Government Solar Incentives (RECs)
Although the Australian govt hasn't signed the Kyoto Protocol, they have nevertheless set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the country.
In so doing, Australia is joining other countries around the world to offset the potentially devastating effects of global warming by reducing green-house gas pollution. Apart from the exhaust fumes from motor vehicles, one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases is the use of electricity to heat water in domestic homes. To encorage more homeowners to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases, the Australian govt introduced the "renewable energy certificates" (RECs) scheme. What this means is that approved appliances such as solar water heaters create RECs that can be sold on the open market or to energy retailers.Solar water heaters are tested in government approved laboritories and the number of recs assigned to each model; depends on its efficiency. A high performance solar water heater will create around 34 RECs Which translates into an attractive windfall for purchasers of solar water heaters depending on the current market value of the RECs .According to the Queensland govt, about 80% of water heaters in qld are electric.Although legislationhas been introduced in 2006 to outlaw electric water heaters in new homes, the replacement of old electric water heaters remains a significant problem.
Given that a typical solar water heater will save about 4 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year compared with an electric heater, there is a huge potential for us to reduce greenhouse gases by switching to solar. Imagine if all 7 million home owners in Australia switched to solar.Thats why the govt is keen to educate consumers to change the way they heat water. The RECs rebate roughly equates to the cost of the solar components making a solar water heater little more expensive than an electric heater.of course for the consumer, the ongoing savings on running costs are an added windfall and can amount to thousands of dollars over the life of a solar system.
For a REC Assignment form please Click Here
FEDERAL SOLAR HOT WATER REBATE
On 19 February 2010 the Government announced that a new household Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme will assist households to save money on power bills and reduce their carbon emissions.
This new Scheme will replace the Home Insulation Program and the Solar Hot Water Rebate Program both of which are discontinued as of close of business 19 February 2010.
From 20 February 2010, the rebate on solar hot water systems is reduced from $1,600 to $1,000 and the rebate on heat pump systems is reduced from $1,000 to $600.
Transitional Arrangements until 19 March 2010
Transitional arrangements have been put in place for people who paid for or ordered their hot water systems prior to 20 February 2010.
Eligible solar or heat pump hot water systems purchased or installed prior to 20 February 2010 may be eligible for a $1,600 rebate for solar hot water or $1,000 for heat pumps, if proof of purchase or installation prior to 20 February 2010 is included with the application.
Applicants who ordered or made partial payment for their solar or heat pump hot water systems but had not had their system installed prior to 20 February 2010, must include written evidence of their order with their rebate application. A receipt for a deposit or a copy of their supplier’s order form is required. A quote is not sufficient evidence of an order.
In all cases final decisions regarding rebate eligibility will be made by the Government.
Arrangements after 20 March 2010
IMPORTANT: All applications received from 20 March 2010 will be assessed for $1,000 for solar hot water and $600 for heat pump hot water systems, regardless of installation date.
Eligible systems must generate 20 Renewable energy certificates (RECs) or more at the time of purchase at the installation address.
The rebate is in addition to RECs which are assigned to most solar and heat pump hot water systems sold in Australia.
Further Information
Interim program guidelines and application forms for the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme and the previous Solar Hot Water Rebate will be available shortly.
Further information is available on phone 1800 808 571.
QUEENSLAND SOLAR HOT WATER REBATE
If you install a solar hot water system you could save on your electricity bill. Now, thanks to the Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate, solar hot water is easy and more affordable with rebates of up to $1000.
Not only is solar water heating great for lowering your energy bills, but you'll be reduing your home's greenhouse gas emissions by around two tonnes every year.
What is the rebate?
The Queenland Government is offering rebates to households that replace their electric hot water system with a solar hot water system or heat pump. The rebate will reduce the cost of a solar water heater.
How much is the Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate?
For eligible applicants:
- a $600 rebate for the installation of a solar hot water system or heat pump.
- a $1000 rebate for pensioners and low-income earners who install a solar hot water system or heat pump.
Am i eligible to get the rebate?
To get the $600 or $1000 Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate, applicants must meet a number of eligibility criteria.
Applicants should read the application pack (available shortly) containing the full eligibility criteria, as part of any decision to purchase a solar water heater.
Some of the key eligibility criteria are provided below.
To be eligible for the Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate applicants must have:
- replaced an existing electric storage hot water system installed at a principal place of residence in Queensland
- Installed a solar hot water system or heat pump that is eligible for at least 20 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
- Had their solar water heater installed by suitably licensed parties (current BSA and occupational licences)
- Purchased their solar water heater on or after 13th April 2010
If applying for the $1000 pensioner or low-income earner rebate, applicants must meet the general criteria above, and also hold a current and valid:
- Centrelink Pension Concession card
- Centrelink Low-Income Health Care card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Department of Veterans' Affairs Pension Concession card (Blue Only. Orange, white and gold cardholders are not eligable).
Please note, you can only apply for the low-income earner/pensioner rebate amount once.
Submitting an application for the Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate does not guarantee eligibility.
Your application will be assessed by the Queensland Government and your eligibility determined before any rebate payment. You may be asked to povide supporting evidence to confirm your eligibility before the rebate is paid.
The application pack, (including the full eligibility criteria) will be available shortly.
For any questions you can contact the hotline on 13 GET SOLAR or 13 438 76527.
