Overview

The Solar Hot Water Rebate - Bushfire Affected Homes scheme can help Victorian households rebuilding homes after the 2009 bushfires. A rebate of up to $1,600 is available to replace a gas or non-electric water heater with a gas-boosted solar hot water system.

The Solar Hot Water Rebate only applies to new homes and is only available to people whose residences were destroyed as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.

Key eligibility

To be eligible for this rebate, you must:

• have a residence that was destroyed as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires
• be eligible to receive a Destroyed Homes Payment confirmed by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF)
• only claim one rebate for each property that was eligible for a VBAF Destroyed Homes Payment
  
• have rebuilt your home in Victoria
• be replacing a destroyed heater that was not an electric or electric-boosted solar unit

Items covered

The rebate amount will vary depending on the amount of water the system produces, its performance and the cost of installation. Better performing systems attract a higher rebate.

An additional rebate of $200 is available for a rebuilt home that is in a reticulated (mains) gas area where natural gas was not previously connected to the destroyed home. This rebate is only available if you're eligible to receive the Victorian Government Solar Hot Water Rebate and cannot be claimed separately.

You could also be eligible for a rebate from the Australian Government to help with the cost of buying a new solar hot water system.

You might be able to save even more with the Australian Government's Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

Next steps

Make sure that you understand the full program information on the Victorian Government resourceSmart website.

For more information you can also call 1300 363 744 or email rebates@sustainability.vic.gov.au.

Solar Hot Water Rebate - Bushfire Affected Homes

www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/for_households/rebates_4569.html