Solar panels are growing in popularity as it is a highly efficient green energy source. One of the biggest concerns about solar panels is expensive startup costs, although they generally pay for themselves within a few years. In order to add an incentive and help more people go green and install these panels, solar rebates are being offered by the government. Almost all states of Australia offer incentives to go green with various alternative energy sources. Isn’t that great?
The Australian government has launched several programs and schemes in recent years to make the benefits of solar panels accessible to all its citizens. The programs vary from state to state, owing to which many questions swirl in people’s minds. Probably, you are also here in search of answers to such questions. If so, continue reading! This article answers the most common questions about solar rebates.
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Why consider opting for solar rebates?
The government provides financial assistance regarding rebates to those who install solars panels on their property. These rebates are meant to cut down the overall cost of installation of solar panel units, which otherwise would be pretty expensive. When you opt for these rebates schemes, you must pay less than when you don’t. Under government schemes, you get considerable discounts depending on the size of the solars panel you are installing, the installation date, and your geographical location. So it would be best to opt for such rebates as you get to save a lot of money on installation and also enjoy long-term benefits.
How many solar rebate schemes are there in Australia?
The Australian government offers two types of solars rebate schemes to its citizens:
Small-scale renewable energy incentive
As the name suggests, this scheme covers the individuals who install small-scale solars panels. Under this scheme, the property owners are eligible for Small-scale Technology certificates (STCs) that are offered after a year of installation of solars panels.
Feed-in scheme
In the Feed-in scheme, the homeowners are provided with a few cents for each kilowatt-hour of unused electricity from solars panels sent back to the grid. The amount received will depend on the electricity charges in the state.
Who is eligible to receive solar rebates?
Claiming for solar incentives is easy. To be eligible to receive these incentives:
- You should be a citizen of Australia.
- You should have a solar panel with a capacity of fewer than 100kW.
- A CEC-certified installer must install your solar energy system.
- Your solar panel and its components must be brand new.
- You should apply for the rebate within a year of installation.
Who offers solar rebates?
The solar incentives are determined and funded by the state government. Therefore, the schemes and the amount individuals receive may vary from state. Here is a quick view of rebates or incentives offered by different states of Australia,
QLD solar rebate plan
Queensland (QLD) provides financial assistance to households and property owners who installed the panels from 2008 to 2012.
NSW solar rebate plan
NSW state government has launched a program named “Empowering Homes Program.” Under this scheme, the citizens of NSW can opt for interest-free financing for installing solar energy systems.
Victoria solar rebate plan
Victoria’s solar rebates plan provides financial incentives in terms of solar PV panels, hot water, and solar batteries.
South Australia rebate plan
The South Australian state provides loans and subsidies to low-income households for installing solar panel systems.
Read Also : 5 Benefits of Circularity on Your Business
To sum up
Providing solar incentives or rebates is a way for the government to encourage more and more people to opt for solar energy. There are myriad benefits of using solar energy. As it is renewable energy, it saves the environment and your hard-earned money; it helps reduce pollution and create a cleaner atmosphere.
