Rebates and incentives available to improve your property's energy-efficiency.

Solar hot water rebate

The cost of installing an energy efficient hot water system is being reduced. The Queensland Government is offering rebates of up to $1000 to eligible customers to replace existing electric hot water systems with a solar hot water system or heat pump.

A $600 rebate is available for eligible applicants who install a solar hot water system or heat pump, while a $1000 rebate is available to eligible pensioners and low income earners.

For more information on the rebate program, its eligibility requirements or to access an application pack, please visit the Office of Clean Energy website or phone 13 25 23.

Solar bonus scheme

The solar bonus scheme is a fed-in tariff paid to residential (and small business) customers using less than 100 megawatt hours of electricity per year. Customers are paid for the surplus electricity generated from rooftop solar voltaic (PV) systems that is exported onto the Queensland grid after the household load is met. Customers wishing to claim the solar bonus should contact their electricity retailer.

For more information visit the Office of Clean Energy website.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are an electronic form of currency that are determined by the federal government’s Office of Renewable Energy. RECs provide a discount on new solar and heat pump systems, usually at time of purchase. RECs apply to both new installations and replacement solar or heat pump hot water systems. The RECs price fluctuates due to their market trading (currently around $800 to $1200 for a typical size system). Further information on RECs is available from hot water system suppliers or the Office of Renewable Energy Regulator on (02) 6159 7700.

Federal rebates

The federal government offers several rebate programs and free home sustainability assessments to assist with improving energy and water efficiency for households.

For further information on available rebates contact the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities or phone 1800 057 590.