Australians have the luxury of living in a country where sunlight is in ample supply, so households can invest in solar technology to access renewable and free energy.
For solar power generation, Australia is one of the leading countries. To increase the generation of solar power further, the government is rolling out a solar rebate to help homes in the New South Wales area access solar power.
Are you interested in installing solar panels for your NSW home? Don’t miss out on this vital information! This blog post will discuss the solar rebate, how it can benefit you, and the steps to take to claim your solar rebate.
Australian Government Solar Rebate
The Australian government has set out a mission statement to reach net zero emissions by 2050. To help make this happen, they have issued a solar rebate to make solar panels more accessible to homeowners and motivate them to switch to a more renewable energy source.
Some Australians believe the Australian solar rebate is over, but this isn’t true. The Government has lowered the rebate amount slightly, but it will continue to run until 2030. Reduction in rebates is a normal part of the rebate plan and depends on the total energy output between the years the solar power system starts operating and the end of 2030.
But what does a solar rebate do? The terms and conditions of the solar rebate vary depending on which area you live in – different regions have varying levels of sunlight exposure. The government will offer more favourable terms to those living in areas with the most sun exposure, as their panels will produce more renewable energy. The government is offering interest-free loans to Australian homeowners to purchase and install solar panels in their homes.
New South Wales Solar Rebate 2022
In addition to the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, many other incentive options are available in different states and territories. The New South Wales’ Empowering Homes program provides loans up to $14,000 for solar battery systems and up to $9,000 for adding a solar battery to an existing solar PV system. This benefit is available for households with an income of $18,000 annually.
Another incentive program on trials in New South Wales is aimed at Solar for Low Income Households, and it offers 3-kW solar systems to 30,000 homes in specific areas of NSW. They will provide the upfront cost of installation for this many homes, which would entail a cost of $128 million in rebate loans. If there is significant interest in the scheme, the NSW government has stated that it may exceed this figure. This program is available to most people except for holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card.
What Criteria Do I Need To Meet For The Solar Rebate?
The solar rebate may not be accessible to everyone; for example, low-income households making less than $18,000 per year will be ineligible for the scheme. Here are some of the criteria to consider before applying for the solar rebate:
- STCs must be created 12 months after solar panel installation.
- The solar panels and installation must meet industry standards the state, territory, or municipal governing bodies set.
- The Solar Energy Council must approve the solar panels to ensure all parts perform at optimal capacity – ensuring you receive ROI on your investment.
- The maximum capacity of the solar panels must be 100kW, and the annual production of the solar panels must not exceed 250,000 kWh.
- The Solar Energy Council must accredit your solar contractor. Contact your local solar panel installer to enquire about accreditation.
- You must own the home in which you reside.
- You must meet the loan conditions laid out by the government.
- You must live in an eligible postcode.
- You must connect your home to the power grid if it isn’t already connected.
How To Claim A Solar Rebate?
To claim your solar rebate from the NSW government, you need to visit the NSW website and search for the solar rebate. There will be an ‘Apply Now’ button on the solar rebate page. To complete the registration and eligibility forms, you will need to prepare the following information:
- An electricity bill – this electricity bill provides evidence that you currently receive the low-income household rebate.
- A photo of your veterans’ card or pensioner concession card.
It might also be helpful to read up on the guidelines and FAQs provided by the NSW government before you begin the application process.
Depending on the program, the requirements for a solar rebate in Australia vary, and you must get approval for your solar system before beginning the installation process. You can find the installation and documentation requirements from the Australian Clean Energy Regulator to earn STCs. Depending on the STCs, you can choose between a registered agent or claim & sell on your own. However, when you select a registered agent, you can claim a large rebate upfront. When STCs are claimed and sold by the solar system owner, the financial benefit is spread between the year of installation and 2030.
How Do You Find A Solar Installed Accredited By The CEC?
To install solar panels in your home, you must find a solar installer accredited by the Clean Energy Council and purchase solar panels that the CEC approves. To find solar installers with this accreditation, you must seek out solar installation experts in your area. Before you ask the installer for a quote, ask if the CEC accredits them. If you intend to purchase solar panels from your installer, also ask them whether the CEC approves the solar panels they provide.
Once you have found solar installers in your area that are viable for the solar rebate program, you should receive quotes from all installers you are considering. You can compare pricing and opt for the installer with the most competitive price.
Are You Considering The Solar Rebate?
The solar rebate makes solar panels more accessible for low-income households in Australia, allowing them to install solar panels without the hefty upfront costs. If you’re considering using the solar rebate, speak to one of our experts here at SolarPath. They are always happy to answer any questions you might have!
Read More:
Understanding the Current Solar Energy Rebates and Grants in NSW
A Beginner’s Guide to Feed In Tariff for Solar Energy Systems
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