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Energy Efficiency
Solar, EV, and all-electric home guide: How to power your entire house with cleaner energy
From rooftop solar and batteries to EV charging and electric appliances, here’s how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce reliance on gas.
Powering more of your home with cleaner energy can involve a mix of rooftop solar, efficient electric appliances, home battery storage, EV charging and smarter energy use.
Together, these technologies can help households make better use of renewable electricity and manage energy costs over time.
“These days, a cleaner energy home is basically an all-electric set up that’s designed to use less energy, while generating some of its own electricity through solar,” explains Landon Moss, RACV Regional Residential Solar Manager.
“It’s about households having more control over how they use and manage energy, rather than relying entirely on the grid. With energy costs under pressure and technology improving, the right upgrades can make financial sense.”
How cleaner home energy works
A cleaner-energy home usually starts with lowering how much energy the household needs and then using solar to reduce reliance on the grid.
Rooftop solar can generate electricity during the day, a battery can store excess solar for later use, and efficient electric appliances can replace gas systems for heating, hot water and cooking. Smart EV chargers can also prioritise solar, combine solar and grid power, or schedule charging for a set time.
Moss says the main benefit for many homeowners is being able to generate and use more of their own electricity, while relying less on gas over time.
“You’re not just putting solar panels on the roof; you’re thinking about the whole home as one connected energy system,” he says.
“With the right battery system, some homes may also have backup power during outages. The home can be more comfortable year-round and, depending on the set-up, make better use of rooftop solar.”
More: How to plan for your home to go all-electric
What an all-electric home could include
An electric home may combine rooftop solar, efficient electric appliances, EV charging, battery storage and smart controls, depending on the home and household needs.
While no household energy choice is impact-free, electrifying appliances and using renewable electricity where possible can help reduce the emissions linked to household energy use.
More: How to switch your home from gas to electricity: costs, benefits and rebates
What energy costs can look like
Most homes use significant energy for heating, cooling, hot water and appliances, which can add to household bills if systems are inefficient or expensive to run.
According to the Victorian Government, the average existing Victorian home could save around $2,230 a year by switching to all-electric when paired with an existing solar PV system. Without solar, an existing home could save around $1,900 a year.
The Victorian Government also estimates a new all-electric home with solar could save up to $1,920 a year on energy bills. Without solar, a new all-electric detached home could save around $990 a year compared with a home that also uses gas.
Together, these estimates show why it can be worth looking at how your home currently uses energy, then prioritising upgrades that may have the greatest impact on comfort, efficiency and running costs.
More: Guide to heat pump hot water systems
Where to start your electrification journey
You don’t need to replace every appliance at once. Some households electrify one appliance at a time, while others switch several systems together, Moss explains.
“This is where it really becomes a tailored solution, because no two homes are exactly the same. A staged plan usually works best and spreads the cost.”
The best way to start is by assessing your current energy bills, reviewing when you use energy and auditing your home’s gas usage.
Victoria’s new electrification regulations are being phased in from 1 January 2027. From that date, new homes and commercial buildings must generally be built all-electric, with exemptions for some circumstances.
More: How to improve energy efficiency in your home
Start with solar
Installing solar power first can be a practical step for many homeowners. It can generate electricity during the day and help reduce grid electricity use, especially if future upgrades are likely to increase your electricity demand.
More: Home solar power system guide: from installation to ongoing maintenance
Consider EV charging at home
When you purchase your next car, consider whether one of the EVs on the market would suit your driving needs, budget and access to charging.
Installing EV charging at home may make the switch more convenient and can reduce running costs compared with petrol, depending on your electricity tariff and driving habits.
More: Installing an electric car home charger: what to know
Replace gas appliances over time
If your home’s stove, hot water system or heating system runs on natural gas, it may be worth considering electric when your appliances are due for an upgrade.
Start by listing the appliances in your home that need replacing, then prioritise the oldest, least reliable or most urgent items.
Planning ahead is also important because Victoria’s electrification rules are changing. While existing homeowners can usually replace appliances gradually, some gas systems will be subject to new replacement requirements from 2027.
More: How to get off gas at home
Add battery storage when it makes sense
There’s no need to invest in a battery right away, but it’s worth considering what solar panel and battery rebates or discounts are available. Adding a battery can let you store excess solar energy to use at night and may provide backup power during some outages if the system is designed for that purpose.
Solar battery prices vary depending on the size, quality and installation location.
Do your research to choose the right battery size for your needs, and make sure your installer is a qualified electrician with battery endorsement accreditation. Solar Victoria provides a search tool for finding an authorised retailer.
What Victoria’s gas appliance rules mean for existing homes
An electrified home has no reliance on gas for appliances such as heating, hot water or cooking. Building or renovating is a natural time to consider all-electric systems, while existing homeowners can usually take a staged approach and replace appliances as they reach the end of their life.
A key exception is gas hot water: from 1 March 2027, if a gas hot water appliance in an existing residential building breaks and cannot be repaired, it must generally be replaced with an electric alternative, according to energy.vic.gov.au.
The Victorian Government estimates that households could save $350 to $400 a year by removing all gas appliances and avoiding ongoing gas supply charges.
More: Gas vs electric vs induction cooktops: which is best in Australia?
An accredited solar installer can advise you on the best solar panel system and solar battery for your home.
What to consider before upgrading
Investing in energy-efficient upgrades can pay off over time, but it is important to consider upfront costs, likely payback periods and the impact on your household budget.
Rebates for electric home upgrades
Eligible households can save on electric upgrades with government rebates.
Solar panel rebates
Solar Victoria offers eligible households a rebate of up to $1,400 towards solar panel installation, with the option of an interest-free loan to match the rebate amount. Support will transition to Victorian Energy Upgrades from 1 July 2027.
Battery discounts
The Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers eligible households, businesses and community organisations a discount on the upfront cost of installing a small-scale battery system. The discount reduces every six months. The current calculation applies until 31 December 2026, with the next reduction on 1 January 2027.
Eligible battery systems can range from 5kWh to 100kWh and must use approved equipment and be installed through an accredited installer or retailer, such as RACV Solar.
Hot water rebates
Solar Victoria offers eligible households hot water rebates of up to $1,000 for eligible heat pump and solar hot water products, or up to $1,400 for eligible locally made products. Victorian Energy Upgrades discounts may also be available.
Heating and cooling rebates
The Victorian Energy Upgrades program offers eligible households discounts of up to $1,610 for an efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner, or up to $5,530 when removing or replacing a ducted gas heater.
Induction cooktop rebates
Victorian households may be eligible for a discount of up to $140 off an induction cooktop through the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
More: Solar panel & battery rebates Victoria 2026
