29th March 2010
Mr Greg Sproule, the local EcoSmart Hot Water dealer in Toowoomba, has received many calls from homeowners in the region who are confused about their rebate entitlements for environmental hot water following the recent closure of the State Government Solar Hot Water Scheme.
The Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, closed the old State Government solar hot water scheme earlier this month. However, rebates are still available for homeowners from the government, to reduce the upfront cost of converting to a solar or heat pump water heater. Queenslanders are still entitled to the Federal Government rebate of $1000 for solar and $600 for heat pumps, in addition to Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) which is currently up to the of $1786.
Commenting on the issue, Mr Sproule said, “Homeowners shouldn’t feel discouraged to invest in environmental hot water, because there are still very generous rebates on offer from the government, which dramatically reduce the upfront cost of making the switch to solar. Typically, a homeowner will receive a total of up to around $3000 off the cost of a solar hot water heater right now.
“This does not include the ongoing savings in their energy bills and given that energy rates are rising substantially, it makes sense to invest in a solar water heater, for both environmental reasons, and financial reasons,” he said.
“EcoSmart’s solar water heaters use the latest solar technology and are some of the most efficient on the market, meaning more energy savings for the homeowner, reduced energy bills, and a better contribution to the environment. With the unpredictable nature of the rebate changes, homeowners should consider taking up the rebate option sooner rather than later, to avoid being hit in the hip pocket at a later date when rebates are abolished and legislation will require them to make the switch,” said Mr Sproule.
A solar water heater is the single best thing that can be done in the home to reduce energy consumption. Hot water typically accounts for 30-35 per cent of the household energy consumption and a solar hot water system will reduce that by up to 80 per cent.
Solar Hot Water has been included in the government’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme, since its inception in 2001. With the introduction of Federal and State Government rebates, solar hot water heaters have achieved great success in the market, and have played a huge role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
