Solar Water Heaters & Heat Pumps

The number of Australians purchasing solar hot water or heat pump systems has risen dramatically in recent times. The number of RECs from these systems represents about 35% of all RECs created.

RECs for solar water heaters and heat pumps

RECs for eligible solar water heaters and heat pumps can only be claimed within 12 months of the system being installed. These RECs can only be claimed once and this claim covers the life of the system. Refer to The Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator for more information and a list of eligible systems www.orer.gov.au.

How to calculate RECs for solar water heaters or heat pumps

The Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator provides a register of products which are eligible for RECs and these can be found in our calculators.

Rebates

A number of states have rebate systems in place in addition to RECs, for more information visit www.environment.gov.au/rebates.

VEECs for Victorians

Solar water heater and heat pump installations in residential premises in Victoria are eligible for Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates, or VEECs.

To start claiming VEECs complete the assignment form here.

To calculate the number of VEECs you are eligible for visit VEEC calculators.

Commercial heat pumps

In September 2009 the government introduced tighter requirements for RECs for Commercial Heat Pumps and Solar Water Heaters with a capacity greater than 700L. Both the customer and the installer must now sign statutory declarations.  Refer to Green Energy Trading Information Sheet #5 – Commercial SWH. Assignment forms as well as two suggested templates for the statutory declarations are available on our paperwork page.

Rebates

As well as RECs some additional government rebates may be available when installing a solar water heater or heat pump. For more information see our rebates page.