Solar Hot Water Rebate Program
The process for applying for the Solar Hot Water Rebate changed on 8 April 2008. The process has been streamlined to make it easier for applicants.
- Eligibility requirements
- How to apply - applicant information booklet (includes all you need to know in one handy document - guidelines, checklist & FAQs)
- Application form
- What is the role of the installer?
- Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
The Australian Government is helping Australian households install climate friendly hot water technologies. Rebates of $1000 are available in eligible circumstances to install solar and heat pump hot water systems to replace electric storage hot water systems in existing privately owned homes.
The rebate is offered for systems installed on, or after 18 July 2007 until March 2012, subject to the availability of funds.
This measure will mean households can save money and help fight global warming. Water heating is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions from the average Australian home, accounting for around 28 per cent of home energy use (excluding the family car).
Installing a climate friendly hot water system can save a family $300 to $700 off electricity bills each year.
Eligibility requirements
Full details of eligibility are provided in the guidelines in the Applicant Information Booklet. Key criteria are listed below.
Eligible systems
To be eligible for the rebate, a hot water system must:
- replace an electric storage hot water system
- be purchased and installed on, or after 18 July 2007
- be a solar or heat pump hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at the time and place of installation
- be installed by a suitably qualified person (for example an electrician or plumber).
Eligible households
- The dwelling where the hot water system is installed must be a principal place of residence.
- The applicant's taxable family income must have been less than $100,000 in the most recent tax year as lodged with the Australian Taxation Office.
How to apply
Important information
- Applying for the rebate is straightforward, simple and free.
- Only individuals aged 18 years and over who are the owner or tenant of the dwelling are eligible to apply.
- Only apply for the rebate after the system has been installed.
- The rebate is not available as a point of sale discount nor can a retailer, installer or commercial business apply for the rebate on behalf of their customers.
- To claim a rebate, the applicant will need to submit an application using the Application Form.
- An applicant has up to six months after an eligible system is installed to submit an Application Form.
- The applicant should allow 8 weeks for the application to be processed.
- An applicant must submit a copy of their purchase receipt with their application. No other supporting documentation is to be submitted with the application.
- The Solar Hot Water Rebate Program requires the applicant to agree that, if requested, they will provide evidence to support claims made in the application as part of an audit process to ensure the applicant has met all program guidelines. For example, proof of system installation, income eligibility or allowing an authorised representative access to your property may be requested at a later date.
Application information
Applicants should read all material and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
- Download the Solar Hot Water Rebate Applicant Information Booklet (PDF - 228KB) (a booklet incorporating all documents and information you will need on the rebate)
- Download the Solar Hot Water Rebate Applicant Information Booklet (RFT - 1035KB)
The applicant will need the following information:
- Date of installation of your new solar or heat pump hot water system.
- BSB Number - 6 digit number which identifies the bank/financial institution and branch where your bank account is held.
- Bank Account Number where the rebate is to be deposited.
Application Form
You can apply by using the application form included in the applicant information booklet or by downloading and printing the form below and sending it to:
Solar Hot Water Rebate Program
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
- Download the Application Form as a PDF file
- Download the Application Form as an MSWord file
For more information you can also contact our national information line on 1800 808 571.
What is the role of the installer?
To be eligible for the rebate, a hot water system must be installed by a licensed electrician or plumber as required under standard regulations. The licensed installer must sign your application form verifying that:
- The system is a new and complete hot water system that replaces an existing electric storage hot water system previously operational at the dwelling.
- The system is eligible for at least 20 RECs at the time and place of installation.
- Installers are also required to provide other technical and installation details including the tank number of the new system and the installation date. Installers are aware of the process and have easy access to the information.
It should take no more than a few minutes for them to complete their part of the form.
We recommend you seek around three quotes to ensure you are getting the best value for your system.
- Download the Plumbers information guide (PDF - 52KB) - a quick guide for installers
- Download the Plumbers information guide (RTF - 60KB) - a quick guide for installers
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
Under the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) - a scheme set up under Commonwealth law to promote the development of renewable energy - installation of solar and heat pump hot water heaters may be eligible to create Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). While households can create and trade these certificates on their own, Registered Agents may create and trade RECs on behalf of households. Registered Agents will generally pay the household for the right to create RECs, meaning the cost of the hot water system to the household is reduced. This will provide additional cost reductions to eligible hot water systems.
To be eligible for the Solar Hot Water Rebate, a hot water system must be eligible for at least 20 RECs at the time of purchase at the installation address. A list of eligible systems is available in the Register of Solar Water Heaters
Hot water system retailers can also advise you on the number of RECs assigned to a system.
More information about RECs is available on the Office of the Renewable Energy website:
- Renewable Energy Certificates - www.orer.gov.au/recs
- Solar Hot Water Heaters - www.orer.gov.au/swh
For more information on the Solar Hot Water Rebate please call 1800 808 571
Rebates & grants
Related sites
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