Solar Homes and Communities Plan

Latest news

Unprecedented growth under the Government's Solar Homes and Communities Plan has resulted in closure of this program and the immediate introduction of Solar Credits..
Government continues to grow renewable energy industry - Media release
Frequently asked questions

For those people that either faxed or emailed applications prior midnight on 9 June 2009, the Department asks that signed originals of these applications are forwarded to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and the Arts - attention the Solar Homes and Communities Plan manager. All signed originals must be received by the Department by 17 July 2009.

The Solar Homes and Communities Plan started in 2000 - helping Australian homes and communities reduce their environmental impact, reduce their energy use and save on energy bills.

Since November 2007, the program has provided rebates of up to $8,000 for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems. The program was allocated $150 million to provide rebates to up to 3,000 homes each year over five years.

The Solar Homes and Communities Plan has gone far beyond this, resulting in:

34,000 solar systems being installed by end of May - a number which is increasing each week;
A further 63,000 installations still to be completed or up to 12 months worth of work based on current installation rates;
A doubling of accredited solar panel installers over the last year to more than 1,000;
A further 300 solar installers in training now and a 40 per cent increase in industry training courses since November 2007; and
A four-fold increase in budget.

Download our latest program statistics

Watts installed by Month - wattsbymonth-may09.xls (198 KB)
Systems installed by State - installedbystate-may09.xls (37 KB)

Comprehensive information is provided below for applicants and industry including:

Contacts

EMAIL
Contact us
HOTLINE
1800 808 571

Rebates & funding

HOUSEHOLDS

SCHOOLS

National Solar Schools

Renewable energy