Solar Rebates
The Queensland State Government
In Queensland, the State Government discontinued its solar water heater rebates in 2005 but they have introduced legislation that bans the installation of electric storage water heaters in all but a few types of new home constructions. In such cases, the plans for your new home will not be approved by local government councils unless a greenhouse-friendly hot water system is included.
Increased demand and consequent competition have resulted in lower capital costs for consumers and when this is combined with the RECs rebate (see below), choosing a solar hot water system is a very attractive option.
Full details of the new Sustainable Housing building codes can be obtained from the website of the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency at http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/.
Because of the impact of cheap off-peak electricity together with new home builders commonly installing cheap electric storage water heaters over the years, Queensland has a major greenhouse problem caused by the high numbers of electric water heaters currently in use. Some estimates indicate that around 95% of Queensland homes have electric water heaters at present. This problem is further aggravated when an electric water heater breaks down and is replaced with another electric water heater despite the RECs rebate being applicable if solar is chosen.
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Replacing an existing electric water heater with a solar hot water system |
RECs only |
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Replacing an existing electric water heater with an electric or gas boosted solar hot water system |
$1,000 Federal Rebate* Plus RECs |
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Replacing an existing electric water heater with a 5 Star energy efficient gas hot water system |
$300 State rebate |
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Installing an electric or gas boosted solar hot water system in a new home |
RECs only |
*conditions apply
If you want to replace your existing gas or electric hot water system with a solar hot water system, contact us today.
The Queensland State Government also offers a $300 rebate for replacing an existing electric water heater with an eligible gas hot water system with a minimum 5 Star energy efficiency rating. Full details are available at www.dme.qld.gov.au/gasrebate.
Click here for more information about the Federal Government RECs rebates. | 
