Solar Homes and Communities Plan

Frequently asked questions

MY APPLICATION

When can I expect a response to my application?

Letters are now being posted to inform remaining applicants whether their pre-approval application has been successful.

How are applications being checked?

All completed applications sent to the Solar Homes and Communities Plan Manager by midnight on Tuesday 9 June 2009 were assessed under the program guidelines.
Applications have been checked for whether they met the deadline for the closure of the program and completeness including:
- Applicant signature
- Designer or installer signature
- Accreditation of designers and installers
- Whether an accredited system has been included
- Disclosure of income, home ownership or residency
- Duplication or previous applications

How long do I have to install my system?

Systems must be installed and a correct installation report completed by the date specified on each pre-approval and conditional approval letters which allows nine months for installation.
The installation report must confirm that an installation was completed by the expiry date quoted on your letter.
Find out more about Receiving your rebate

My application was unsuccessful. What about my deposit?

This will depend on the contract between applicant and installer.
We encourage applicants to review their contract and discuss terms and conditions with their installer.

Why has it taken time to process applications?

Due to the high level of demand under the Solar Homes and Communities Plan, the Department has been carefully processing the large number of applications received in late May and June.
Applications received on or after 9 June 2009 have been checked for duplicates, parts which were separated when submitted and processed against the program requirements.
Installers and solar panels are also cross-checked with industry lists held by the Clean Energy Council to ensure they have the appropriate industry accreditation.

I have received a conditional approval. Who can I talk to about this and where do I post my additional information?

See How do I find out more at the end of this page.
Additional information must be posted to the Department by your three week deadline at:
Solar Homes and Communities Plan Manager
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
PO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2600

INSTALLATIONS

Once my application is approved, how do I make sure I receive my rebate?

Systems must be installed by the date specified on each pre-approval and conditional approval letter which allows nine months for installation.
Once installation has been completed by the expiry date, a complete and correct installation report must be submitted to the Department within eight weeks
Your accredited installer must have permission from the relevant electricity supply authority to connect your solar panels to the grid.
Installers, designers and systems must be accredited by the Clean Energy Council
Find out more on our Receiving your rebate page

How do I make sure my system is installed correctly?

You can check the accreditation of your installer and system through the Clean Energy Council's lists of approved photovoltaic (PV) inverters and modules, and accredited installers at cleanenergycouncil.org.au
For tips on how your system can be positioned to catch the most sun, maintenance and a range of other things to consider, visit livinggreener.gov.au/take-action/save-energy/install-solar-power
The Department will be inspecting some homes to check that systems installed meet our program requirements and will contact you if your home is chosen.
If you are not satisfied with your installation, you should discuss it with your installer.
If you are unable to resolve concerns with your installer, you are encouraged to report your concerns to the Clean Energy Council, the fair trading organisation in your state or territory and the Department.

Can I get an extension for the installation period?

All installations must be completed by the date on each individual’s pre-approval and conditional approval letter.

SOLAR CREDITS AND OTHER PROGRAMS

What Government support is available to help me make my home more efficient?

Homes can take advantage of the following Australian Government programs:

Households and businesses that install eligible small-scale solar photovoltaic, wind and hydro electricity systems from 9 June 2009 may also be eligible to receive extra renewable energy certificates under Solar Credits. Find out more about Solar Credits at www.orer.gov.au or by calling 02 6159 7700.
Homes can access free, tailored advice and interest free loans up to $10,000 through Green Loans. Contact the Green Loans hotline on 1800 895 076.
Solar hot water and insulation rebates are available through the $4 billion Energy Efficient Homes Package and rebates for rainwater tanks and greywater systems through the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative. Call 1800 808 571 to find out more about either of these.
Information on Green Loans, the Energy Efficient Homes Package or National Rainwater Greywater Initiative is available at www.environment.gov.au/rebates

What is Solar Credits?

Eligible home wind, hydro or solar installations installed from 9 June 2009 may be eligible to receive extra renewable energy certificates to assist with the upfront costs of installing small-scale renewable energy systems under Solar Credits.
Solar Credits provides assistance to a much wider range of Australians and is not means tested.
Extra renewable energy certificates will apply to the first 1.5 kilowatts of capacity installed; systems with a higher capacity are still eligible for the standard number of renewable energy certificates.
The level of support provided by Solar Credits will depend on the market price of renewable energy certificates and the location and size of the system.
Solar Credits provides a higher subsidy in sunnier locations, where there is a greater environmental benefit from solar panels.

How can I apply for Solar Credits?

A majority of buyers transfer their renewable energy certificates to their system installer in return for a discount at point of purchase or delayed cash payment by signing a REC assignment form.
Householders may also create renewable energy certificates themselves and transfer their certificates to a buyer through a central register managed by the Renewable Energy Regulator.
Households considering installing solar photovoltaic systems are encouraged to shop around for the best deal, and get advice from their installer or retailer on whether their system is eligible and how many renewable energy certificates it is entitled to.
To find out more about obtaining a financial benefit from renewable energy certificates, visit www.orer.gov.au or call 02 6159 7700.

PROGRAM CLOSURE

How do I find out about why the Solar Homes and Communities Plan was closed?

The Solar Homes and Communities Plan was experiencing an extremely high level of demand and had a finite budget. More information is available in:

Media release for the announcement - 9 June 2009
Address to the Clean Energy Council Energy Efficiency Seminar - 11 June 2009

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE

For enquiries such as the below, who do I call?

the outcomes of individual applications
the time available to complete installation
requirements in relation to conditional approval
general reasons why an application is unsuccessful

Please call the program hotline on 1800 808 571.

I am an installer, who can I call?

Please call 02 6274 2538.

I'm an applicant and I want feedback on my specific application, who can I call?

Call the program hotline on 1800 808 571. The hotline will take your details and the preferred time between 9am and 5pm for a member of the Solar Homes and Communities Plan team to contact you with the details of your application in hand.

We also encourage you to put your questions into writing. Emails can be sent to shcp@environment.gov.au or letters can be posted to:

Solar Homes and Communities Plan Manager
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
PO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2600

Renewable energy