In recent years, various government rebates have been put in place to encourage the use of renewable energy in both rural and domestic homes with an aim to reduce greenhouse emissions, assist in the development of the Australian photovoltaic industry and increase public awareness of renewable energy.

Below are brief outlines of each rebate programme, however for further information and eligibility, please read the appropriate guidelines and application forms thoroughly.


1. Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP):

The new Photovoltaic Rebate Programme (PVRP), effective from 01.07.07 administered by the Australian Government, is available to homeowners who are connected to a main-grid or are very close to a main-grid. The photovoltaic system must be installed at the applicant's (owner's) principal place of residence.

For new systems, the rebate is calculated at $8 per peak watt of solar energy output, starting at a minimum of 450W and capped at 1000W ($8,000). For example, a solar system with a 600W output would attract a rebate of $4,800 ($8 x 600).

For extensions to existing systems, the rebate is calculated in the same way, except at $5 per peak watt of solar energy output. Please note, there are specific conditions applicants must satisfy to qualify for a rebate on system extensions. For further details, please read the PVRP guidelines carefully.

PVRP guidelines: PDF (82KB)
PVRP application: PDF (57KB) / DOC (392KB)


2. Renewable Remote Power Generation Programme (RRPGP):

The Residential and medium-scale RRPGP is available for households, communities, not-for-profit, business, government and other organisations, in those areas of Australia not close to a main-grid (1 kilometre from the nearest main-grid line), to support the installation of renewable generation systems.

Applicants that fully satisfy the requirements of this programme will be entitled to a rebate of up to 50 per cent of the capital costs of eligible renewable generation equipment, essential enabling equipment and services. This rebate is capped at $200,000.

RRPGP guidelines: PDF (104KB)
RRPGP pre-purchase appl. : PDF (65KB) / DOC (1.9MB)
RRPGP rebate application: PDF (66KB) / DOC (448KB)


3. Renewable Energy Water Pumping sub-programme:

The Renewable Energy Water Pumping Sub-programme provides rebates for the renewable energy components of water pumping systems that displace diesel engine powered pumps in off-grid applications. Rebates of 40% of the capital cost of the renewable energy components minus $1,000 are available to applicants that fully comply with the eligibility requirements and procedures.

The maximum rebate level for the programme is $30,000 per site for pastoral stations, communities and towns only; and $15,000 per site for farms and other sites.

Rebate guidelines: PDF (68KB)
Rebate pre-purchase appl. : PDF (72KB) / DOC (464KB)
Rebate rebate application: PDF (68KB) / DOC (373KB)


Further details:

Approvals for these rebate programmes vary from case to case, so we recommend you read the official guidelines available for download. Alternatively, please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or require an explanation of the application process.

You may also like to visit the PVRP government web site or contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO).

PVRP site: www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/pv/index.html
EPA site: www.epa.qld.gov.au/sustainable_energy
AGO site: www.greenhouse.gov.au