Super savings from solar panels

7th Jul 2011

Federal and state governments are offering a range of enticing incentives for installing solar energy systems.

Australia's federal government is offering a rebate of $1,000 for the installation of solar or $600 for heat pump hot water systems.

Meanwhile, in Sydney, the council runs information seminars for residents to learn more about installing rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, which have the added benefit of allowing like-minded environmentally conscious residents the opportunity to get to know a bit more about each other.

In Adelaide, council-run incentives include reimbursements of up to $1,000 for households installing solar panels generating up to one kilowatt of electricity in peak time. Panels that are used to provide electricity for lighting in common areas – such as corridors in apartment buildings – may be eligible for even further incentives to a maximum of $5,000.

Rebate forms for these schemes – as well as solar hot water and rainwater tanks – can be found on the council website.

In Brisbane the council has established the EzyGreen Energy Reduction Program, with a number of environmentally-conscious, energy saving initiatives.

They have bundled local, state and federal energy savings schemes into one package for both tenants and home-owners across the greater Brisbane area.

Offers include green energy use discounts, reductions on energy-saving appliances, electric bikes and scooters, and of course discounts on installing solar hot water and solar power systems.

There are also some competitive finance options to help cover the outlay for a solar power system.

Members of EzyGreen will also be able to access the Queensland government's ClimateSmart Home Service.

Also in Queensland, the Sunshine Coast community of Valdora is planning a new solar farm that could power up to 2,500 new homes using solar energy.

The Sunshine Coast Council is aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2020, generating up to 40 megawatts of renewable energy on the Sunshine Coast.

Director of development services Julie Edwards said they are trying to eliminate "unnecessary costs or planning hurdles" for people looking to generate renewable energy on a small scale.

As part of their Energy Transition Plan the council is working on making it easier for homeowners to install eco-friendly solar panels by waiving the requirement to seek planning approval for roof-mounted solar panel systems.

The council itself is putting solar photovoltaic panels on the roofs of its visitor centres and libraries.

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Government Rebate & Regulations

The election that could cast a deep shadow on solar power
This just in: You are nothing but a means to profit for big utilities and NSW government
The Tongans know a bad solar deal when they see one
Solar feed-in tariffs: Who's getting screwed?
Australian government at a solar power crossroads
WA government admits fault in solar rebate debacle
WA Government saves millions while solar customers are up in arms
SA's solar feed-in scheme costs to rise higher
CEC slams FIT deregulation in SA
Carbon tax announcement 'just a ripple'
Industry reactions to Rudd carbon price changes
New government 'must be made aware of renewable achievements'
Solar features prominently in ARENA funding plans
Calling all solar panel installers - 'save clean technology grants'
Manufacturers set to see bright side of economic slump?
Coalition government 'could spell bad news for solar'
'Not FIT for purpose' - ACT government on tariffs
QLD government under fire for negative solar stance
China's first trading emissions scheme begins
Details of the Queensland solar controversy
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
Tasmania's solar future no longer too uncertain
Renewable energy funding on the brink
The Clean Energy Council calls for more renewables
Reactions to renewable energy decisions from the 2013-14 federal budget
Federal budget announcement offers a mixed bag
The impact of the carbon tax
Govt energy efficiency success
Renewable Energy Target achievements
New funding for solar panels
Australia and China further carbon cutting collaboration
Examining Australia's environmental efforts
Renewable Energy Target survives its review
Solar powered cinema a possibility
New licensing will make it easier for solar installers to work across states
Renewable recommendations for WA
Renewable energy target hangs in the balance
Deadline approaching for QLD PV installations under 44 cent solar tariff
Electricity emissions down since carbon tax introduced
Reactions to RET review final report mixed
CCA: RET on track to achieve goals
Experts slam Solar Credits decision
Government support 'needed for commercial solar development'
Shadow ministers slam ARENA withdrawal
Industry expert lauds solar PV impact
Australian Solar Council chief hits back at CCA review suggestion
Australian Solar Council debuts solar electorate map
CCA report 'victory for common sense'
Productivity Commission draft 'good for solar'
SA solar campaign reaches government level
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: