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Australia: Federal Solar Rebate Programme with reduced Subsidies

Submitted by Baerbel Epp on Thu, 03/11/2010 - 12:38.

Having started on 20 February 2010, the new Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme of the Australian Federal Government grants a rebate of AUD 1,000 to every applicant who wants to replace the electric storage system in his or her already built home with a solar water heater. It therewith follows in the footsteps of the Solar Hot Water Rebate Programme, which had began in July 2007 and still granted AUD 1,600 for the installation of a residential solar thermal system. Transitional arrangements have been put in place for people who paid for or ordered their hot water systems prior to 20 February 2010. All in all, the programme's public funds will be available until the year 2012.

 

Country / region   Australia
Name of programme  Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme
Type of incentive  Rebate
Eligible technologies  Solar hot water systems and ceiling insulations
Applicable sectors  Residential (limited to already built homes)
Amount  1,000 AUD Households will be able to receive a rebate for the installation of ceiling insulation or a solar hot water system. Households, rather than installers, will have to directly claim the AUD 1,000 rebate via the Medicare system.
Requirements for system 
  • System must replace an electric storage hot water system
  • System must be eligible for at least 20 RECs.

    (RECs = Renewable Energy Certificates, based on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions saved by replacing the former system)

Requirements for installation 
  • Installer must provide qualifications
  • System must be purchased and installed on or after the announcement date (19 Feb 2010)
  • Building must be an already constructed one – new home construction is specifically excluded (except houses eligible under the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund)  
Finance provider  Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Total funds  252 million AUD (total budget from July 2007 to June 2012), including heat pump subsidies of AUD 600 each
Funding source  Public funds
Effective date  20 March 2010 (Transitional phase from 20 February 2010 to 19 March 2010)
Expiration date  30 June 2012
Website  www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/solarhotwater www.hotwaterrebate.com.au
Last review  March 2010
Contact Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
Phone

 

Effective Date: 
March 20, 2010
Incentive Program: 
Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme
Contact: 
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts