At present, the only rebates for renewable electricity sources are those available for solar electricity or photovoltaic (PV) systems
However, small-scale wind power and hydro systems, along with solar PV, are eligible for receiving funds under the federal REC scheme.
Solar photovoltaic rebate programs in Australia are all derived from federal government programs. the federal Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP)
the Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme (RRPGP)
The rebate for households will be reduced to $3.50 (maximum $3500) at the end of the current scheme in July 2007. The government has indicated that the initiative will continue beyond this date, however details have yet to be announced.
Rebate Type |
Federal Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP) |
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Eligible renewable technology/item |
Photovoltaic systems, minimum 450-watt peak (ppW) output |
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Applicable sector |
Households, schools and communities, and developers/ display home builders |
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Rebate amount |
Depending on sector: |
Homes: $8 per peak Watt (up to a maximum of $8,000). |
Community and Schools: up to 50 per cent of the cost of a solar power system, with an upper limit of 2 kilowatts (based on a competitive grants scheme). |
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Developers/display home builders: unclear at this stage. |
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Additional information |
If you are seeking a rebate on an extension to an existing PV system you can expect $5 per peak watt, up to a $5000. However, if you have previously received a PVRP rebate, you will not be eligible for any additional money. |
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Renewable Remote Power Generation Program
Rebate Type |
Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) |
Eligible renewable technology/item |
Photovoltaic systems for remote renewable energy systems |
Applicable sector |
Households |
Rebate amount |
Typically will provide 50% of the capital cost of renewable generation equipment. |
Additional information |
Eligibility will depend on household proximity to the main electricity grid. RRPGP is only applicable to those who have off-grid or fringe-grid electricity connections (conditions apply). Rebates may also be available to those switching from non-renewable sources of remote electricity generation. This program is currently funded until mid-2011. The RRPGP differs in each state and territory and is not available in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. |
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are generated under the federal government’s Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) scheme, and are not rebates like the PVRP or RRPGP.
Certificates are issued by the government for the generation of renewable energy, which electricity retailers and other ‘liable parties’ (such as large users of electricity) are then obliged to purchase in order to fulfil their REC liability. This obligation represents the contribution of business to their greenhouse emission reductions under the federal government’s Mandatory Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
Rebate type |
Federal Government Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). |
Eligible renewable technology/item |
photovoltaic systems (< 100kW) wind systems (< 10kW) hydro electric systems (< 6.4kW). |
Applicable sector |
Households |
Rebate amount |
Renewable energy systems generate RECs based on the size, location and type of the system (solar, hydro or wind). For example, a typical (1kW) solar PV system will generate between 1 and 1½ RECs annually. The buy-back price for RECs varies, depending on supply and demand, ranging between $10 and $40. As of October 2006 RECs were around $18 each. |
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