The Federal Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has created opportunities for residents (and community groups) to install energy and water efficiency products in buildings. Visit the website for details. Further information and application forms are available from the website or by calling the number listed for each program.

Solar Credits


The Solar Credits program, under the Renewable Energy Target (RET) Legislation is now available. It is not a rebate as such, but provides incentives for persons installing small scale solar panels, hydroelectric systems and wind turbines by trading their Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), at a multiplied rate, to receive a financial return.

Applicants can either trade their STCs through a registered agent (often through the retailer/installer) or trading them directly on the market. It is generally recommended to trade through a registered agent to ensure the process is relatively simple. 

STCs are created through calculations which depend on the system being installed, the zone (Bathurst is in Zone 3), the size of the system and the deeming period. To calculate how many Solar Credits or STCs you can receive for your system, visit the REC Registry website.  Further information is also available by downloading the Solar Credits fact sheet.

The Federal Government will pay a multiplied amount for a period of time, as shown in the table below. The number of STCs created is sold at the market rate and then multiplied by the listed amount. For instance, if STCs are worth $20 each, and 100 have been created through your installation, this is then multiplied by 3 which results in $6,000 being received.

The Solar Credits program is administered through the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER). Please visit the ORER website for further information or talk to your local registered installer or agent.

To find an accredited local installer, visit the Clean Energy Council Solar PV Accreditation List.

Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme – Solar Hot Water & Heat Pumps

Replaces the Solar Hot Water component of the Energy Efficient Homes Package.  There have been significant changes to this programme.

How much is the rebate?

Eligible households can claim a rebate of $1,000 for a solar hot water system or $600 for a heat pump hot water system through the rebate. This rebate applies for systems ordered and purchased from 20 February 2010.

Full details of eligibility are provided in the guidelines. Key criteria are listed below:- 

• 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 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).
• Rebate application must be received within 4 months (112 days) of installation.

Further information is available on phone 1800 808 571, by downloading the application form or by visiting the DEWHA website.
 
National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative

This program has now closed to new installations.

The Australian Government has announced that it will no longer be providing rebates for rainwater tanks or greywater systems under the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative. Rainwater tanks or greywater systems purchased after 10 May 2011 will not be eligible for an Australian Government rebate.

Householders may still apply for a rebate for rainwater tanks or greywater systems that were purchased on or before 10 May 2011. However all applications must be received by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities by 10 November 2011. Applications will not be accepted after this time.

For more information visit the website.

*Disclaimer: Bathurst Regional Council is not administering the above listed rebate programs and holds no responsibility for any errors in information. Though all care has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the listed rebates are subject to change at any time without notice.

Conditions may apply. Applicants may have to meet all/some of the conditions for each applicable rebate. Some rebates are means tested on household income. Some households may not be able to choose more than 1 rebate from each applicable Government program. Some programs will change significantly so it is up to the applicant to ensure that they still meet the eligibility requirements at time of application.

For up to date information regarding a specific rebate, please visit the listed website or call the relevant number listed.