Rebates and assistance
Check what Australian Government rebates are available to all Australians.
And then check what rebates are available in your state.
Australia Government Rebates
Renewable power incentive
You maybe entitled to Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) if your Small-scale Generation Unit (SGU), such as small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind or hydro unit, is eligible. These certificates can then be sold and transferred to a STC agent (usually electricity retailers) or sold in the STC market or through the STC Clearing House. A STC agent will offer you a financial benefit such as an up-front discount or delayed cash payment when you assign your STCs to them. A majority of owners take this option.
For more details visit the Australian Government's Office of Renewable Energy Regulator solar panels web page and the Fact sheet: Support for small-scale renewable energy systems web page.
Related action: Generate your own electricity
Solar Hot Water Rebate (Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme)
The Government announced on 28 February 2012 that the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme – Solar Hot Water Rebate (REBS) will close on 30 June 2012.
REBS was available to help eligible home-owners, landlords or tenants to replace their electric storage hot water systems with solar or heat pump hot water systems.
If you have installed a system prior to 28 February 2012, your application must reach the Department within 122 days from the date of installation.
If you purchased or ordered (and paid a deposit) for a system up to 28 February 2012, but installed it after 28 February 2012, applications must be received by the Department by 30 June 2012.
For more details about the Solar Hot Water Rebate visit the Climate Change and Energy efficiency website.
Related action: Install solar hot water
LPG gas vehicle conversion
The LPG Vehicle Scheme offers grants of $2,000 towards the purchase of a new vehicle already fitted with LPG or a grant of $1,500 for the LPG conversion of a new or used vehicle.
To check your eligibility and download an application form visit the AusIndustry LPG Vehicle Scheme website. You can also ring the AusIndustry Hotline on 13 28 46 or email hotline@ausindustry.gov.au
Related action: Buy an efficient car
Queensland
Solar Bonus Scheme
The Queensland Solar Bonus Scheme rewards households that install solar power (photovoltaic – PV) renewable energy systems by paying them for the excess electricity that they generate.
For more details visit the Queensland Government's Office of Clean Energy website.
Related action: Generate your own electricity
Solar hot water and heat pump rebate
Queensland households can access rebates of $600 or $1,000 (for eligible pensioners and low income earners) to replace an electric hot water system with a solar hot water system or heat pump.
For more details and to check your eligibility visit the Queensland Government’s Solar Hot Water Rebate web page on the Do the Bright Thing website.
Related action: Install solar hot water
Home energy and water assessments and incentives
The ClimateSmart Home Service can help Queensland residents improve their household energy and water efficiency. The home service involves a qualified electrician visiting your home to do an energy audit and provide you with a range of products and services to help save energy and water.
The service costs $50 and could save you hundreds on your energy and water bills each year.
For more details, and to book online, visit the ClimateSmart Home Service website.
Some local councils also offer rebates for purchasing water saving devices. Contact your local council to find out.
Related action: Install efficient appliances and fixtures
ecoBiz rebate
ecoBiz is a free eco-efficiency program providing self-assessment tools, training and information developed to guide Queensland business to improve efficiencies and resource use for financial and environmental benefits.
For more details visit the ecoBiz web page.
Related action: Make your business carbon neutral