Solar Victoria continues to enforce industry standards for consumers purchasing energy-efficient hot water systems under its flagship Solar Homes program.

Victoria has seen rapid growth in hot water heat pump installations across the state, in line with an increase in installations under the Solar Homes program.

While the majority of retailers and installers comply with Solar Victoria’s Retailer Terms and Conditions, a recent investigation discovered irregularities in invoices provided to Solar Victoria from a retailer who has now been cancelled from the program. Retailers found to have engaged in this practice have been suspended or cancelled from the Solar Homes program.

Solar Victoria’s incentives are applied as a co-payment after all other incentives and discounts have been included by the retailer. Solar Victoria reviews invoices provided by retailers to ensure our incentives are applied after all discounts are incorporated into the final purchase price.

Retailers are required to meet high standards across sales and marketing, quotes and contracts, delivery and installation, and warranties and support. To ensure all safety standards are met, Solar Victoria undertakes thorough audit plans.

Solar Victoria’s audit plans have a strong focus on consumer protections in line with industry and safety standards. Our audit plans cover labour, installations, claims and an analysis of transactions and interactions with customers.

Solar Victoria regularly communicates with industry bodies to uplift industry standards and practices. Non-compliance results in a warning notice, followed by removal or suspension from our program.

This further supports other consumer protections Solar Victoria has introduced. In September 2021 a ban was implemented on door-to-door sales of all solar products, and a ban on telemarketing came into effect from May 2024 to protect Victorians from nuisance marketing practices.

A list of Authorised retailers can be found at solar.vic.gov.au/retailers. This list is updated weekly.