Solar Energy Rebates In Australia

There are a number of solar energy rebates in Australia and you can literally save thousands of dollars when you know the way to integrate these into your life. There are rebates for many different renewable energy options such as on grid connected and off grid solar panels, solar hot water or solar pumping systems. If you qualify for one of the Australian Government's renewable energy rebates, subsidies or grants then you could save a lot of money on your energy expenditure.Home solar power rebatesThe Solar Credits rebate can save you thousands on a system if you meet the requirements. You can also make money from a rooftop solar array. The major rebate currently available is the national Solar Credits Program. The Solar Credits multiplier offers thousands of dollars in savings depending on the size and location of installation, and applies to new installations of small-scale renewable energy generators eligible under the scheme. Solar credits will apply to the first 1.5 kilowatts (kW) of capacity installed. Renewable Energy Certificates accompany solar power equipment purchases and can be traded for cash. However please note that the multiplier credits will only apply to the first small-scale generation system installed at an address.Off grid solar power rebatesThis is for Australians living in a remote location. If you switch to renewable energy you can get the Solar Credits multiplier for the first 20kW of a solar panels system and potentially save thousands on your energy bill. On Thursday, June 24 2010, legislation was passed for Australia's enhanced Renewable Energy Target. As part of this legislation, there were greatly increased financial incentives available for people installing off grid solar power systems. The legislation states that “households and businesses installing systems on buildings more than a kilometer from the main grid or who have evidence that it would cost in excess of $30,000 to connect to mains power will be eligible to receive the Solar Credits multiplier for the first 20kW of their system installed”.Solar incentives for businessThis scheme is designed for environmentally conscious Australian business owners. Current business incentives include huge tax breaks, RECs, feed in tariffs and major rebates under the solar credits program. The solar credits program provides substantial savings for businesses on grid connect solar power systems. Businesses can claim a tax deduction on a commercial solar power system installed on their business premises. Businesses can also save money by installing a solar hot water system or heat pump. This will help to not only slash the electricity bills but also the business greenhouse gas emissions.Solar schools grants     The Solar schools grant called The National Solar School Program (NSSP) offers most single campus schools in Australia $50,000 grants and up to $100,000 for dual campuses. The Australian Government is also providing generous grants of up to $50,000 (excluding GST) for each school in Australia to install grid connected solar power, which is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint and save money. In the case of dual campuses, the grant may go up to $100,000 (excluding GST) and this grant is available until June 2015, under the National Solar School Program (NSSP). There is also additional funding available in some states under state programs, so it makes sense to look around for rebates.Government solar hot water rebateThe Federal Government announced major solar hot water rebate changes on February 19, 2010 and there are now rebates of up to $1000 available to install solar hot water systems. There are also rebates of up to $600 for heat pumps installed to replace electric storage hot water systems in existing privately owned homes.