Photovoltaic Rebate Programme Information

About the programme

• The Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP) encourages the long-term take-up of photovoltaic technology in the community, particularly through installations in households, community buildings and schools.
• New Australian Government funding announced in the 2007 Federal Budget provides $150 million over five years. 
• Total funds allow for the installation of solar power systems in up to 14,000 homes and 2,500 community buildings and schools.
• The new rebate level applies to new applications received on or after 9 May 2007.
• The minimum amount of new PV to be installed is 450-peak watts to receive a rebate (including rebates for extensions).

 Residential

• Rebates of up to $8,000 are available for solar photovoltaic systems up to one kilowatt (kW) in size (ie. a rebate level of $8/peak watt).
• Extensions to existing systems can receive rebates of $5/peak watt – eligibility for non-PVRP and PVRP systems be confirmed ASAP

How to apply

• Revised Residential Guidelines are being developed to cover the new programme. These will be published on the Australian Greenhouse Office website soon: http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/pv
• The new Residential Guidelines will be broadly the same as the existing guidelines.
• The content of application forms will remain the same in the short term, but we are considering having a uniform application across all jurisdictions. Note that some existing application forms need to have the new Department of the Environment and Water Resources logo.

Pre-approvals

• The new rebate level applies to new applications received on or after 9 May 2007.
• Applicants must obtain pre-approval before installation or rebates will not be paid.

Community Buildings and Schools

• Competitive grants will be available for up to 50 percent of the cost of a PV system up to 2 kilowatts.

How to apply

• The new guidelines are being developed, but will be similar to the existing guidelines.
• Applicants will need to apply directly to the Department of the Environment and Water Resources for these grants. 
  Please contact Bill Kearney on (02) 6274 2941

Developers and Display Homes

• Rebates for developers and display home are no longer available.

Industry Support

• Funding will be made available to support training and accreditation of solar power system installers, to assist in meeting the increased demand that will result from the expanded programme.

Solar Cities

• Implications of the new rebate levels on Solar Cities are currently being assessed.

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Further PVRP related information is as follows:

• The $5/w rebate program on existing systems (upgrades) is only available to people who got their previous rebate on a new system ($4/w or $8/w) OVER 5 YEARS AGO.



• For those customers who have previously been issued a rebate and have moved and want another rebate they must have SOLD THEIR OLD HOUSE WITH THE SYSTEM INTACT (ie. not taken the panels with them). They must issue an affidavit with their new application form stating the above including who they sold to.

For more information please contact the solar rebate hotline on 1300 138 122, go to the AGO website, or contact Energy Matters.

Download PVRP solar rebate application forms from Energy Matters NOW!

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