12-Jun-2009 A new solar electricity rebate scheme will be introduced from today (the 10th June 2009) after the Federal Government unexpectedly cut short the $8000 rebate yesterday.

The Government gave the solar industry and the public less than 12 hours notice that applications for the Solar Homes and Communities Plan would close on Tuesday 9th June, three weeks prior to the date previously advised.

The new cash incentive will be based on a multiplier of the “Renewable Energy Certificates” or “RECs” where anything up to a 1.5kW solar electricity system will now be worth five times the certificates that were previously allocated.

“The great thing about the new scheme is that it is no longer means tested and is open to everyone, so businesses and people wanting to put solar electricity on their rental properties can access this new incentive” Said Adam Tesoriero Director of Solar Switch.

This new system will only apply to installations that have not received the old rebate.

Renewable Energy Certificates fluctuate in value so it is difficult to say exactly what rebate a system will attract however based on current values the rebate will be around $4500 to $5000 for a 1kW system and $6500 to $7000 for a 1.5kW system.

The new “Renewable Energy Target” legislation will be introduced to Parliament next week, however the industry have been led to believe the scheme will be back dated so systems installed from today will be eligible for the new incentive.

In the last year more than 4500 solar electricity systems have been installed in NSW under the Solar Homes and Communities Program. Local company Solar Switch is proud to have successfully installed almost 20% of these systems.

“Solar Switch will continue to offer competitively priced systems using the best quality equipment and excellent service based on the new rebate incentives” Said Adam Tesoriero.

The Solar Hot Water rebate program remains the same with the Federal Government offering a rebate of $1600 and the State Government offering $800 to $1200 for those replacing an electric hot water system.

Solar Switch can install Solar Hot Water from as little as $990 (after rebates and RECs). This system can generate as much as 90% of a household’s hot water needs free from the sun. An electric booster kicks in whenever there is a shortfall.

NSW electricity prices continue to skyrocket with another 21% increase confirmed for next month.

“Installing solar electricity and hot water not only protects you against skyrocketing energy prices, it adds value to your home and helps the environment.” Said Mr Tesoriero

For more information or a Free Home Assessment contact Solar Switch here or on (02) 8985 9945

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