Victoria's state government in Australia has appointed Stan Krpan as the inaugural CEO of its Solar Victoria program. Krpan will lead the implementation of the state's 'Solar Homes' program in his new role. The Solar Homes package is a pretty big thing for the state as it expects 12.5% of its targeted 40% renewable energy share by 2025 to come from household solar.
The AUD 1.24 billion Solar Homes Program of Victoria's government was introduced in August 2018 offering a 50% rebate to homeowners who install solar panels. It targets 650,000 homes over a period of 10 years (see Australia's Victoria Launches Solar Homes Program).
While announcing the appointment of Krpan, the government said from July 1, 2019 even more rebates will be offered for solar panels, solar hot water and battery energy systems. Zero-interest loans will also be offered to encourage people to install solar with no upfront costs, along with solar panels for 50,000 rental properties and 10,000 solar batteries.
Krpan joins Solar Victoria from Sustainability Victoria where he was the CEO since 2012. Sustainability Victoria works on waste and resource recovery and a climate change framework under the state government.
"Krpan has a strong record in this sector and the right experience to lead the delivery of our landmark Solar Homes package. Solar Victoria will help Victorians cut their energy costs while developing Victoria's renewable energy industry and local jobs," said Minister for Solar Homes in Victoria government, Lily D'Ambrosio.
According to Solar Power Europe's new 5-year Global Market Outlook, Australia was the 5th largest solar market in the world in 2018.