Up to $1,960 in government rebates on your hot water upgrade
Gas hot water is getting dearer to run and harder to justify. Swap to a heat pump and two government incentives stack on the one install — First Choice is a Solar Victoria authorised retailer and a VEU accredited provider, so we apply for both rebates for you.
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Two rebates that stack
When you replace a gas hot water system with an eligible heat pump, you can access both of these on the one install.
| Incentive | What it's worth | Who runs it |
|---|---|---|
| Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) discount | $560 off at point of sale | Victorian Government, through accredited providers like First Choice |
| Solar Victoria hot water rebate | Up to $1,000, or up to $1,400 for an eligible locally made system | Solar Victoria. Applied after the VEU discount, only through authorised retailers |
| Combined | Up to $1,560, or up to $1,960 with a locally made system | Both handled by First Choice |
Figures from energy.vic.gov.au and solar.vic.gov.au, September 2026. Rebate amounts change — we confirm your exact figure in your quote.
Why the Solar Victoria rebate matters
Plenty of installers can offer the VEU discount. Far fewer are Solar Victoria authorised retailers, because the application process is long and the standards are strict. First Choice is authorised — which means you get both rebates on one job, and we do the paperwork.
Who's eligible for the Solar Victoria rebate?
Not sure? Fill in the form and we'll tell you within a business day what you qualify for.
Check My Rebate EligibilityIs your gas hot water on its way out?
Most gas units last 10 to 15 years. If any of these sound familiar, replace it on your terms rather than on a cold morning — and lock in the rebates while they're both available.
The right tank size for your household
We size on bedrooms rather than who lives there today, so the system still suits the house if your household grows or you sell.
| Home | Recommended tank |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 bedrooms | 170L |
| 3 to 4 bedrooms | 270L |
| 4+ bedrooms or high hot water use | 300L and above |
Up to $1,960 — find out your number
No obligation — we'll confirm your exact eligibility and figure within a business day.
Gas to electric questions answered
Will it work in a cold Melbourne winter?
Yes. Modern heat pumps operate well below zero. The unit works harder on cold mornings but still uses far less energy than a resistive electric or gas unit.
How noisy is it?
About the same as a split system outdoor unit. We position it away from bedrooms and neighbours' windows.
Can I run it on my solar?
Yes — and it's one of the best uses of daytime solar. We set the timer so the tank heats while the sun is up.
Do I need to do anything to claim the rebates?
No. We check eligibility, lodge both applications and apply the discounts to your invoice.
How long does the swap take?
Usually one day. You'll have hot water again the same evening.
Check your rebate eligibility
Tell us about your current system and we'll confirm what you qualify for — up to $1,960 combined — recommend the right size, and send a fixed quote.