Solar Hot Water System Interest Free Loan Project
The Project provides for the establishment of interest free loans for the installation of solar hot water system (and other selected water heating devices such as solar boost heat pump, solar retrofit kit or other pre heating systems in accordance with current South Australian Government rebate schemes) by residents living in the Burnside Council area.
The project does not stipulate where and what type of solar hot water system must be purchased to be eligible for an interest free loan, allowing for greater consumer choice.
A household will be able to apply for an interest free loan for the installation of solar hot water system services of up to $1,800 per household.
Residents will be required to make their own contribution of approximately $600. The loan can be repaid over 12 months.
Please note up to about 10 interest free loans per Council will be available.
The Solar Hot Water System Interest Free Loan Project is an initiative of the Cities of Unley, Burnside and Norwood, Payneham and St Peters and funded through the Australian Government Community Abatement Grants.
Summary of Application Process
The City of Burnside have interest free loans for residents of up to $1,800, for the purchase and installation of solar hot water systems.
An interest free loan is provided to residents for a period of 12 months.
Residents will have to pay a deposit upfront to their chosen solar hot water supplier, with regular repayments by the resident required over the 12 months.
Steps for residents obtaining an interest free loan:
- Seek information from a solar hot water supplier about the type and size of system that best suits your house.
- Obtain a quote for the cost and installation of the preferred solar hot water system.
- Make an appointment with your Council's Environmental Officer (details below) to arrange the interest-free loan.
- Complete an agreement with the Council to repay interest free loan.
- Make the deposit payment to the solar hot water supplier.
- Make regular repayments (as outlined in the agreement) to your Council over a 12 month period to repay the loan.
Replacing an electric storage hot water system with a solar hot water system, will achieve a 2.5 tonne reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per year.
For further information contact the City of Burnside by phoning 8366 4200.
Water Conservation Incentive Scheme
The City of Burnside has introduced a Water Conservation Incentive Scheme so residents can save money, water, and relieve pressure on the River Murray.
The incentives include:
- Payments of up to $450 towards the cost of rainwater tanks installed in 2005/2006
- $100 towards the installation of AAAA-rated (4½/3L) dual flush toilets
- $100 towards AAAA-rated washing machines
- Up to $40 towards AAA-rated shower heads
- Up to $200 towards landscaping works where drought tolerant species displace grassed areas.
These incentives will promote the need for better use of our natural resources and residents will stand
to enjoy ongoing water and financial savings from taking a positive step towards reducing their water use.
Visit Water Conservation Incentive Scheme Application Form for further information
Rainwater Tank Incentive Scheme
In December 2004, Council resolved to provide incentives for local residents to connect rainwater tanks to internal water-using appliances.
The program offers a range of incentives that residents may choose to implement and provides different options for differing residential circumstances
Incentives:
The program specifically targets the connection of rainwater tanks to internal water using appliances to reduce mains water consumption.
The scheme offers incentives for:
- The purchase, installation and connection of rainwater tanks to internal water using appliances (i.e.toilets, washing machines, hot water service or entire household).
- Connection of existing rainwater tanks to internal water-using appliances;
Council stresses the presence of reactive clay soils within our area and the need for
residents to maintain moisture levels throughout the year.
Water conservation should not preclude the supply of water to garden areas around dwellings to minimise soil movement
Rainwater Tanks:
Council’s scheme and associated information focuses on the connection of rainwater
tanks to internal water-using appliances to ensure the displacement of mains water by rainwater harvested on site.
Further information is readily available on rainwater tanks, water quality devices and
potential yields that may be achieved with a range of variables.
The program will not make retrospective payments, nor contribute to rainwater tanks that are not connected in accordance with the scheme guidelines.
Residents who wish to participate in this scheme need to:
- Register interest in the program;
- Obtain application form and scheme guidelines;
- Obtain quote, arrange installation and connection (in accordance with conditions);
- Submit an application form to Council for reimbursement
Other considerations for each resident to make include:
- What area of roof can be readily connected?
- Where can I use the water and what level of consumption is expected?
- What type and size tank do I need?
- What level of water quality do I want?
These are largely personal considerations for each resident to decide, though rainfall
data or calculations may also be of assistance.
Water quality:
Council recommends the installation of devices designed to maximise water quality
including:
- gutter guards;
- leaf diverters; and
- first flush devices
Level of contributions
A wide range of tank types are available for consumers.
Based upon the optimum tank size for our local rainfall patterns, the scheme provides a contribution of 20% towards the cost of the tanks up to a maximum contribution of $250.
Connections to internal water using appliances (using a pump)
Rainwater tanks connected to an internal water-using appliance (such as toilet, washing achines, hot water service, or whole of house connections) will ensure water from the tank displaces mains water throughout the year.
Investigations in this area have led Council to encourage rainwater tanks to be installed with the use of a pump to supply internal water needs.
With appropriate devices installed which prevent back-flow, water can be reticulated as required without the need to duplicate internal plumbing.
In this manner high quality water can be connected to hot water services, washing
machines, and also for general consumption.
Backflow prevention devices must be installed
Significant plumbing or retrofitting costs of up to $200 are available for satisfactory installation and connection which meet the project objectives.
Gravity fed connections can be made to toilet cisterns, and in this case dedicated low pressure inlet valves are required to ensure satisfactory performance.
Appropriate ball valves and back-flow prevention devices are also required to isolate each system
Further information on this connection is available from your local eco-smartplumber.
What doesn’t the Incentive Scheme cover?
The project coordinated by Council does not provide specific financial incentives linked directly to tank stands, (other than those provided in the cost of a modular tank as a standard item), water quality devices, or additional costs for colour treatment of galvanised tanks.
Households in Burnside can apply to receive interest free loans from the City of Burnside to install approved, environmentally friendly solar hot water services.
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Contact:
Jenni McGlennon
Sustainability Officer
Telephone: 8372 5118
Email:
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