Sustainability Rebates Program

In 2023/24, Council’s Small Environmental Projects Fund (SEPF) has provided 60 rebates to eligible homeowners and landlords for the installation of sustainability products as part of the Sustainability Rebates Program.

The aim of the program was to support the community to move toward electrification and energy efficient appliances powered by solar energy to achieve our goal of net zero community emissions by 2050.

Applications for the 2023/24 round of the program have now closed.

To find out about future opportunities to participate in the Sustainability Rebates Program subscribe to Council’s Sustainable Shellharbour newsletter here.

To find out about how you can make a start on your electrification journey today take a look at these handy tips and tricks.

Rooftop Solar

Rebate: Currently not available

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: Currently not available

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: Currently not available

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: Currently not available

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: Currently not available

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. 

Small Environmental Projects Fund

The Sustainability Rebates Program is funded by Council’s Small Environmental Projects Fund (SEPF). In 2023/24 the SEPF funded 60 rebates totalling approximately $25,000.

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. 

In recent years the SEPF has provided funding to 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 34 KW systems respectively in 2022/23, achieving a combined saving of 78 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. 

alt text

Sustainability Rebates Program Guidelines

Council will either approve or decline applications for Sustainability Rebates based on the approval criteria in the guidelines.
alt text

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 : Wed 22 May 2024