Victorian Government Supports New-Build Homes with Built-in Rooftop Solar & Storage Systems

The Victorian government backs the push to make all new-build homes in Australia energy self-sufficient with built-in rooftop solar and storage.
The Labor Andrews government announced its plans to work together with land developers and home builders in a $2.18 million pilot program that would supply zero net carbon homes in Melbourne. The new-build homes would include suitably-sized rooftop solar systems, high-performance building materials, and high-efficiency heating, cooling, water heating, lighting, and appliances.
An article from the RenewEconomy website reported that the government said eligible builders must be able to accomplish over 200 site starts per year and do so in one or more of Melbourne’s growth areas in the north, west, and south-east or in the Mitchell and Geelong regional areas.
“The pilot program comes ahead of a state election in November this year, and as the government works to meet its 2050 zero net emissions target,” the article further reported.
Sustainability Victoria, who would be advising the builders through the program, said that homes built under the program could lessen household emissions in half while providing valuable savings on home power bills.
Stan Krpan, the CEO at Sustainability Victoria, stated, “By participating in the Zero Net Carbon Homes Pilot, builders can offer their customers homes that are affordable to heat and cool and provide year-round comfort. Offering more zero net carbon homes will diversify our building stock, stimulate the economy and reduce bills for homeowners.”
Some home builders in Australia such as Glenvill, Porter Davis, Stockland, and Metricon are now offering consumers the choice to have solar and battery storage installed in their new-build homes for little to no additional cost at all.
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation recently revealed it had committed $90 million in debt finance to a Mirvac plan to establish over 300 family homes in Brisbane and Sydney with built-in solar and battery storage each.
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