Federal and State Government Solar Hot Water Rebates

The Federal Government and the Queensland Government are offering rebates to eligible households that replace their electric hot water system with a solar hot water system or heat pump.  

This could represent significant savings off the cost of a new system and ongoing savings off your electricity bills.

The following outlines the key criteria for each of the Federal and State Government rebates on offer. All details should be confirmed with the relevant government bodies providing the rebate and responsible for its administration. Further details can be found on the websites below, including the application process and relevant forms to make your application:

• Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate 
• Federal Government Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme (refer Solar Hot Water Rebate)
• Federal Government Renewable Energy Certificates
   

QLD Solar Hot Water Rebate

The Queensland Government is offering a rebate for eligible households of $600 or $1,000 (for pensioners and low income earners) who replace their electric storage hot water system with a solar hot water system or heat pump.  

• Attract at least 20 RECs (Renewable Energy Certificates)
• Replace an existing electric storage hot water system installed at a principal place of residence in Queensland
• Have been purchased on or after 13 April 2010
• Meet eligibility requirements and minimum warranty periods

• Installation must be completed by licensed plumbers, electricians and gasfitters (with current BSA, contracting and occupational/trade licences)
• Sellers must provide proof of purchase information
• Sellers and installers must sign the relevant forms in the rebate guideline and provide their licence details (if the seller arranges installation, they must also hold a suitable BSA licence).

To find out more about the Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate  or call 134 3876 527. 

Before buying and installing a new system, download the Rebate Guideline and Application and read the Important Information (including eligibility criteria). 

Federal Government Rebate

Rebates: $1,000 for installation of eligible solar hot water systems or $600 for installation of eligible heat pump.
Full details of eligibility for the Federal Government rebates are provided in their guidelines, however the following outlines the key requirements:

• Rebates are only available to people who have not previously received assistance to install ceiling insulation through the Home Insulation Program or the Homeowner Insulation Program at this address
• The purchaser must be an Australian resident or permanent resident and must be the owner or tenant of the dwelling where the system is being installed, or provide evidence of landlord approval
• The system must replace an existing electric storage hot water system
• An owner-occupier, landlord or tenant can apply for the rebate as long as the dwelling where the hot water system is installed is a principal place of residence
• The system must be installed and certified by a suitably qualified person (for example, an electrician and/or plumber)
• Eligible systems must generate 20 renewable energy certificates (RECs) or more, at the time of purchase
• You can 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, you need to submit an application using the application form found on the Federal Government website
• You have up to two months (62 days) after an eligible system is installed to submit an application form
• You will need to attach a copy of your purchase receipts, which clearly indicate you've installed a solar hot water or heat pump hot water system with the application. No other supporting documentation is required
• You are required to agree that, if requested, you will provide evidence to support claims made in the application as part of an audit process to ensure you meet the program guidelines. For example, allowing an authorised inspector access to your system
• You should allow eight weeks for the application to be processed
• Incomplete forms will be returned to the applicant without processing
• Rebates will be paid into a personal bank account.

When Applicants will not be eligible:

• The dwelling is not a principal place of residence (i.e. a holiday home)
• The applicant is not an individual
• The system replaces or is in addition to an existing solar or heat pump system
• The system replaces a system that is not an electric storage hot water system i.e. gas/solar/electric continuous flow
• The system will be used for non-domestic purposes and/or used to heat swimming pools/spas
• The system is a solar water retrofit – i.e. adding solar panels to a storage tank unit
• The system is installed on a new home or rebuilt home.

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 and provide the system serial number verifying that:

• The system has been installed in accordance with the relevant building standards and government requirements
• 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.

Licensed installers are aware of the process and have easy access to the information. 

Claiming Federal and State Government Rebates

Under Federal and State Government Rebate Application guidelines, residents must apply directly for the rebate using the appropriate forms as provided by the relevant government agency.  Further information, including application forms can be found on the government websites:

• Federal Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
• Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate 

For both Federal Government and Queensland Government rebates, the customer needs to provide evidence of the payment in full for the system, or otherwise provide evidence of a deferred payment plan.