Victorian Government
The Victorian Government offers various rebates and incentives for solar and heat pumps for hot water through programs like the Victorian Solar Homes Program delivered by Solar Victoria (SV) and the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (VEU) through the creation of Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC’s).
Federal Government
The Australian Federal Government offers solar and battery rebates delivered through the creation of Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s).
Local Victorian Councils
Some local Victorian Councils are also offering solar rebates for lower income households, so it’s worth checking in with your local Council on their website or giving them a call to enquire if they offer any support or incentives.
VEEC’s and the VEU Program
- Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC’s) are tradable certificates created when an accredited provider installs an energy-efficient upgrade in Victoria that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Each certificate represents ~1 tonne of emissions saved (source Essential Services Commission website, 8 January 2026)
- Accredited providers, such as TCK Solar, handle the paperwork and pass on a reduced quote, and final invoice, as an upfront discount on your system purchase and installation.
Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC) for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems (Heat Pump Rebates)
Typical Rebate / Value
- Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC’s) rebates for heat pumps for hot water can vary widely, and are typically hundreds to a few thousand dollars, depending on the system replaced and the efficiency of the new system being installed
- When combined with other rebates (e.g. the Federal Government Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s) and Solar Victoria’s rebate), the total savings can be significant such as several thousand dollars.
Eligibility Criteria
- Installed in Victoria by a Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (VEU) accredited installer e.g. TCK Solar
- Replacing an existing hot water system (electric or gas) with a VEU-approved heat pump model e.g. Sanden or Reclaim hot water heat pump, recommended as the best-in-market by TCK Solar
- The product you’re purchasing is listed on the VEU Register of Products for heat pump water heaters (so it qualifies for VEEC creation).
Technical & Process Notes
- Installation and associated plumbing / electrical work must meet regulatory safety and warranty standards (e.g., minimum 5-year warranty)
- VEECs are created after installation and accreditation paperwork is completed by the provider.
Separate rebates (e.g. Solar Victoria heat pump hot water rebate or Federal Government Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STC’s)) have their own criteria (e.g. income cap, owner-occupier status, property value) that sit outside the core VEU / VEEC rebate program and are applied for separately.
Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEEC) for Split-System (Reverse-Cycle) Air Conditioner (Split System Rebates)
Typical Rebate / Value
- Rebates vary by system size, number of indoor units and what’s being replaced:
- Replacing older ducted gas heating systems results in the largest rebates (e.g. up to several thousand dollars with installing multi-head split systems)
- Replacing older electric air conditioning systems results in more modest rebates (typically many hundreds of dollars and sometimes nearing a thousand dollars)
- Accredited providers apply the VEEC value as a point-of-sale discount, so you pay the reduced price up front.
Eligibility Criteria
Victorian Energy Upgrades Program (VEU) eligibility generally requires:
- You’re in Victoria and use a VEU-accredited installer for the reverse-cycle system e.g. TCK Solar for installing larger split system air conditioners
- The system being replaced is at least 2 years old and is being replaced, not newly installed in new construction
- The new system is reverse-cycle (i.e. heating + cooling) on the VEU product list and meets energy efficiency standards.
Common Eligibility Rules (Both Heat Pumps & Split Systems)
- You must use a VEU-accredited installer who can create the VEECs
- The upgrade must be a replacement of an existing system, not a brand-new installation on new builds
- The product must be approved on the VEU Register and meet minimum performance criteria
- Landlords and renters can be eligible for VEEC rebates when the property is in Victoria (installation requirements apply)
Key Steps to Access Rebates
- Confirm eligibility with a VEU accredited provider.
- Choose an approved system (listed on the VEU Register)
- Installer completes installation and handles VEEC paperwork
- Receive the rebate/discount at point of sale (applied by installer from VEEC value).
If you want to know exact rebate values currently offered for specific systems by applying VEECs to a heat pump hot water system or split system air conditioner , one of TCK Solar’s Design Engineers can discuss your needs with you and provide you with a quote
