PV and Solar Hot Water System

From Rosemary Morrow


Just a quick note to say that when I followed up an advertisement in the Gazette for a 1 kw PV and solar HWS the supplier quoted me $4,265 for my place because I already have a heat pump hot water system and because of the low amount of energy I use. My bill is about $95.00 per quarter - say $100 i.e. I spend $4000 over ten years if there are no price increases.


So I reckon that with paying no bills and selling excess energy back to the grid it would return the outlay to me in maximum four years. If electricity bills go up and the return to private providers is increased, it is possible to be well ahead and USE NO COAL. The quote included all electrical work.


I wonder if there are people who would like to be part of this venture and bulk buy. We could then get a group price of $3,900 - $3,999 if five people want to be part of this.

Rebates for Rainwater Tanks, Hot Water Systems and Insulation

Did you know that there’s a new rebate incentive program that the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) have recently launched called the Residential Rebate Program? It has been established to help people make their homes more water and energy efficient.

The rebates are additional to any other rebate or incentive offer currently available to NSW residents. Hot water systems, insulation or rainwater tanks installed to comply with BASIX (the Building Sustainability Index) for new homes and major renovations are not eligible for the rebate.

In brief the rainwater tank rebate provides up to $1500 for rainwater tanks connected to toilets and washing machines. The hot water system rebate provides up to $1200 to switch from electric to solar, heat pump or gas hot water systems. The insulation rebate provides half the cost of installing ceiling insulation in your home, up to a maximum of $300.

For more information go to
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates/index.htm

Vanessa Steele
Sustainability Consultant