Solar Hot Water Rebate – $1000
Replacing your electrical hot water system with a solar power hot water system could land you a $1000 government rebate.
Household water heating, contributes to one of the biggest carbon footprints from your day to day living around the home. Along with harming the environment, electrical water heating systems hit you hard in the wallet, when it comes time to pay your energy Bill. The Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme – solar hot water rebate, was created by the Australian Federal Government in 2010 (Replacing the former Solar Hot Water Rebate.) This new government, “save the environment initiative” will reimburse you with $1000 for a solar hot water system and $600 for a heat pump water system, provided you meet the application criteria. However you can apply for this rebate if have have received the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative $500 rebate.
Read this before you go on – “The rebate is for solar and heat pump hot water systems that replace an existing electric storage hot water system. In order to be eligible for the rebate the solar or heat pump system must be a new and complete hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 RECs.” (Federal Government 2010.) This means that you can not apply for the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme – Solar Hot Water Rebate if you are building a new home or replacing a current solar hot water system. Likewise you are not eligible for this rebate if you have previously received the Home Insulation Program or the Homeowner Insulation Program.
Why should I buy a new solar hot water system?
As mentioned above a standard electrical hot water system contributes to carbon emissions and a higher than expected energy bill. Solar hot water systems can reduce your carbon emissions and potentially save you hundreds of dollars per year on your electrical bill, helping you can sleep a little better at night knowing that you are doing your little bit to save the environment.
Installation Requirements
- The system has been installed in accordance with the relevant building standards and government requirements.
- The system is a new and complete hot water system that replaces an existing electric storage hot water system previously operational at the dwelling.
- The system is eligible for at least 20 RECs at the time and place of installation.
- Installers are also required to provide other technical and installation details including the tank number of the new system and the installation date. Installers are aware of the process and have easy access to the information.
Reclaiming your money
- To claim a rebate, you need to submit an application using the application form below.
- You have up to two months (62 days) after an eligible system is installed to submit an application form.
- Please attach a copy of your purchase receipts which clearly indicates that you have installed a solar or heat pump hot water system with the application. No other supporting documentation is required.
- You are required to agree that, if requested, you will provide evidence to support claims made in the application as part of an audit process to ensure you meet the program guidelines. For example allowing an authorised inspector access to your system.
- You should allow eight weeks for the application to be processed, payments are transferred electronically into your bank account.
The Australian government has introduced a wide range of schemes to help with energy costs, environmental damage and to help stimulate the economy. It is a good time to take advantage of these offers if you are considering making your home more eco friendly another example of this can be seen with the rainwater tank rebate. To apply for the Solar Hot Water Rebate click here.
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