Solar Homes and Communities Plan
History and statistics
The Solar Homes and Communities Plan started out as the Photovoltaic Rebate Program offering $4,000 rebates in 2000.
By the time the Photovoltaic Rebate Program was changed in November 2007, the program had helped to install 10,000 solar systems and was receiving an average 153 applications per week.
As part of the Rudd Government's election commitments, the program was allocated $150 million to provide increased rebates of up to $8,000 to 15,000 homes over five years.
In May 2008, a means test was placed on the solar panel rebate to ensure support was provided to the homes that most needed it.
The number of applications for the rebate grew from 420 per week in May 2008 to approximately 6,043 per week in May 2009.
Download our latest program statistics
- Download Progress on receipt of installation reports and payment of rebates (Excel - 28 KB)
- Download Watts installed by month (Excel - 235 KB)
- Download Systems installed by State (Excel - 41 KB)
Summary of rebates and grants
| Minimum system size | Australian Government Support | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (rebates) | ||
| Household taxable family income of less than $100,000 | ||
| New systems | ||
| 450 watts | Up to $8,000 ($8 per watt up to one kilowatt) | Installation at a principal place of residence and no previous rebate from the Australian Government |
| Extensions to old systems | ||
| 450 watts | Up to $5,000 ($5 per watt up to one kilowatt) | Support for system extensions to one kilowatt whether the systems have received a rebate or not |
| Community use buildings (competitive grants) | ||
| 450 watts | Fifty percent of the cost for the first two kilowatts of a system | Grants for systems with significant educational value |
NOTE: *This information is a guide only and was combined with the program guidelines.
Summary of eligibility
- Rebates and grants were for the purchase and installation of new major equipment items.
- Residential rebates were for photovoltaic systems connected to a main-grid or very close to a main-grid.
- Systems eligible for the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program were ineligible for the Solar Homes and Communities Plan.
- The installation must be carried out by an accredited designer and installer.
- Applicant's household taxable income must be less than $100,000.
Downloads
- Download the Guidelines for residential applicants (PDF - 122 KB) (RTF - 122 KB) - 21 May 2008
- Download the Guidelines for Community Buildings Grants (PDF - 84 KB)