Australian solar hot water rebates

Solar and heat pump hot water systems are still eligible for  RECs/Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which are usually exchanged with retailers for a point-of-sale discount on systems. You may also be eligible for state-based incentives.

The amount of rebate is based on the size of a system (amount of water produced) and performance (its solar contribution). The better performing systems, or the ones that make the most effective use of the sun's energy, attract a higher rebate.

Avoid confusion and maximise your rebates!

The situation with solar hot water rebates in Australia has been confusing with chopping and changing of state and federal government incentives. By completing a short form that only takes a minute or two to complete, we'll be able to tell you exactly how much you're entitled to and about your projected energy savings. 

Renewable energy certificates (RECs/STCs)

RECs (STC's) are issued when a complete solar hot water system is installed. The number of renewable energy certificates issued varies with each system. The certificates can be traded for a substantial cash discount on your purchase through Energy Matters. The value varies depending on market conditions.  . You can check the REC information for each system via the Australian Government's register of solar hot water heaters or contact our friendly team who can tell you the REC value for each system.

You'll notice that on the register of solar hot water heaters, REC assignment levels depend on where you live. The following diagram shows the different zones throughout Australia.

Heat pump specific rebates and RECS

Heat pumps are a different form of solar hot water that doesn't require panels on your roof. You can learn more about heat pumps here and REC and rebate information for heat pump systems can be viewed here.

State specific solar hot water rebate and REC information

Some Australian states offer additional incentives for householders to install solar hot water systems. The following links provide further details for arrangements in each state:

• South Australia

• Victoria

• New South Wales

• Northern Territory

• Australian Capital Territory

• Western Australia

• Queensland

• Tasmania

South Australia solar hot water rebates

Please note the South Australian solar hot water rebate scheme is ending and systems installed after 30 June will not be eligible for a rebate; however REC/STC assistance will still be available. 

The South Australian Government's Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme provides a rebate of $500 on the cost of a new solar or electric heat pump water heater system installed on or after 1st July 2008.

The Rebate Scheme is targeted at low income households to help them comply with the Performance Standards for Domestic Water Heater Installations, effective from the 1st July 2008.  These new standards aim to increase the uptake of high-efficiency gas, solar and electric heat pump water heaters.

Eligibility Criteria

The following table summarises hot water systems eligible for the rebate:

The water heater must be eligible for a minimum of 18 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in ORER zone 3, regardless of the zone in which it is installed.  A list of eligible systems is available in the Register of Solar Water Heaters.

Eligible applicants are home owners who install a complying water heater, as outlined above, to serve their principal place of residence; and at the time of installation, hold at least one of the following Australian Government concession cards:

• Centrelink Health Care Card
• Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Concession Card
• Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card - Totally and Permanently Incapacitated
• Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card - War Widow
• Department of Veterans' Affairs - Extreme Disablement Adjustment

Please note that Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and Medicare card are not eligible, or are pensioner allowance or retirement funds paid by foreign countries.

If you live in Port Augusta, Miranda or Stirling North you may be eligible for a rebate under the Flinders Power Scheme.  Contact the Port Augusta City Council on (08) 8641 9152 for further details.

Applying for the Rebate

From 1st July 2008, eligible home owners will have six (6) months from the date of completed installation, as per the Electrical or Gas Certificate of Compliance, to lodge their rebate applications.

To apply for the Solar Hot Water Rebate, download the Rebate Application Form

Victoria solar hot water rebates

The Victorian government solar hot water rebate has now closed; however REC/STC financial incentives are still available.

Western Australia solar hot water rebates

Western Australia's Solar Water Heater Subsidy Scheme has now closed, but REC (STC) incentives are still current.

 
Northern Territory solar hot water rebates

Residents may be eligible for an additional rebate of up to $1,000. The level of  rebate depends on the modifications required to the roof. The rebate applies only to solar hot water systems that replace electric systems and attract at least 20 RECs under the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target. Further details.

*Conditions apply

** Indicates whether a situation is eligible for a financial incentive through the Australian Government's Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) scheme. F

You can also check the REC information for each solar hot water system we stock via the Australian Government's register of solar hot water heaters (PDF) in conjunction with this postcode zone table

Queensland solar hot water rebates

The Queensland Government announced on 22 June 2012 that the Solar Hot Water Rebate was closed. REC/STC assistance still applies.

New South Wales solar hot water rebates

The NSW Government solar hot water rebate has ended, but REC/STC incentives still apply.

ACT solar hot water rebates

The ACT Energy Wise program is now closed. REC/STC's still apply

Tasmania solar hot water rebates

There are no rebates available in Tasmania for solar hot water, aside from RECs/STCs, with Hobart City being the exception.

Hobart City Council offers Hobart ratepayers a $500 rebate for systems purchased and installed before June 30, 2013.

Further details and an application form can be viewed here

You can also check the REC information for each solar hot water system via the Australian Government's register of solar hot water heaters in conjunction with this postcode zone table