INSOLAR

Our solar systems qualify for either the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or the Victorian State Government solar rebates (www.sustainabilityvictoria.vic.gov.au) or both!

The Federal Government's rebate scheme (www.orer.gov.au). Governments offer rebates on solar hot water systems because they recognise that using the sun to heat water is the most significant action that a household can undertake to reduce greenhouse gases. There is an additional Federal Government rebate of $1,000 available for households who change from an electric hot water service to a solar hot water system with either an electric or gas booster.

This rebate is means tested and households with an income of less than $100,000 pa are eligible. (www.environment.gov.au/rebates)

There has never been a better time to go solar than right now!

Regional Rebate for Victorians

At last some good news for country Victorians. Sustainability Victoria has announced a new GENEROUS rebate for regional Victorians to replace their existing hot water service (whether it be gas or electric) to solar.

The rebates range from $1,900 to $2,500 depending on the efficiency of the solar part of the system. The household may also claim Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from the Federal Government (ORER). A solar hot water system may be eligible for anything from 20 to 40 RECs (again depending on efficiency). RECs have a value of $49 (as at 17 June 2008, and have risen steadily over the last few months). This means that someone replacing a hot water service with a very efficient (75% or more solar savings) would be able to redeem RECs to a value of nearly $2,000 AND receive $2,500 from the State Government. This total rebate sum can exceed the cost of a solar hot water system!

If the household has reticulated gas available to the street then the winter boosting must be by gas. The State gives an additional $200 assistance to households who have to bring the gas onto their property from the street.

Those who wait for their hot water system to age gracefully and die run the risk of missing out on the best time in the history of humanity to go solar at a price less than an ordinary hot water service, whilst reducing their costs of heating water by up to 75% and reducing their greenhouse gas outputs by up to 75%.

The government has committed to 5,000 systems for each of the next three years - first in, best dressed!

For more information about a range of solar hot water brands and technologies that are rebate eligible at warehouse door prices call Insolar on 03 9328 4884.