Government rebates

The Australian Government offers multiple incentive schemes for helping you purchase your renewable energy system. They are:

Solar Homes and Communities (for grid-connected homes)
Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) (for off-grid homes)
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) (for all homes and businesses)
National Solar Schools Program (for government and non-government schools)

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Solar Homes and Communities

This generous rebate for grid-connected homes amounts to $8 / watt up to one kilowatt of installed panels, or $8000 total. There are a few criteria that must be met in order to apply for this rebate including:

• the home must be your primary residence
• your combined income must be less than $100,000
• the system must be installed within 6 months of your application approval
• the system must be installed by an accredited business

For more information on this rebate and the full set of eligibility requirements, please visit the Government web page or call us!

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Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP)

This rebate for off-grid homes is an amazing opportunity for anyone currently living or planning to build on a home site too far from utility power. The rebate will give 50% of the fully installed cost including construction on system specific enclosures such as battery sheds or boxes. There are specific criteria to be approved for this rebate including:

• the home must be your primary residence
• the home site must be at least 1km from utility power OR
• the cost of installing utility power must be quoted by the utility company at more than $30,000
• the system must be installed by an accredited business

For more information on this rebate and the full set of eligibility requirements, please visit the Government web page or call us!

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Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

This credit scheme takes advantage of the growing number of renewable energy systems to help meet the Government's climate change targets. Vaguely similar to a carbon emissions trading scheme, one REC is equivalent to one megawatt hour of electricity generation. A renewable energy certificate can be traded for cash and the value of these certificates fluctuates according to market conditions. The number of RECs you are eligible for is calculated on the 'zone' your home is in. The Far South Coast , NSW area is in Zone 4. Currently we are seeing a return of approximately $800 per 1kw of solar panels.

For more information on the credit scheme and the full set of eligibility requirements, please visit the Government web page or call us!

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National Solar Schools Program

This substantial grant program was set up to promote renewable energy systems and other areas of sustainability such as Solar Hot Water and rain water tanks in schools. This is a one-off payment of $50,000 to both government and non-government schools..

Note: In New South Wales, this program is run through the State Education Department and government schools must use an installer that is on the State's Preferred Suppliers list. St. Elmo's Fires is not big enough to be on this list, but we are able to install systems on any non-government schools such as private and religious schools. We would be happy to help any non-government school with their renewable energy needs!

For more information on the credit scheme and the full set of eligibility requirements, please visit the Government web page or call us!