Queensland Government solar hot water rebates paid from today

Premier Anna Bligh has said the first of the State Government’s Solar Hot Water rebates will be paid today.

Rebates of $600 or $1000 for pensioners and low income earners will be paid to eligible householders who have replaced their electric hot water system with

a solar hot water system or heat pump.

“Our Government is determined to make Queensland the solar state, by doubling our capture of solar energy over the next five years. We want Queenslanders to do the bright thing,” Ms Bligh said.

“That’s why we are investing $115 million over three years to support a range of solar initiatives, to increase support for the solar energy sector, create green jobs, drive community participation in solar programs and encourage investment in solar technologies.

“We have committed $60 million of this funding to the Queensland Government Solar Hot Water Rebate, and so far, I have been very pleased with the level of interest the scheme has attracted, since it started on April 13 2010.

“So far we’ve received more than 1,500 applications, and there have been more than 45,000 downloads of the rebate guideline.

“Rebates will be paid within six weeks of receipt, provided they are eligible and the first of these are going out the door today.”

Ms Bligh said Queensland residents planning to install a solar hot water system or heat pump, should ensure that their system meets quality and safety standards and is installed by qualified tradespeople.

“Householders should ensure they read the rebate guideline available at www.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 GET SOLAR (13 438 76527) so they purchase a system that complies with system standards and installation requirements,” she said.

“As quality and safety are of key importance, we have built strict standards into our scheme, to ensure the type of system purchased is of high quality, maximises the environmental savings and is installed safely.

“This also includes a strict eligibility criteria, monitoring and auditing processes.

”Installations will only be accepted if undertaken by suitably licensed contractors, plumbers, electricians and gas fitters.

“And the rebate is for solar systems purchased on or after 13 April 2010 replacing an electric storage hot water system.”

Further information about the rebate, eligibility criteria, and other solar initiatives is available at: www.qld.gov.au or the hotline 13 GET SOLAR or 13 438 76527.

Contact 07 32244500