The rebate is offered for systems installed on, or after 18 July 2007 until March 2012, subject to the availability of funds.

This measure will mean households can save money and help fight global warming. Water heating is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions from the average Australian home, accounting for around 28 per cent of home energy use (excluding the family car).

Installing a climate friendly hot water system can save a family $300 to $700 off electricity bills each year. 

Eligible systems

To be eligible for the rebate, a hot water system must:

• replace an electric storage hot water system
• be purchased and installed on, or after 18 July 2007
• be a solar or heat pump hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at the time and place of installation
• be installed by a suitably qualified person (for example an electrician or plumber).

Eligible households

• The dwelling where the hot water system is installed must be a principal place of residence.
• The applicant's taxable family income must have been less than $100,000 in the most recent tax year as lodged with the Australian Taxation Office.

How to apply

Important information

• Applying for the rebate is straightforward, simple and free.
• Only individuals aged 18 years and over who are the owner or tenant of the dwelling are eligible to apply.
• Only apply for the rebate after the system has been installed.
• The rebate is not available as a point of sale discount nor can a retailer, installer or commercial business apply for the rebate on behalf of their customers.
• To claim a rebate, the applicant will need to submit an application using the Application Form.
• An applicant has up to six months after an eligible system is installed to submit an Application Form.
• The applicant should allow 8 weeks for the application to be processed.
• An applicant must submit a copy of their purchase receipt with their application. No other supporting documentation is to be submitted with the application.
• The Solar Hot Water Rebate Program requires the applicant to agree that, if requested, they will provide evidence to support claims made in the application as part of an audit process to ensure the applicant has met all program guidelines. For example, proof of system installation, income eligibility or allowing an authorised representative access to your property may be requested at a later date.

Solar hot water Rebates