There is plenty of confusion in the industry at the moment with the current rebates available, So we've just organised a simple page that lets you know the main/relevant rebates that are available at the moment, how to claim them, and also links to their appropriate 'application form' .

 
Here is a quick run down on the current rebates available in New South Wales:
 
 
As of the 15th January 2010, the NSW Govt will give $300 towards replacing your existing electric hot water system with a new solar hot water system*
 
The Federal Govt gives $1000 towards replacing your existing electric hot water with a new solar hot water system.
This rebate was also tied up with the roof insulation, so if you have claimed that rebate lately, you will NOT be eligible for this rebate.
Note: All systems installed after 21st April 2010 have only 2 Months from install date to submit their rebate paperwork!
 
RECS Rebate: $Variable
Probably the most confusing rebate is the 'RECS' (Renewable Energy Certificates), BUT in simple terms, Each Solar hot water system is allocated a certain amount of 'RECS' that it is worth. The RECS are traded, so the value of these certificates goes up and down in relation to a few things, but mainly supply & demand.
 
To calculate the RECS Rebate, you Multiply the amount of RECS allocated to the system, by the current value the RECS are trading at, for example:
 
Apricus 30 Tube 315 ltr GLEM is worth 35 RECS, If the current value of the recs is $30/rec, The total RECS rebate is (35 x $30) $1050,
The current value can be found on our homepage

 

 
 

 
Solar 5X Multiplier or 'Super Recs' Scheme: $Variable
The "5X Multiplier" is again based on the 'RECS' pricing so it does fluctuate. The good thing with this rebate is it is available to both Grid Connect and Stand Alone solar power systems, and can also be claimed by businesses as well as 'private' customers.

It is very confusing in the way that it is worked out... but here is a way to give a fairly accurate estimation of what you will receive:

Again each sized system has a certain number of 'RECS' assigned to it (eg. 1.57kw Grid Connect system = 31 RECS) the RECS are then multiplied by the current value, and then multiplied by 5.

Any systems bigger than 1.5 kw can claim the "Super RECS" for the first 1.5kw, and only the standard REC'S for the rest of the system.
 
For a more detailed explanation on how to calculate the 'Super RECS' visit:  www.orer.gov.au

 
 
NSW Solar Bonus Scheme: Feed In Tariff $0.60c/kW
The NSW Government announced on the 1st January 2010 that they will pay owners of Grid Connect solar power systems a credit of $0.60c/kW for ALL solar power produced.
 
This is what they call a "Gross Feed in Tariff" it makes purchasing and installing solar power systems much more attractive, and cuts the "payback" period of the Solar systems down to a reasonable timeframe of approximately 5-7years (depending on system size, location etc.)
 
How it works: When  your new Grid connect system is installed, your usage meter is changed over to a "Gross Meter" which reads your household usage, and also reads your solar production. When  you receive your bill, you are charged for your total usage, and credited for your total solar production.
 
The Key features of the NSW Solar Bonus Scheme include:
  • It credits customers with a "gross" feed-in tariff rate of 60 cents per kilowatt hour for all the electricity that their eligible solar photovoltaic (PV) system or wind turbine generates.
  • Small electricity customers (annual usage under 160megawatt hours) are eligible to participate in the scheme
  • Solar PV systems and wind turbines up to 10 kilowatts in size will be eligible for the scheme
  • The 60c/kwH will be fixed for the life of the scheme
  • The scheme commenced on 1 January 2010 and will operate for 7 years*
  • *The scheme will be reviewed in 2012, or when the installed capacity of renewable energy generators participating in the scheme reaches 50 megawatts, whichever occurs first.

  

NSW Govt Rebate: Up to $1500 - NSW Govt. Water Tank Rebate Form Download
You can claim up to $1,500 off the cost of a residential water tank installation, the rebate is calculated depending on the size and application of the water tank.
• 2,000ltr - 3,999ltr can claim $150
• 4,000ltr - 6,999ltr can claim $400
• 7000ltrs and over can claim $500
 
This figure is for the "purchase of the tank" only, If you decide to run a toilet & laundry from your tank, you can claim another $1,000 ($500 for toilet connection, $500 for laundry connection). Just keep in mind... when you do connect water into your house/mains supply, you also need to factor in the cost of a pressure pump, and also the price of installation by a licensed plumber.*
 
Federal Govt Rebate: Up to $500 - Fed Govt. Water Tank Rebate Form
The Federal Govt. give a rebate for people adding a rainwater tank to an existing house of:
• $400 for tanks 2,000ltr to 3,999ltr
• $500 for tanks 4000ltr or larger.
The water tank MUST be plumbed inside the house by a licensed plumber to claim this rebate. This $500 can also be used towards a 'Grey water system' if you do not wish to purchase rainwater tanks etc.
 
 
*(note: the NSW Govt has also capped the TOTAL rebates you can claim from their "Home Saver Rebates" at $1,500. This includes the Hot water rebate, the water tank rebate, washing machine rebate etc. so it is advised to use the rebates that will make the most difference to your household energy