In Bendigo, Victoria (VIC), there are over 5,000 small-scale solar installations, contributing a total capacity of approximately 34,306 kW as of September 2024. This adoption rate means around 10% of households in Bendigo are equipped with home solar systems, enabling homeowners to save significantly—often upwards of $800-$1,000 annually on energy bills. The increasing shift to solar reflects Bendigo’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, helping residents reduce energy costs and environmental impact.
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Bendigo solar statistics
Bendigo boasts ideal sun exposure for great solar output throughout the year. Below are some of the important factors that affect solar production in Bendigo.
Data: Time and Date, World Weather Online
| Month | Average Solar Hours (Peak Sun Hours) | Average High Temp (°C) | Average Low Temp (°C) | Average Cloud Cover (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7.5 | 30 | 16 | 35 |
| Feb | 7.4 | 29 | 15 | 30 |
| Mar | 7.1 | 26 | 14 | 35 |
| Apr | 6.1 | 21 | 10 | 40 |
| May | 5.5 | 16 | 7 | 45 |
| June | 5.0 | 13 | 5 | 50 |
| July | 4.9 | 12 | 5 | 55 |
| Aug | 5.0 | 13 | 5 | 55 |
| Sept | 5.5 | 16 | 6 | 50 |
| Oct | 6.0 | 20 | 8 | 45 |
| Nov | 6.5 | 24 | 11 | 40 |
| Dec | 7.0 | 27 | 13 | 35 |
- Average Solar Hours: Bendigo experiences its highest solar potential in summer (January and December), with peak sun hours averaging around 7.5 hours in January. Solar hours gradually decrease during autumn and winter, reaching a low of 4.9 hours in July,
- Temperature Ranges: Bendigo has warm summers and mild winters. Average high temperatures peak at 30°C in January, with lows around 16°C. In winter, the average highs drop to 12°C (July), with lows around 5°C.
- Cloud Cover: Cloud cover is typically lower in the summer months, with about 30-35% of daylight hours experiencing cloud cover. This increases during the cooler months, peaking at around 55% in July and August, contributing to less available sunlight.
Bendigo homes with a solar system
5,431
Bendigo homes with battery storage
Unknown
Victoria EV ownership
Unknown
Figures updated 2024
Why Solar and Battery Storage are essential for Bendigo homes and businesses
Solar panels and battery storage are crucial for Bendigo, offering several key benefits:
- Reliable Solar Energy: Bendigo enjoys strong solar potential, especially in summer with up to 7.5 peak sun hours per day. This makes solar an ideal choice for reducing reliance on grid electricity year-round.
- Cost Savings: Solar systems lower energy bills, and when combined with battery storage, they allow homes and businesses to store excess energy for later use, minimising peak-time energy costs.
- Energy Independence: Solar power with battery storage provides homes and businesses with more control over their energy supply, ensuring power availability even during outages.
- Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is clean and renewable, helping to reduce carbon footprints and align with global sustainability goals.
- Incentives: Government rebates and incentives make solar and battery storage more affordable for Bendigo residents and businesses, further boosting the financial benefits.
City of Bendigo suburbs
The following suburbs can enjoy the benefits of solar and battery storage. Contact your council to find out if your home has any restrictions or heritage overlays that may impact the installation of solar on your home or business.
- Argyle, Victoria: 3551
- Ascot, Bendigo: 3551
- Avonmore, Victoria: 3551
- Axe Creek: 3551
- Axedale: 3551
- Bagshot North: 3551
- Bagshot, Victoria: 3551
- Baringhup West: 3465
- Barnadown: 3555
- Bendigo (suburb): 3550
- Big Hill (City of Greater Bendigo): 3555
- California Gully: 3556
- Costerfield: 3523
- Derrinal: 3523
- Drummartin: 3523
- Eaglehawk North: 3556
- Eaglehawk, Victoria: 3556
- East Bendigo: 3550
- Elmore, Victoria: 3558
- Emu Creek, Victoria: 3558
- Eppalock: 3551
- Epsom, Victoria: 3551
- Flora Hill: 3550
- Fosterville, Victoria: 3556
- Golden Square, Victoria: 3555
- Goornong: 3557
- Harcourt North: 3453
- Heathcote, Victoria: 3523
- Hunter, Victoria: 3550
- Huntly, Victoria: 3551
- Huntly North: 3551
- Ironbark, Victoria: 3550
- Jackass Flat: 3556
- Junortoun, Victoria: 3551
- Kamarooka: 3551
- Kangaroo Flat, Victoria: 3555
- Kennington, Victoria: 3550
- Kimbolton, Victoria: 3551
- Knowsley, Victoria: 3523
- Ladys Pass: 3451
- Leichardt, Victoria: 3551
- Lockwood, Victoria: 3551
- Lockwood South: 3551
- Long Gully: 3550
- Longlea: 3551
- Lyal: 3527
- Maiden Gully: 3551
- Mandurang: 3551
- Mandurang South: 3551
- Marong: 3515
- Mia Mia, Victoria: 3444
- Mount Camel: 3523
- Myers Flat, Victoria: 3461
- Myrtle Creek, Victoria: 3461
- Neilborough: 3551
- North Bendigo: 3550
- Quarry Hill, Victoria: 3550
- Ravenswood, Victoria: 3553
- Raywood, Victoria: 3570
- Redcastle, Victoria: 3523
- Redesdale, Victoria: 3444
- Sailors Gully: 3556
- Sebastian, Victoria: 3556
- Sedgwick, Victoria: 3551
- Spring Gully, Victoria: 3550
- Strathdale: 3550
- Strathfieldsaye, Victoria: 3551
- Toolleen: 3551
- Wellsford, Victoria: 3551
- West Bendigo: 3550
- Whipstick: 3556
- White Hills, Victoria: 3550
- Wilsons Hill: 3550
- Woodvale, Victoria: 3551
Rebates and Incentives for Solar, Batteries, and more in Bendigo
Victorian Solar Homes Program
The Victoria Solar Homes Program aims to equip one million homes with rooftop solar panels over ten years. Those homeowners who qualify for this incentive can lower their expenses dramatically by:
- Solar panels: $1,400
- Solar batteries: Up to $2,950
- Solar water heaters: Up to $1,000
Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
STCs are awarded to Australians who mount solar panels on their rooftops. The majority of the initial installation expenses are covered by these incentives. The number of STCs required depends on the expected lifetime output of the system.
Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
Energy retailers provide FiTs when homeowners export excess energy into the grid. There are two types of FiTs in Victoria:
- Single-rate FiT: Applies one rate for all energy produced
- Time-varying FiT: Applies different rates at different times of the day
To get the most out of your FiTs, you must be mindful of peak times, usually between 3 pm and 9 pm on weekdays.
How much can I save with solar in Bendigo
In Bendigo, the savings from installing a solar system depend on its size and your energy consumption. Here’s a breakdown of potential savings for different system sizes:
- 5 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Approximately 6,643 kWh.
- Savings: Based on an average electricity cost of around 30 cents per kWh, you could save about $1,993 annually by self-consuming the majority of your solar power, assuming you use around 80% of the generated power.
- 6.6 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Roughly 8,831 kWh.
- Savings: Estimated annual savings could reach about $2,649, assuming similar self-consumption rates.
- 8 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Approximately 10,950 kWh.
- Savings: You could save around $3,285 per year if you consume most of this power.
- 10 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Around 13,250 kWh.
- Savings: With this system size, potential annual savings could be about $3,975.
Key points to consider:
- Feed-in Tariffs: Any excess power fed back into the grid is typically compensated at rates between 3 to 12 cents per kWh, which can affect overall savings.
- Government incentives: The federal government offers incentives through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which can cover up to 30% of installation costs.
- Payback period: The average payback period for solar installations in Ballarat ranges from 3.4 to 3.9 years
Energy Matters’ solar and battery installation services in Bendigo
Energy Matters proudly serves Bendigo by connecting homes and businesses with local and trusted installers. Our network of solar companies provides high-quality solar and battery installations, ensuring that residents and businesses can benefit from solar technology tailored to Bendigo’s unique environment.
- Solar panel installation: With extensive knowledge of solar panel installation Victoria, Energy Matters connects you with installers who will provide expert consultations to identify the most effective systems, allowing customers to benefit from Bendigo’s abundant sunlight and achieve maximum energy savings.
- Battery storage solutions: Offering advanced storage solutions from a range of quality manufacturers, Our installers help our customers enhance their solar installation Bendigo setup with reliable backup options.
- Ongoing support and maintenance: Support and maintenance services ensure that solar system installation Bendifgo customers can rely on their systems year-round, optimising efficiency and performance.
- Financing options and incentives: Our network of installers offers flexible financing and guides home and business owners through local rebate options, making solar installations Bendigo accessible to more residents.
Energy Matters is here to help you find the best solar system installation company in Bendigo.
Energy efficient upgrades
Saving on your energy bills goes deeper than just solar and battery storage. Upgrading your home appliances can see significant reductions in your bills and your environmental impact. Here are just some of the energy efficiency upgrades you can make in your home and business:
- Hot water system: Solar hot water systems and heat pumps
- Energy and water-efficient appliances: Dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and air conditioners
- Electronics: LED lighting and smart home monitoring
- EV chargers: Installing EV chargers at home or work provides convenient charging and reduces reliance on grid power, especially when paired with solar.
