Solar Hot Water Rebate

In order to help homeowners, landlords or tenant replace their electric storage hot water systems with solar or heat pump hot water systems the Australian Government is offering a rebate of $1000 for the solar hot water system or $600 for the heat pump hot water system. The State Government also offers a $300 rebate for energy efficient Hot water systems.

This offer was a part of the Governments Energy Efficient Homes Package which came into effect on 3 February 2009.

This hot water system rebate helps you save money on your power bills and reduce your household’s greenhouse gas emissions. Accounting for around 25% of the home energy you use is the electric storage hot water systems.

Installing a climate friendly hot water system can save a family up to $700 off their energy bills each year.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

$300 from the state Government
$600 from the federal Government
$1140 in renewable energy certificates*

What is the Solar Hot Water Rebate?

The Solar Hot Water Rebate component of the Australian Government's Energy Efficiency Homes Program provides rebates of $6000 to eligible applicants to install solar and heat pump hot water systems in existing homes. The new hot water system must replace an electric storage hot water system which are the most greenhouse intensive of household hot water systems and generate the largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

The rebate encourages switching to alternative hot water technologies by addressing the up-front cost barriers to climate friendly systems, which also deliver low operating costs for the household.

The rebate is to help households replace existing electric storage hot water systems. Rebates are not available for replacing older solar or gas hot water systems.

Who can apply for the rebate?

Applicants for the hot water heater rebate must be the owner or tenant of the dwelling where the system was installed. The application process is simple and straightforward and is completed at the time the new hot water system is being installed. Suppliers and installers of solar hot water systems cannot apply for the Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate Component on behalf of their customers.

Government Agencies or occupants of public housing are not eligible for this rebate.

Can I apply for the rebate if I am renting?

Yes. The system for which a rebate is being claimed must be installed at a principal place of residence. An applicant can be the owner or the tenant of the dwelling. A tenant should not install a system without approval from the owner of the dwelling. The sharing of any costs is a matter for the landlord and the tenant to negotiate. Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

Can I get the rebate for a system I install on my investment property?

Yes. The system for which a rebate is being claimed must be installed at a principal place of residence. There is no requirement that this is the applicant's principal place of residence. An owner may apply for a rebate on more than one property.
The sharing of any costs is a matter for the landlord and the tenant to negotiate.

Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

Are rebates available for holiday homes?

Rebates are not available for holiday homes. To ensure the largest environmental benefit will be achieved, the rebate program has been designed to replace electric storage hot water systems in principal places of residence.

Is the rebate means tested? No.

How will the payment be made?
Payment is made by electronic funds transfer into the bank account of successful applicants. Applicants must be the owner or tenant of the dwelling where the solar or heat pump hot water system was installed. The applicant provides a bsb and bank account number and the funds are directly deposited. Bank details will only be used to make the payment. Storage and disposal of bank account and other personal details will be managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.