Solar Victoria makes changes to boost worker safety and strengthen cyber security

Victoria is introducing new requirements designed to improve worker safety and strengthen cyber security protections for households installing solar panels, battery systems, and energy-efficient hot water systems under the state government’s Solar Homes subsidy program.

As of 1 July 2026, installers and retailers participating in the program are required to abide by updated worker supervision requirements, as well as new cyber security standards designed to better protect consumers using smart energy devices in their homes.

In its 2026–27 Notice to Market, Solar Victoria says apprentice electricians must now be “actively supervised” in line with Energy Safe Victoria’s Requirements for Effective Supervision of Apprentice Electricians.

The state government agency said this change will support safer worksites and help new workers build skills through structured, hands-on learning – supporting long-term workforce capability across the sector.

The updated Notice to Market also aligns Solar Homes eligible products with new national cyber security rules that came into effect earlier this year.

These rules are intended to improve protections for connected consumer devices by removing default passwords, strengthening the reporting of security issues, and requiring clearer information about security updates.

The introduction of the new requirements follows the tightening up of the eligibility requirements for the subsidy scheme.

The combined household income eligibility cap has now been reduced from $210,000 to $150,000 per year for solar and hot water rebates, in a move Solar Victoria said will better target the scheme at households most affected by cost-of-living pressures.

Rebate values will remain unchanged with households able to access up to $1,400 for a solar PV system, alongside the option of an equivalent interest-free loan, and up to $1,400 for a locally made hot water product or up to $1,000 for other eligible hot water products.

The Solar Homes Program has proven a major success for Victoria, with more than 500,000 rebates and interest free loans approved since the program was launched in 2018.

Those rebates and loans have helped deliver more than 353,100 small-scale solar PV systems with a combined capacity of more than 2.5 GW, 21,400 battery systems, and 89,400 energy‑efficient hot water systems. The program has contributed to the purchase of 34,900 reverse-cycle air conditioners and 9,900 zero‑emissions vehicles.