Sustainability Rebates Program

In 2023/24, Council’s Small Environmental Projects Fund (SEPF) is supporting the Sustainability Rebates Program. This program has been designed to assist homeowners and landlords in their move toward electrification, helping you switch off gas and move to energy efficient appliances powered by solar energy. This will support our goal of net zero community emissions by 2050. 

Applications are now open and eligible applicants can receive multiple rebates for purchasing one or more of the sustainable products listed below.

Need help making a start in your electrification journey? Find some handy tips and tricks here.

Rooftop Solar

Rebate: 10% rebate up to $500 

Overview:  

Currently over 9,900 homes in the Shellharbour local government area (LGA) have installed solar. 

We recommend using the SunSPOT tool prior to contacting an installer to estimate your system size, cost and how much it will save you. In most cases, you can add solar panels to your home as exempt development, which means you don’t need approval from Council. Check the NSW Planning Portal for more information. 

We recommend sourcing at least two quotes from an approved retailer or installer. To find out more, and for advice on selecting a solar retailer and installer, visit the Clean Energy Council. Eligible rooftop solar systems may also receive the Federal Government's Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate which is arranged for you by your installer. Ask your installer for more information on the STC scheme for your system.  

Eligibility criteria: 

  • Only available to homeowners and landlords of properties in the Shellharbour LGA for rooftop solar installed from the 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2024.  
  • Must be installed by a licensed tradesperson and meet all necessary installation standards. 
  • Product has not been purchased and installed as a requirement for BASIX or Development Application compliance purposes. 
  • See Council’s Sustainability Rebate Guidelines for full terms and conditions. 

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Rebate: 10% up to $500 

Overview: 

Hot water systems account for approximately 25% of household energy use (Your Home, 2020).  Rewiring Australia suggests that of the alternatives available electric heat pump water heaters are easily the most energy efficient option, consuming only approximately 23% of the annual energy required by gas hot water and conventional electric resistant models.  

Eligible electric heat pumps can receive both a Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) and Energy Saving Certificate (ESC) rebate which is arranged for you by your installer. Council recommends sourcing at least two quotes. 

Eligibility criteria: 

  • Only available to homeowners and landlords of properties in the Shellharbour LGA for electric heat pump water heaters installed from the 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2024.  
  • Must be installed by a licensed tradesperson and meet all necessary installation standards. 
  • Excludes swimming pool heat pumps. 
  • Product has not been purchased and installed as a requirement for BASIX or Development Application compliance purposes. 
  • See Council’s Sustainability Rebate Guidelines for full terms and conditions. 

Induction Cooktops

Rebate: 10% up to $250 

Overview: 

Home appliances account for around 25% of household energy use (Your Home, 2020).  Rewiring Australia suggests that electric induction cooktops are the most energy efficient option, consuming only 40% of the energy required by gas cooktops. Council recommends sourcing at least two quotes. 

Eligibility criteria: 

  • Only available to homeowners and landlords of properties in the Shellharbour LGA for induction cooktops installed from the 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2024.  
  • Must be installed by a licensed tradesperson and meet all necessary installation standards. 
  • Product has not been purchased and installed as a requirement for BASIX or Development Application compliance purposes. 
  • See Council’s Sustainability Rebate Guidelines for full terms and conditions. 

Electric Vehicle Chargers

Rebate: 10% up to $250 

Overview: 

The Electric Vehicle Council have reported a 120% increase in electric vehicle (EV) car sales between January and June 2023. Charge your electric vehicle at home or future proof your property with the installation of an EV charger.  

If charged by home solar during the day, EV chargers enable the storage of excess solar generated, just like a battery.  We recommend sourcing at least two quotes. 

 

Eligibility criteria: 

  • Only available to homeowners and landlords of properties in the Shellharbour LGA for electric vehicle chargers installed from the 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2024. 
  • Must be installed by a licensed tradesperson and meet all necessary installation standards. 
  • Product has not been purchased and installed as a requirement for BASIX or Development Application compliance purposes. 
  • See Council’s Sustainability Rebate Guidelines for full terms and conditions. 

Home Battery

Rebate: 5% up to $500 

Overview: 

Peak energy consumption in the average NSW household largely occurs outside the hours of solar generation. By installing a home battery you can store and use electricity generated when you need it. By 2025 a typical household will recoup their investment in just under 7.5 years, well within the average battery’s 10-year lifespan (AEMC, 2023). 

Shellharbour residents can use the SunSPOT tool prior to contacting an installer to estimate your battery needs. The NSW Government's Home Solar Battery Guide also provides tips to help you make informed decisions when buying and owning a battery system. We recommend sourcing at least two quotes. 

Eligible home batteries can also receive a Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate which is arranged for you by your installer. Ask your installer for more information on additional rebates available.  

Eligibility criteria: 

  • Only available to homeowners and landlords of properties in the Shellharbour LGA for home batteries installed from the 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2024.  
  • Must be installed by a licensed tradesperson and meet all necessary installation standards. 
  • Product has not been purchased and installed as a requirement for BASIX or Development Application compliance purposes. 
  • See Council’s Sustainability Rebate Guidelines for full terms and conditions. 

How to apply

1. Check the Eligibility Criteria  
Review the eligibility criteria for your chosen sustainable product. To be eligible to receive a rebate, your sustainable product must be installed from 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2024.   

2. Purchase your sustainable product  
Purchase your sustainable product from the list above and install using a licensed tradesperson. Ensure that you  have met the eligibility criteria for your chosen product.  

3. Submit an Application Form  
Submit an application form and attach the required documents/images to verify your eligibility to participate in the program. Click 'Apply Now' to submit an Application Form.  

4. Receive your Sustainability Rebate  
Rebates are subject to the approval process and availability. If your form is approved by Council, you will receive your sustainability rebate via electronic bank transfer. Add claims@rebately.co to your email contacts to ensure you receive your claim status updates.  

Applications open Friday 3 November 2023.

 

Small Environmental Projects Fund

The Sustainability Rebates Program is funded by Council’s Small Environmental Projects Fund (SEPF).  

Since 2000/01, Council’s SEPF has provided financial assistance to a variety of local community groups, schools and childcare centres to deliver sustainability projects and environmental education. 

Most recently the SEPF funded local schools to participate in the Solar my School Program. As a result of their participation Oak Flats Public School and Lake Illawarra South Public School installed 29 kW and 41 kW systems respectively, achieving a combined saving of 120 tonnes of CO2-e per year. 

For more information about the Small Environmental Projects Fund please contact Council's Environment Team on 4221 6111 or email sustainability@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

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Sustainability Rebates Program Guidelines

Council will either approve or decline applications for Sustainability Rebates based on the approval criteria in the guidelines.
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Solar my School

As part of the 2022/23 round of the Small Environmental Projects Fund, Oak Flats Public School was selected to participate in the Solar my School program.
Last updated : Thu 16 Nov 2023