The insulation component of the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme will be delayed until June to ensure all installers are certified. The insulation rebate will reduce from $1200 to $1000. Under the new scheme customers must pay installers up front and claim the rebate once the installation has taken place, like the solar hot water rebate.

Mr Garrett made the statement in his press release that “these changes that we are announcing today will ensure that we continue to help householders and businesses contribute to the important journey to a low carbon economy, dealing with greenhouse gas emissions by taking practical action in the households.”  

Save Money by Saving Energy

Eco Living Centre is at the forefront of remains at the forefront of practical sustainability with technologies which deliver high performance, low energy options, high safety standards, long life and hence low maintenance. Now induction lamps are revolutionising lighting for commercial and industrial applications, and are set to replace metal halides, fluorescent and high pressure sodium lamps.

Installations overseas to date and now here include lights for streets, tunnels, hospitals, airports, infrastructure (bridges, railways, dams etc), exhibitions, offices, factories, warehouses’ high and low bay areas, supermarkets, shopping malls, car parks etc, and in areas with hazardous operations such as explosives, mines and petroleum sites. There are also induction lamp options for homes and gardens.

An initiative of Willoughby City, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, North Sydney and Hunters Hill Councils, the online ClimateClever Shop will help householders access quality and discounted products in one easy online location.

“The online shop makes becoming sustainable in your home easy,” said Willoughby Mayor Pat Reilly.

“It really is a one-stop-shop for residents of the five council areas providing a range of quality environmental products selected by the five councils. Residents can simply visit the one website from the comfort of their own home to compare products and prices,” he said.

“Our councils have done the research for you and selected a range of preferred suppliers of efficient and quality solar photovoltaic systems, solar hot water systems, heat pump systems, rainwater tanks and GreenPower products to save you time, stress and money. A range of options within the five product categories will be available,” said Ku-ring-gai Mayor, Ian Cross.

“The online shop will offer residents of the participating council areas a discount and explain the relevant NSW and Australian Government rebates available. The site is a virtual one-stop-shop of products that will help residents reduce their carbon footprint and save money,” said Lane Cove Mayor, Win Gaffney.

“The suppliers were assessed against a number of criteria including product efficiency and quality, service levels, discounts and financial assistance. Ten fantastic local companies were successful and I’m pleased to say they have now been endorsed by all five councils,” said North Sydney Mayor, Genia McCaffery.

“The online ClimateClever Shop provides residents of the five council areas with a hassle free way to seek information on quality products and services from our suppliers. We are all incredibly excited about the launch of this website that will help our residents make sustainable choices for their homes,” said Hunters Hill Mayor, Susan Hoopman.

For more information visit www.climateclevershop.com.au or phone your local participating council.

The Australian Government has opened up its $1,600 solar hot water rebate to people who lost their homes in the Victorian bushfires in February 2009.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the rebate is not usually available for people building new homes, but the Government had made an exception for homes destroyed in the fires.

“This is another leg up to help these communities as they rebuild and it will have long-term environmental benefits as well,” Mr Garrett said.

“Solar hot water can save a family up to $700 on their energy bills and help cut down their impact on climate change – it’s one of the most simple and effective ways to make your home more energy efficient.”

Mr Garrett said the special arrangements target the 2,000 homes estimated to have been destroyed in the February 2009 bushfires, as well as the 1,400 that were left uninhabitable.

The bushfire change is part of adjustments made today to the Australian Government’s solar hot water rebate. From tomorrow, the rebate on heat pump systems will be reduced from $1,600 to $1000. This provides a fairer balance between the gap householders pay for a heat pump or solar hot water system. The $1,600 rebate on solar hot water systems is unchanged.

“Today’s changes will allow even more people to access the Government’s solar hot water rebate, maximising the benefits for households and the environment,” Mr Garrett said.

“Heat pumps are typically a lot cheaper than solar hot water systems, so this change provides a fairer balance between the gap that householders have to pay.

“We’re offering $1000 back on heat pump systems which can start at around $3000, and a $1,600 rebate on solar hot water systems which start at about $4,200.

“We know there will be some people affected by the transition - people who can show they bought their heat pump prior to 5 September 2009 can apply for the higher rebate.”

The special arrangements for Victorian bushfire communities require that households:

• are rebuilding a home they lost in the fires,
• are installing a solar or heat pump hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 renewable energy certificates, and
• are also installing a rainwater tank at the property that meets the criteria for the Victorian five star building standards.

Guidelines will be available from the website at www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency or by calling the hotline on 1800 808 571.

Household greenhouse gas emissions
A residential electric hot water system produces around four tonnes of greenhouse gases each year. That’s 2.5 times more greenhouse gases than other more efficient technologies and the equivalent of running an average sized car for a year.

Switching to low emission hot water systems
To help the 50 per cent of Australian households that have an electric hot water system to reduce their electricity bills and Australia’s greenhouse emissions, the Australian Government has committed to:

                Working with State and Territory Governments to phase-out greenhouse intensive hot water systems commencing in 2010, and

                Offering a rebate of up to $1,600 for eligible households to install solar hot water or heat pump systems.

 What support is available to help me make the switch?
Visit www.environment.gov.au/rebates/ to find out about the $1600 rebate for solar hot water heaters. Further rebates may be available from your state, territory and local government.

How will the phase out work?
During 2010, electric hot water systems will no longer be able to be installed in:

                 • any new detached, terraced and town houses; and

                • any existing detached, terraced and town houses that have access to piped gas, except where an exemption applies.

                During 2012, electric hot water systems will no longer be able to be installed in:

                any existing detached, terraced and town houses; and

                any new flats and apartments with access to piped gas, except where an exemption applies.

 
Who will the program apply to?
The phase out will apply in all States and Territories except where the emissions intensity of the public electricity supply is low (Tasmania).

Who will be exempt from this program?
Exemptions to the program are still under investigation. These decisions will be based on identifying situations where appropriate alternative technologies are not yet available or where there are significant additional costs.
 
What alternatives are available?
Builders of new houses and households replacing an existing hot water system will be able to choose from a range of low emission alternatives to suit their home, climate and budget including:

                Heat pump

                Gas

                Solar (electric or gas boosted)

 If I have access to piped natural gas, am I limited to installing a gas hot water system?
No. You are free to choose the low emission alternative that best suits your home, your climate and your budget.

Will I have to replace my currently working electric hot water system when the program commences?
No. There will be no requirement to replace a working electric hot water system. You will only have to purchase a low emission hot water system when your current one needs to be replaced.

Will I save money on my energy bills?
Yes, depending on the technology you install. A low emission hot water system, could save a family up to $700 on electricity bills each year. The more efficient the system, the greater the savings. 

Are there big greenhouse gas savings to be made?
Yes. Hot water systems account for around 23 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions from the average home. By phasing out the most inefficient systems, this program will save over 30 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over ten years. This is the equivalent of taking more than 750,000 cars off the road every year for ten years.

When will more information be available?
Detailed design of the program is currently underway and more information will be available throughout 2009.

How can I find out more?
Updates will be posted online at: www.environment.gov.au/settlements/energy efficiency/index.html For more suggestions on lowering your energy bills visit: www.yourhome.gov.au Search and compare appliances at: www.energyrating.gov.au

Solar hot water systems provide the greatest emission savings and account for 60 per cent of the hot water systems installed in NSW in 2007–2008 with the help of the rebate. Switching from an electric hot water system to a solar hot water system saves an average of 3.0 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year. Switching from electric to a heat pump system saves 2.4 tonnes and switching to gas saves 2.9 tonnes a year. Figure 1 shows the breakdown of hot water system rebate uptake by system type.

AS adapted from Department of Environment and Climate Change Annual Report 2007 - 2008

 The rebate, combined with Treasury forecasts of electricity price rises of between 17-24%, means there’s real incentive for householders to become more energy efficient. There hasn’t been a better time to invest in a solar water heater!

“This is heartening news not only for consumers, but also for local industry whose Head Office manufactures close by in Rydalmere, and of course, the environment” says Alistair Duncan the Director of Solahart Lower North Shore, based at the Eco Living Centre, 236 Victoria Road, Gladesville.

As the largest single power user in a home, water heating is also the home’s biggest contributor of household greenhouse gas emissions. Now the householder can increase the value of their home, reduce their power bills and help lower CO2 emissions.

The Federal Government rebates adds to the existing Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) and the NSW State Government rebate. “Overall, it’s a win-win for all. We are happy to give expert advice with a free site inspection to discuss the best option and to answer any queries. There has never been a better time to up-grade to a solar system” says Alistair.

Effective 3 February 2009 if installing a solar hot water system that replaces an electric storage system you are eligible to recieve this rebate no matter how much your household earns.

There hasn’t been a better time to buy solar hot water. With average rebates around $3700 available per household it makes installing a solar hot water system a very smart investment. A typical system will cost $1500 supplied and installed!

A Solahart system can save 55% -85% of your water heating consumption.* So with this great boost from the federal government and the known rise in energy costs in the near future, installing a solar hot water system is future proofing your home for what is forecast in our future.

Some frequently asked questions as stated on http://www.environment.gov.au/ are as follows

What is the Solar Hot Water Rebate?

The Solar Hot Water Rebate component of the Australian Government’s Energy Efficiency Homes Program provides rebates of $1,600 to eligible applicants to install solar and heat pump hot water systems in existing homes. The new hot water system must replace an electric storage hot water system which are the most greenhouse intensive of household hot water systems and generate the largest amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

The rebate encourages switching to alternative hot water technologies by addressing the up-front cost barriers to climate friendly systems, which also deliver low operating costs for the household.

The rebate is to help households replace existing electric storage hot water systems. Rebates are not available for replacing older solar or gas hot water systems.

There are two more rebates, a Renewable Energy Certificate (worth around $1300, but subject to fluctuations) and a NSW Government rebate of $800, for a typical system.

When can I apply for a rebate?

The Federal Government rebate is offered from 3 February 2009 until 31 March 2012, subject to the availability of funds for solar hot water systems installed from the 3 February 2009. No applications will be accepted after 31 March 2012. Applicants must apply for the rebate within six months of their new solar or heat pump hot water system being installed.

What is the deadline for applications?

Applicants must apply for the rebate within six months (184 days) of installing an eligible system.

Who can apply for the rebate?

Applicants for the rebate must be the owner or tenant of the dwelling where the system was installed. The application process is simple and straightforward and is completed at the time the new hot water system is being installed. Suppliers and installers of solar hot water systems cannot apply for the Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate Component on behalf of their customers.

Government Agencies or occupants of public housing are not eligible for this rebate.

How do I claim the solar hot water rebate?

Rebates of $1,600 will be available to home owners that have not already accessed the Insulating Australian Households rebate.

Can I apply for the rebate if I am renting?

Yes. The system for which a rebate is being claimed must be installed at a principal place of residence. An applicant can be the owner or the tenant of the dwelling.

A tenant should not install a system without approval from the owner of the dwelling. The sharing of any costs is a matter for the landlord and the tenant to negotiate.

Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

If my system was installed before the 3 February 2009, can I get the new rebate?

No, unfortunately if your system was installed prior to 3 February 2009, you are only entitled to the rebate that was available at the time (i.e. means tested $1000 rebate).

I installed my system before the 3 February 2009 can I still apply under the $1000 rebate.

Yes, provided you meet the eligibility requirements (i.e. $100,000 means test). Applications for the previous $1,000 rebate will be accepted until 2 August 2009.

Are rebates available for new homes or those which are rebuilt?

In order to maximise the environmental outcomes of the program, solar hot water systems installed on new houses are not eligible for the rebate. In comparison to existing housing stock, new homes are generally more energy efficient. Some state governments also regulate the energy efficiency of hot water systems installed in new homes. Furthermore, it is more expensive to install energy efficient hot water systems onto existing homes than onto new homes.

Houses that are rebuilt are classed as new houses and therefore are not eligible for the rebate.

The Australian Government provides an incentive to all households to install climate friendly hot water systems in the form of renewable energy certificates (RECs). RECs are assigned by the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator as part of the Renewable Energy Target scheme and reflect the deemed value of equivalent renewable energy generation over a ten year period. These certificates are tradable and commonly provide a discount of over $1,000 from the up front cost of the average solar hot water system.

Can I still apply for other State or Territory rebates?

Yes. An application for the Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate Component will not be affected by any rebates that other governments may offer. For details on other rebates, you will need to follow up with your relevant state or territory authority.

Can I get the rebate for a system I install on my investment property?

Yes. The system for which a rebate is being claimed must be installed at a principal place of residence. There is no requirement that this is the applicant’s principal place of residence. An owner may apply for a rebate on more than one property.

The sharing of any costs is a matter for the landlord and the tenant to negotiate.

Regardless of whether you are an owner or a tenant, all other eligibility requirements must be met.

Are rebates available for holiday homes?

Rebates are not available for holiday homes. To ensure the largest environmental benefit will be achieved, the rebate program has been designed to replace electric storage hot water systems in principal places of residence.

Is the rebate means tested?

No

How will the payment be made?

Payment is made by electronic funds transfer into the bank account of successful applicants. Applicants must be the owner or tenant of the dwelling where the solar or heat pump hot water system was installed. The applicant provides a bsb and bank account number and the funds are directly deposited. Bank details will only be used to make the payment. Storage and disposal of bank account and other personal details will be managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

What is my BSB and bank account number?

A BSB number is a unique 6-digit code that identifies the bank/financial institution and branch where your bank account is held. It can generally be found on your bank statement.

Your bank account number can also be found on your bank statement. Bank account numbers are always nine digits or less. They are not the 16 digit number that appear on your credit/debit card.

It is important that you enter the correct BSB and account numbers, otherwise payment cannot be processed.

If you are still unsure, your bank or financial institution will be able provide you with your bank account and BSB number.

When will my payment be credited to my account?

For successful applicants payment will be credited directly to their Australian bank account within 8 weeks of receiving a completed and eligible application form.

What is a solar retrofit and why isn’t it eligible for the rebate?

Solar water heater retrofit kits are used to add solar panels to existing electric off-peak boosted tanks. Conventional tanks are not designed to be connected to solar collectors so retrofit kits are not as effective as a water heater designed specifically for solar, however, significant savings can still be made.

The Solar Hot Water Rebate Program provides rebates for solar and heat pump hot water systems that replace an existing electric storage hot water system. In order to be eligible for the rebate the solar or heat pump system must be a new and complete hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 renewable energy certificates (RECs).

RECs are assigned by the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator as part of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme and reflect the deemed value of equivalent renewable energy generation over a ten year period.

The RET scheme does not allow individual parts of hot water systems to be tested separately because the efficiency of the total system can vary greatly with the effects of different ancillary parts and their installed arrangement (as a result solar water heaters currently eligible for RECs are complete systems). For this reason, a ‘retrofit’ system that is based around a previously installed component is not eligible for RECs and therefore not eligible for the Solar Hot Water Rebate Program.

Why does a licensed installer need to sign my application form?

As part of the application process we require proof that you are replacing an existing electric storage hot water system and have installed a hot water system that is eligible for 20 renewable energy certificates or more. The installer can certify this and can also provide the tank serial number which is not always easy for the applicant to obtain.

* Savings of 55-85% shown are based on Australian Government approved TRNSYS simulation modeling.

The ClimateClever Shop programme recently launched that will run for a year is a partnership with preferred suppliers who are local sustainable-technology businesses.

Eco Living Centre has been elected one of the preferred suppliers, offering solar hot water & heat pump systems.

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