Solar Homes and Communities Plan
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
What changes have been made in the transition from the Photovoltaic Rebate Program to the Solar Homes and Communities Plan (SHCP)?
The Australian Government has increased funding for the Solar Homes and Communities Plan by $25.6 million in 2008-09. The previous allocation would have allowed up to 3000 household rebates to be paid. The increased funding - now a total of $56.6 million - will allow up to 6000 rebates to be paid.
The Government has also introduced a means test on the SHCP. Under the means test, households with an annual taxable income of $100,000 or more are not eligible to claim the rebate. The introduction of the means test brings the Solar Home and Communities Plan solar power rebate into line with the means test on the $1000 solar hot water rebate.
The Solar Homes and Communities Plan will now conclude at the end of the 2009-10 financial year - two years earlier than originally planned. This is because the Government has decided to bring forward funding from future years to meet higher demand now.
The overall amount of funding dedicated to the rebate program is unchanged at $150 million. The maximum rebate remains at $8000 - or $8 per watt up to a 1000 watt solar power system.
The other main change is that schools are no longer eligible for solar power rebates under the Solar Homes and Communities Plan. This is because under the new $480 million National Solar Schools Plan starting in 2008-09, every Australian school can receive a grant of up to $50,000 for solar power, energy efficiency and water efficiency works.
What is the definition of a household?
Household income refers to household family taxable income. It is determined by combining the taxable income of the applicant and any spouse in the most recently completed tax year prior to application for the rebate.
Taxable family income does not include income derived by any other person residing at the dwelling of the applicant, for example, children or boarders.
What are the implications for people who have already applied for a rebate?
There are no implications for these people. Anybody who applied under the old Photovoltaic Rebate Program prior to midnight on Budget night (May 13) will have their applications assessed under the old guidelines, i.e., all applications with a post mark dated 13 May or earlier will be accepted under the old guidelines.
The means test will not apply to these people. This is the situation for people who have already had their applications approved, for those whose applications have already been received and for those whose applications are already in the post.
Applications posted after midnight on 13 May will be assessed under the new guidelines.
What will happen to applications that are lodged on the old form?
New forms will be available shortly. Applications that come in on the old forms will be marked as received on the date they arrive.
If an application is post-marked before midnight on Budget night, it will be assessed under the old guidelines.
If an application is post-marked after midnight on Budget night and is on the old form, the applicant will be sent a supplementary form in relation to the means test.
