Save Energy and Save Money: Latest rebates from the government

I will be running a workshop for Port Stevens Council residents this Saturday on reducing energy use in the home.
Below is an overview of the latest rebates in NSW and Nationally in case you can't attend, or would like some details:
Please note that these change quite regularly so it is best to check for yourself at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ (NSW) and http://www.livinggreener.gov.au/ (National).

NSW Home Saver Rebates
(for energy...water rebates not detailed here)
These are available for:
Hot water systems- if you swap from electric Hot Water to solar or gas or heat pump = $300 rebate
PLUS: from the federal government, if you swap to solar hot water = $1000 rebate or $800 for a heat pump.
Fridges- cash in your old fridge for $35 (+they collect it for free!) (www.fridgebuyback.com.au)

Solar and Wind Rebates, additional hot water rebates (on top of the others!) and other goodies (RECs):
Depending on the capability of your renewable energy system or hot water system you will be allocated a number of Renewable energy certificates (RECs). You can trade these yourself, but most renewable installers will glean them off you in return for a discount on your purchase.

A Newcastle Company that I recommend for Solar system setups is Solar Online Australia they have a guide to general prices with the RECs rebate shown at http://www.solaronline.com.au/solar_system_pricing

Things to consider with your new renewable energy system..
A very good document has been produced by the clean energy council: called the Consumer guide to solar PV. This tells you just about everything you need to know about buying panels.

-make sure the installer of your solar panels or wind turbine has a Grid-connect Design & Install accreditation from the Clean Energy Council.

- have your system fitted with a gross meter, rather than a net meter, so it is easier to comply with the "gross feed-in tarrif"- see below.

NSW Gross Feed-In Tariff = $$$$$ for you!
This is a very exciting development in the grid-connect solar and wind power world. If you have solar panels or a wind turbine installed on your home and they are connected to the grid (rather than a "stand-alone" system) you can register to be paid 60 cents per kilowatt hour for ALL the electricity you generate. (or 66c from some electricity providers) Not just the energy you don't use, ALL OF THE ENERGY! It does not matter which electricity company you are with. (But you need to have a gross feed in meter and a system smaller than 10kilowatt capacity) This scheme will run until 2017 (although it is due to be reviewed in 2012 or when the total renewable power capacity reaches 50 megawatts).
Helpful practical information on details and actually joining up to this scheme is found on the Climate Action Newcastle website . Don't forget to ring and double check that everything has gone though with your electricity company in a few months time.



These are just some of the MANY current rebates on offer to help you live more sustainably.

The best general website with clear information on all of the above is:
www.livinggreener.gov.au