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What Solar Hot Water Rebates Can I Get?

You can actually claim up to 3 separate rebates for your Solar Hot Water System:

1) A Federal Rebate

2) A State Rebate

3) STCs (previously called 'Renewable Energy Certificates')

1. The Federal Rebate

The solar hot water rebate comes under the Federal Government's "Energy Efficient Homes Package".

What you need to know:

• It is $1000 for conventional Solar HW and $600 for Heat Pumps. You have to claim it yourself through the Medicare System.
• It is not means tested.
• The main eligibility criteria is that you have to be replacing an electric storage water heating system.

2. The State Rebate

Varies by every state: Here's a rundown of each state's generosity:

SA

In addition to the Federal Rebate of up to $1000 the SA government offer a $500 rebate - but only if you hold a Centrelink Healthcare Card, are a Pensioner, War Widow, or Disabled War Veteran.

VIC

In addition to the Federal Rebate of up to $1000 the VIC government may offer you from $300 to $1500 depending on the system type installed and where you live. In true bureaucrat style they've made it really complicated - so I'd advise getting 3 quotes and letting the installers work it out!

WA

In addition to the Federal Rebate of up to $1000 the WA Government will pay $500 for gas boosted solar water heaters connected to a reticulated gas network, or $700 for LPG solar water heaters used in areas where natural gas is not available.

QLD

In addition to the Federal Rebate of up to $1000 the QLD government is offering a rebate of $600 (or $1000 for qualifying low income earners) when replacing an electric storage water heater with a heat pump or solar water heater.

NSW

No state rebate at present (the previous one ended on June 30 2011). You can still apply for the federal rebate of up to $1000 though.

TAS

No state rebates. You can still apply for the federal rebate of up to $1000 though.

NT

No state rebates. You can still apply for the federal rebate of up to $1000 though.

ACT

No state rebates. You can still apply for the federal rebate of up to $1000 though.

3. The third and final cash handout: STCs (were called RECs)

Your final wad of cashback comes from selling the system's Small-scale Technology Certificates (previously called 'Renewable Energy Certificates').

To cut a very complicated story very short, how much cash you get depends on:

• a) The efficiency of the system - the higher the more cash you get.
• b) The market price of STCs which change in value on a daily basis like any other market traded paper.
• c) Where you live in Australia - the more tropical the more cash you get.

Basically you are looking at $300 - $600 back for your STCs depending on the 3 factors above.

Confused?

Let the installers work it all out for you! Get 3 Free Quotes For Solar Hot Water Here.