the electricity grid. A solar battery is especially worthwhile if you're planning to charge an electric vehicle at home or transition to an all-electric home.
Government support
- Solar battery loans: Solar Victoria solar battery loans will reduce the upfront cost of installing a solar battery, with repayments made over a four-year period. There are 4,500 interest-free loans of up to $8,800 available in 2023-24. Click here to learn more.
Solar Savers
- If you would like free help to choose the right product, installer and access rebates for a new split system air conditioning/heating unit, you can access the Council-backed Solar Savers program. To learn more register your interest online via the Solar Savers website, or call the team on 1300 548 598.
Learn more
Step by step guide: Installing solar batteries(PDF, 898KB)
Step by step guide: Using solar batteries(PDF, 599KB)
Going off-grid means not being connected to the energy grid that traditionally brings people electricity.
It often refers to a fully electric house, where things like cooking, hot water and heating have all been upgraded from gas technology to electric. To do this successfully, you need to have the right equipment to produce all the electricity you need, and that can make it available when you need it. Going off-grid means you can provide your own electricity without relying on energy companies.
Step by step guide: Going off-grid(PDF, 687KB)
A Virtual Power Plant (VPP) is a large number of small solar panel and battery systems installed at lots of different properties that are operated as a group by an energy business.
If you have solar energy installed at home, you may be able to become part of a VPP, and sell the energy you produce back to the grid. VPP operators have agreements with residents about how much and how often they will use your solar or batteries, and what they will give you in payment.
Step by step guide: Virtual Power Plants(PDF, 828KB)
Home energy monitoring products are apps or devices that record and display your energy usage in real time, so you have better information about how you use energy and what it costs you.
They are sometimes called ‘In-Home Displays’ because they originally were small standalone devices with a display screen, though these days they are more likely to be phone apps or websites.
Step by step guide: Energy monitoring(PDF, 803KB)
Interested in sustainability news, offers and programs? Be the first to know about them by subscribing to Council's sustainability eNewsletter Living Green.