Straight answers about solar, batteries, rebates and installs in Victoria.
Every answer verified against Solar Victoria and Clean Energy Regulator as of 20 July 2026. No fluff, no upsell.
About Tidy.
What is Tidy Energy?
Tidy Energy Pty Ltd (ACN 636 694 543, ABN 64 636 694 543) is a Victorian residential home electrification company. We help Victorian homeowners understand what solar, battery, EV charging, HVAC and hot water heat pump options make sense for their setup, and we manage the customer relationship end to end. Installation is delivered by an SAA-accredited installer in our network who is also a VEU Accredited Provider.
Does Tidy Energy install the systems themselves?
No. Tidy Energy is a channel partner. We handle the sales, quoting, customer relationship and rebate paperwork. Installation is delivered by our vetted install partner, an SAA-accredited installer who is also a VEU Accredited Provider under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program. The install partner is disclosed on your itemised quote and contract before you sign.
Where is Tidy Energy based?
Tidy Energy is based at Suite 102, 68-72 York Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205. Phone 1300 451 322, email hello@tidyenergy.com.au. We service Victorian residential homes across the state.
Is Tidy Energy a Solar Victoria Authorised Retailer?
Tidy Energy operates via an SAA-accredited install partner that holds the relevant Solar Victoria Authorised Retailer, VEU Accredited Provider and Clean Energy Council Approved Products accreditations. The install partner is the accredited party on your Solar Homes application. Tidy Energy is applying for New Energy Tech Consumer Code (NETCC) Approved Seller status directly.
Rebates & incentives.
How much is the Solar Homes rebate in Victoria in 2026?
Up to $1,400 for eligible Victorian homes as of July 2026. Household income must be under $150,000 combined (dropped from $210,000 on 1 July 2026), property value under $3 million, owner-occupier, and the address must not have received a previous Solar Homes rebate or had solar installed in the last 10 years. Full detail on solar.vic.gov.au.
Is the Victorian battery interest-free loan still available?
No. Solar Victoria is no longer accepting applications for the interest-free battery loan. The current pathway for battery incentives is the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which opened on 1 July 2025 and applies approximately $252 per usable kWh discount at the point of sale.
What is the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program?
VEU is a Victorian government scheme run by the Essential Services Commission that provides point-of-sale discounts on efficient upgrades including reverse-cycle HVAC and heat pump hot water. The discount is applied by a VEU Accredited Provider when you buy, not paid to you directly. Value varies by postcode and the existing appliance being replaced.
How much is the federal STC discount for a 6.6 kW solar system in Victoria?
Approximately $1,400 at the current STC spot price of around $36. STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) are federal certificates created when eligible solar is installed. Your installer applies for them on your behalf and passes the value on as an upfront discount.
Can I stack Solar Homes rebate with federal STC discount?
Yes. Solar Homes (state) and STCs (federal) are separate programs and stack together. For a 6.6 kW system on an eligible Victorian home, that's approximately $2,800 in combined rebates, plus an optional $1,400 interest-free loan.
Can I get a solar rebate if I rent my home?
Yes, under Solar Victoria's separate rental properties program. The owner of the property applies and the tenant contributes an agreed share of the cost. Different eligibility rules apply. Full detail on solar.vic.gov.au/solar-rebates-rental-properties.
Getting a quote.
How long does the tidy quote process take?
The online quiz takes about 60 seconds. A Tidy specialist calls within one business hour during business hours to confirm your incentive stack and book a free 30-minute walkthrough. The walkthrough happens on the phone with your address on satellite. You'll have your itemised quote in writing within 24 hours. No pressure to sign.
Do you door-knock or cold-call?
No. We only call once to book your walkthrough after you fill in the online quiz. We do not door-knock, we do not run ‘today only’ discount pushes, and we do not cold-call. That's the whole point of the Tidy model.
How long is a Tidy quote valid for?
30 days. Every itemised quote we issue is valid for at least 30 days so you can compare it against anyone. No verbal ‘today only’ pricing.
Do I need to pay anything for the quote or walkthrough?
No. Both are free and non-obligation. You only pay when you sign an install contract, and payment terms are disclosed on the quote.
Products.
What does a typical Victorian 6.6 kW solar install cost after rebates?
Indicative range is $3,800 to $5,500 after stacking Solar Homes rebate + federal STC discount, before finance. Exact figure depends on your roof, inverter choice and installer. Your itemised quote confirms the number.
What size solar system does a 4-bedroom Victorian home usually need?
A 6.6 kW to 10 kW system is common for a 4-bedroom Victorian home with a $600-$900 quarterly bill. Actual sizing depends on roof orientation, shading, usage pattern, and whether you'll add a battery or EV charger later. Your Tidy specialist sizes it on the walkthrough.
Should I add a battery to my new solar install?
It depends on your usage pattern and your bill. Batteries pay back faster when you use most of your power at night, when your quarterly bill is $700+ and when you're home during the day. The federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program has made batteries meaningfully cheaper since July 2025. Your Tidy specialist runs the payback maths for your specific setup.
Can I charge my EV from my solar?
Yes. A dedicated home EV charger (7 kW single-phase or 22 kW three-phase) can be set to prioritise your own solar generation during the day. See our EV charging page for details.
Install & after.
How long does a solar install take?
Most 6.6 kW residential solar installs are completed in one day. A 7:30 AM start typically means the system is live and commissioned before the crew leaves that afternoon. Larger systems, battery add-ons or complex roofs can take a second day.
Who do I call if something goes wrong after install?
The install partner holds primary workmanship warranty on the physical install (typically 5-10 years, disclosed on your quote). Panel, inverter and battery manufacturers hold product warranty (typically 10-25 years depending on component). Tidy Energy stays in the loop for the first year and helps route any warranty conversation to the right party. You're not left holding the phone.
What does SAA-accredited installer mean?
Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) is the body that accredits individual solar designers and installers in Australia. SAA took over this role from the Clean Energy Council in 2024. Tidy Energy routes every install to an SAA-accredited installer. Old references to ‘CEC-accredited installer’ are outdated.
When does my first lower bill arrive after solar goes in?
Typically 4-6 weeks after install, depending on your retailer's billing cycle. Your smart meter needs to be reconfigured to record solar export first (your electricity retailer arranges this). Feed-in tariff kicks in from the reconfiguration date.
Book a free walkthrough and ask us anything.
30 minutes on the phone, no obligation, no door-knock follow-ups.
Get my tidy quote