Solar Hot Water Retrofit Rebate

Installing solar hot water is environmentally friendly, saves you energy and is a more cost effective water heating option in the long term. Rebates and incentives are available to help you go solar including; Power and Water purchasing your Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), Australian Government programs, Alice Solar City and the new Solar Hot Water Retrofit Rebate program.

The Solar Hot Water Retrofit Rebate program provides a financial incentive to pre-existing homes in the Northern Territory to replace electric systems with solar hot water systems. The rebate is designed to compensate for additional plumbing and roof structure upgrading that may be required to complete the installation.

How much is the rebate?

Residents may be eligible for a rebate of up to $1,000. The actual rebate depends on the modifications required to the roof and is based on solar hot water systems that replace electric systems and attract at least 20 RECs under the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target. For a list of the solar hot water systems attracting at least 20 RECs click here.
 

Applying for the rebate

To be eligible to claim the rebate, a number of conditions apply including the type of solar hot water system and place of residence of the installation.

The solar hot water system must:

• replace an electric hot water system,
• be a new solar hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 RECs at the time and place of installation,
• include a 'one-shot' booster switch,
• be purchased and installed on, or after 28 June 2009,
• be installed by an appropriately licensed and qualified electrician or plumber who certifies that the roof structure of the building was modified to bring it to compliance with the NT Building Act (in the relevant location in the Territory), and
• be installed in its entirety and completely operational, as certified by the licensed installer.

Households must be:

• Northern Territory residential properties which are the primary place of residence, and
• built in or prior to the year 2000.

Further requirements for eligibility for the rebate include:

• applications are dependent on funds available, and
• only one rebate will be issued by Power and Water per customer.

Rebates are not available for the following:

• applicants who don't own or rent the home where the system was installed at the time of the retrofit,
• government departments, businesses, or other organisations (applicants must be individuals), and
• systems replacing or additional to an existing solar hot water system.

Getting started

If you meet all eligibility requirements of the Solar Hot Water Retrofit Rebate, locate a certified contractor/installer who can provide you with a design and cost of a solar hot water system and modification that best suits your needs and is in accordance with the NT Building Act. It's advisable to get a number of quotes and go with the best available option.

• Your installer must install the solar hot water service in accordance with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s Building Notes 56 and 63 of the Building Notes Register which can be found at nt.gov.au/lands/building/regulations/notes/. This may require strengthening of the roofing support members.
• In cyclonic areas the fixing of the unit must comply with the Deemed to Comply Manual.
• On completion of the works you should obtain a certificate from the plumber stating that the plumbing work has been installed in accordance with the relevant National Plumbing and Drainage Code.

After the installation has been completed and you have received your certificate of compliance, you are now able to apply for the rebate by completing the application form and submitting it to Power and Water along with any required paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

• How long is the rebate available for?

Applicants can apply for the rebate once the system has been installed and certificated by a qualified installer. Applications for the rebate must be submitted within six months of the new solar hot water system being installed. Rebates are subject to funds available. Power and Water reserves the right to change the rebate amount at any time.

• Where can I apply for the rebate?

An application form can be downloaded here or picked up from one of our Customer Service Centres. Complete and sign the form and submit the application along with any required attachments via one of our Customer Service Centres, by post (Solar Hot Water Retrofit Rebate, Power and Water Corporation, GPO Box 3596, Darwin NT 0801) or fax (08 8923 9546).

• Who is eligible to apply for the rebate?

The owner or tenant of the home where the system was installed can apply for the rebate if all eligibility requirements are met. Government agencies, businesses, organisations or public housing residents are not eligible to apply.

• I’m renting – can I apply for the rebate?

Tenants can apply for the rebate, as long as the system for which a rebate being claimed is installed at a primary place of residence and written approval is granted from the owner of the home. Costs involved are for the tenant and landlord to negotiate. Regardless of who is applying for the rebate, all eligibility requirements must be met.

• My house is new and/or was recently rebuilt – am I eligible?

Only solar hot water systems installed on houses built in or prior to the year 2000 are eligible for the rebate. The rebate is designed to assist modifications to older homes to enable solar hot water systems to be installed, which is usually more expensive than installing solar hot water systems onto newer properties. New homes are also generally more energy efficient.

Rebuilt houses are classed as new houses and therefore not eligible for the rebate.

• Is my investment property eligible for the rebate?

Rebates can only be claimed if installed at a primary place of residence. This can be an investment property as long as it's the tenant's primary place of residence. It cannot be a holiday home. Only one rebate will be available per customer.

Costs involved are for the tenant and landlord to negotiate. Regardless of who is applying for the rebate, all eligibility requirements must be met.

• Can I still apply for other solar hot water system rebates?

You can still apply for other solar hot water system rebates and incentives available including the Australian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate, Alice Solar City rebate (Alice Springs residents only) and RECs Buyback Scheme administered by Power and Water.

If you are claiming the Solar Hot Water Retrofit Rebate along with assigning your RECs to Power and Water, only the Solar Hot Water Retrofit Rebate Application Form needs to be completed.

• How much does it cost to retrofit?

The cost of retrofitting a solar hot water system is dependent on a number of factors including the modifications required, the size of the solar hot water system installed and the installer's costs. It is recommended you obtain a number of quotes and select the best option for your requirements.

• How and when will the rebate be paid?

Payment to successful applicants will be made by electronic funds transfer into the nominated bank account provided in the application form. Payment will be made within eight weeks of Power and Water receiving a completed and eligible application form.

• Why does the application form need to be signed by the licensed installer?

Proof is required that the retrofit has occurred and an existing electric hot water system has been replaced with a new solar hot water system eligible for 20 or more RECs. The installer can certify this along with providing the tank serial number.

• Want to find out more?

To find out more about the Solar Hot Water Retrofit Rebate phone Power and Water on 1800 245 092 or call in to one of our Customer Service Centres.