NEW... Announced on 19 February, 2010, the Federal Government has scrapped its Solar Hot Water Rebate program and replaced it with the Household Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme. Now, households installing a solar water heater that replaces an electric storage water heater in an existing residential dwelling could be eligible to receive $1000, or $600 if replacing an electric water heater with a Heat Pump.

Eligibility Criteria

• $1000 rebate applies to installations of solar water heaters replacing electric water heaters
• $600 rebate applies to installations of heat pump water heaters replacing electric water heaters
• The household must be a residential dwelling, and a principle place of residence. Tenanted dwellings are also included
• Rebate is not means tested
• Solar water heaters or heat pump water heaters must be eligible to receive a minimum of 20 RECs
• Not available for new homes, or knock down rebuild construction
• Available for systems purchased and installed between 20 February, 2010 and 31 March, 2012
• Rebate must be applied for within 6 months (or 184 days) of the installation date
• The new water heater must be installed by a licensed plumber
• Households cannot claim both the Solar Hot Water rebate and the Ceiling Insulation Rebate ie they can only apply for one of these rebates (except when the household has claimed the $1000 Federal Solar Hot Water Rebate under the previous arrangement, can a portion of the ceiling insulation rebate still be applied for)
• Visit www.environment.gov.au for more information

Payment

• Payment is made by the Federal Government (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage & the Arts) directly to the householder
• Payment will be made by direct deposit. Bank account details are required to be completed on the rebate application form.
• Payment usually takes approximately 8 weeks