Rebates for sustainable living

There are currently a range of generous rebates available that make home solar panels, solar hot water systems, insulation, rainwater tanks and greywater systems more affordable.

The information provided below is a very brief summary of the rebates currently available. Each of the rebates has very specific criteria. You should refer to the relevant webpages and rebate fact sheets for more information. Eurobodalla Shire Council cannot provide answers about your eligibility for Australian or NSW Government grants. The information below is for general information only.

   Residential Rebate Fact Sheet (137kb)

For more information on rebates, specific eligibility criteria and copies of application forms call:

• Eurobodalla Shire Council  -  (02)  4474 1000

• NSW Government Residential Rebate Program - 1300 361 967

• Australian Government Energy Efficienct Homes Program - 1800 808 571

 

Rebates on hot water systems

• Renewable Energy Certificates:  Renewable Energy Certificates (REC’s) are an electronic form of currency established to promote renewable energy generation by the Australian Government.  Typically a solar hot water system will be eligible for between 10 and 64 RECs, depending on location (climate) and system type.  To create and sell a REC one must be a registered agent, so check this with your supplier or installer who should be able to claim on your behalf.   For more information see the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator website (http://www.orer.gov.au/swh/index.html).

• Solar hot water rebate programme:  This is an Australian Government rebate. A rebate of $1,600 will be paid to eligible home-owners that have not already accessed the Insulating Australian Households Rebate (see below). Eligible households can replace existing electric hot water systems in existing homes with solar and heat pump hot water systems. For full rebate criteria and more information see the Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts website (http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/solarhotwater/).

• Residential Rebate Program – Hot Water System Rebate:  This is a NSW Government rebate.  Up to $1200 is available to switch from electric to solar or heat pump hot water systems eligible for at least 20 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The system must be installed within a residential property in NSW. Hot water systems installed to comply with the NSW Government’s BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes and major renovations are not eligible for the rebate.  For full rebate criteria and more information see the Department of Environment and Climate Change website (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates/ccfhws.htm).

Rebates on solar panels (photovoltaic systems)

• The Solar Homes and Communities Program: The Australian Government has recently closed this program.  To find out about the early closure of this program see http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/renewable/pv/faqs.html#program. The government has replaced this program with the 'Solar Credits' program, pending the approval of this legislation in Parliament. To find out more about the 'Solar Credits' program see http://www.climatechange.gov.au/renewabletarget/.

Rebates on ceiling insulation

• Insulating Australian Households: This is an Australian Government program.  You are eligible for free ceiling insulation up to the value of $1,600 if you are a home owner-occupier, don't already have ceiling insulation, are installing insulation in an existing home on or after 3 February 2009 (excludes new homes or extensions to existing homes), and are an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 years or over. You will not be eligible for this offer if you chose to claim the Australian Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate offer (see above). After 1 July all you will need to do is ring 1800 808 571 and make a booking. Full guidelines on eligibility will be available after 26 February 2009. For more information see the Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts website (http://www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/insulation-homeowner.html).

• Residential Rebate Program – NSW ceiling insulation rebate: This is a NSW Government rebate.  The rebate covers half the cost of installing ceiling insulation in your home, up to a maximum of $300. All insulation materials that can be installed in ceilings are eligible, including glass fibre, rock wool, wool, polyester, cellulose, fibre, polystyrene, and reflective foil.  Insulation installed to comply with BASIX (the NSW Government’s Building Sustainability Index) for new homes or major renovations is not eligible for a rebate.  For full rebate criteria and more information see the Department of Environment and Climate Change website (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates/ccfcir.htm).

Rebates on rainwater tanks

• National Rainwater & Greywater Initiative: This is an Australian Government program. Rebates of up to $500 are offered to households for either a) The purchase and installation of a new rainwater tank which is connected for internal reuse of the water for toilet and/or laundry use; or b) The purchase and installation of a permanent greywater treatment system.  For full guidelines on eligibility and criteria see the Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts website (http://www.environment.gov.au/water/programs/nrgi/index.html )

• Residential Rebate Program – Rainwater Tank Rebate: This is a NSW Government rebate. Up to $1500 rebate will be paid on the installation of a residential water tank. Rebates are paid for both the purchase price of tank and installation / plumbing costs if the tank is connected to toilets and/or washing machines. Tanks installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes, major renovations or pool installations are not eligible for a rebate. For full criteria and more information see the Department of Environment and Climate Change website (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates/ccfrtw.htm).

• Eurobodalla Rainwater Tank Rebate: This is a Eurobodalla Shire Council rebate. Up to $1500 rebate will be paid on the installation of a water tank, provided the tank has been connected to at a minimum of toilets or washing machines and the building is connected to the Council mains water supply.  If more than one tank is installed, it’s the combined size that counts. The tank(s) must have a minimum 2000-litre capacity. For full rebate criteria and more information see information on Eurobodalla’s Water Saving Incentive Scheme (http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/site/Water/waterSaving.html).

Rebates on water efficient washing machines

• Residential Rebate Program – NSW Washing Machine Rebate:  This is a NSW Government Rebate.  $150 rebate will be paid on any 4.5 star water efficient washing machine purchased between 1 August 2008 and 30 June 2010. The machine must be for personal use and installed in a residential property in NSW. Only one rebate is available per property. . For full rebate criteria and more information see the Department of Environment and Climate Change website (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates/ccfwmr.htm)

• Eurobodalla water efficient washing machine rebate: This is a Eurobodalla Shire Council rebate. $150 rebate will be paid for the purchase of an eligible washing machine. The machine must be rated 4 stars or higher under the Commonwealth Government Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS). The building must be connected to the Council mains water supply.  Only one rebate is available per property. For full rebate criteria and more information see information on Eurobodalla’s Water Saving Incentive Scheme (http://www.esc.nsw.gov.au/site/Water/waterSaving.html).

Other opportunities

• Low Emission Plan for Renters - Information for landlords and renters:: Landlords are eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000 to install thermal insulation in their rental properties. Guidelines on eligibility and how to apply for the rebate will be available by 26 February by calling 1800 808 571. For more information see the Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts website (http://www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/insulation-renter.html)

• Green Loans Scheme: The Australian Government's Green Loans Program will assist Australian families to install solar, water saving, and energy efficient products. The government will provide detailed, quality household sustainability assessments, green renovations packs and provide access to low interest Green Loans of up to $10,000 each. For more details see the Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts website (http://www.environment.gov.au/greenloans/index.html )