The solar rebate initiative is becoming increasingly popular and crucial to making Australia more energy-efficient. Solar power is a cleaner energy source, so it’s understandable why Australian businesses are keen to get in on the trend.
South Australia aims to hit net-zero emissions by 2050, and the solar rebates scheme is designed to help them achieve this.
But what benefits can you get from solar rebates, and how can you maximise them? Read on to find out.
How Do You Understand Solar Rebates?
Before going into what you can get from solar rebates, let’s detail what they are.
What Are Solar Rebates?
Solar rebates aim to make it far more accessible for people to obtain and install solar panels by subsidising the costs.
These schemes mean consumers have to pay far less in up-front costs, with the initial investment being an off-putting factor for many businesses and homeowners.
What Types of Solar Rebates Are There?
Although the aim is the same, there are multiple types of solar rebates. Here are some of the solar rebate types you can get in SA.
- Solar Feed-in-Tariffs: A solar Feed-in-Tariff is a payment made to you for the excess electricity you generate (this electricity feeds back into the grid).
- Renewable energy buyback scheme: An electricity retailer can buy back excess electricity. As a part of the scheme, they get to predetermine the rate.
- Solar rebate: This is where they discount the installation price to incentivise you to get solar panels.
- Small-Scale Technology Certificates: Trade these on the market to get a discount on a solar system.
How Do You Maximise Benefits from a Solar Rebate SA Before Applying for it?
You can maximise your financial benefits before the rebate application process.
Research What You Can Get from Solar Rebates
Going blind into a rebate is a bad idea; you need to do plenty of research.
For example, look into what your current solar power needs are; there may be a cheaper type of installation that you can get if your needs aren’t too large.
Our top tip to do this is to look at your energy bills, specifically the electricity bills, so you can calculate your daily energy use – this will be how much you need.
Choose the Best Possible Solar System
You must also research the different solar and battery systems to find the best one.
Here is what to consider when choosing a solar system:
- The quality of the panels
- The price
- The energy efficiency level
A Concentrated Solar Power System (CSP)
These solar power options use mirrors to create a concentration of sunlight on a small area of the panel that uses turbines to produce electricity.
They are most useful in areas with lots of sunlight.
Solar PV System
A solar PV system is the most popular system for residential areas; this is because a solar PV system can convert sunlight directly into electricity.
They have excellent energy-efficient capabilities and are more affordable than other options.
Solar Battery System
As well as choosing a solar system, you need to consider a solar battery system, which you can use to store electricity.
Specifically, solar batteries store any excess electricity you don’t use; you can use this as a part of a solar rebate (a solar feed-in tariff, for example).
Alternatively, you can use the excess electricity from solar batteries to decrease your reliance on the grid.
Select a Solar Installer with an Excellent Reputation
You must select a solar installer after you choose the system you want.
Choose one with experience in solar installation and multiple good reviews and recommendations.
An installer is a heavy expense, so you must choose one who will do the job well, do it efficiently and comply with solar rebates (you can check this information on their website).
How Do You Apply for a Solar Rebate in South Australia?
Before maximising your financial benefit from a South Australia solar rebate, you must apply for one.
Here is our step-by-step guide for applying for a solar rebate in South Australia.
Ensure You’re Eligible for a Solar Rebate in South Australia
No matter what solar rebate you’re looking to apply for, you must check your eligibility. If you want to know the full eligibility details for solar rebates in South Australia, head to their website.
Here are some examples of how you can be eligible for solar rebates in South Australia.
- For feed-in-tariff options, you must have an installed solar PV system in your home (connected to the electricity grid). Homeowners and small businesses will be eligible for this if they have solar PV systems.
- The solar home battery scheme subsidies are now over, so eligibility is no longer a concern.
- For the low-income solar rebate scheme, you must check the South Australian Government website for changing criteria; it usually depends on how much you earn.
Go Through the Solar Rebate Application Process and Provide Correct Documentation
Once you know you’re eligible, go through the application process.
You must input various information, no matter which option you choose (Small-scale Technology Certificates, for example).
Follow these steps to apply for solar rebates in South Australia:
- Head to the website of the relevant solar rebate authority in your area.
- They will ask you for information, such as if your installer is a Clean Energy Council operator. They will also ask you for the size of your system and how many sunshine hours you receive in your location.
- Once you input the necessary information, provide the correct documents, including the quote for installing your solar panels, proof that you’re eligible (e.g., order numbers) and any other forms they ask for. After this, submit the application.
- If they approve you for the rebate, claim it once you receive the final documents after the installation.
How to Maximise Your Financial Returns for a Solar Rebate
The amount you get from a solar rebate for your solar power system is only the beginning; you need to find ways to maximise your financial returns after you receive the rebate.
Work out What You Will Potentially Save
The first step is to calculate what the solar panels will save you without any further input from yourself, specifically, what they will save you on energy bills.
You can use multiple online tools to do this, but the main thing to remember is that solar power will most certainly use less synergy than a regular system.
Optimise Your Energy Consumption
An easy way to follow suit with the energy efficiency of your solar system is to buy energy-efficient appliances like LED lights.
Try other tactics like timing how long you use energy and lowering the amount of high-energy-consuming things you do in the house, if possible.
Also, consider looking into a battery system to store excess electricity and use it instead of the grid’s supply.
Maintain Your Solar System Correctly
If you fail to upkeep your solar panels, you can spend a lot of money on repairs and maintenance fees.
Therefore, you should check your system regularly, both by checking your energy consumption and looking at the system for wear and tear.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits You Can Maximise from Solar Rebates in South Australia
The money you can get from solar rebates can help you install new solar panels for your home, but it can also be the start of a more energy-efficient lifestyle where you save more electricity and, in turn, more money.
Do plenty of research to check for solar-type and rebate options in South Australia (examples include the solar rebate and Small-scale Technology Certificates), and remember to keep energy efficiency in your mind when you get them.
For more energy-saving tips, look at our other content related to South Australia on Ecosaver. You can also contact us to arrange solar installation.
