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Solar HotWater Rebate Scheme
 It has been estimated that 30-35% of energy consumed in the average household each year is used for heating water. The installation of solar-powered hot water systems can reduce these conventional water heating energy demands by up to 75%.
The Solar Hot Water System Rebate Scheme is an initiative of the Whyalla City Council aimed at reducing the use of fossil fuels for the generation of electricity to heat water in Whyalla homes.
This scheme is an important part of Council's commitment to manage the region in an ecologically sustainable manner. With your participation we can make a positive contribution to meeting State and National greenhouse gas reduction targets.
As part of the Rebate Scheme, Council provides a 5% rebate on the unit price of a solar hot water system. This rebate is calculated after the manufacturer/distributor discounts have been deducted, and does not include installation costs, freight or any other miscellaneous items.
How Does the Rebate Work?
The program has been set up to be as simple and hassle free as possible.
The rebate program is essentially a financial incentive set up to assist Whyalla residents in reducing the cost of purchasing solar hot water units for water heating in their homes.
As part of the rebate scheme, council provides a 5% rebate on the unit price of any complete solar hot water unit. This rebate is calculated after any manufacturer or local agent discounts have been given to the customer.
State Government Rebate
The South Australian Government offers a
Example Rebate
| Price of average unit (four person household) |
$2,300
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| Less (maximum) manufacturer rebate |
- $300
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| Subtotal |
$2,000
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| Less %5 Council rebate |
- $100
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| Less State Government rebate |
- $100
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| Total |
$1,800
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(These figures do not include installation or freight which can be approximately $300)
How Do I Choose a System?
The choice is yours, there are no restrictions on the brand, size or cost of the unit you chose to buy. Simply talk to your local plumber or any of the local solar hot water distributor agents listed below.
How Soon Do I Get Free Hot Water?
Of course the attraction of a Solar Hot Water system is that it heats water using energy free from the sun - but how long does it take for the savings in energy costs to pay back the price of the unit? The payback period is affected by many different factors, but basically, the payback period is determined by dividing the difference in price of a conventional and solar system by the annual energy cost savings of using a solar system.
Without the rebates which are being offered, the estimated payback period for a solar hot water system is eight to twelve years. With the rebates offered by Whyalla City Council and the State Government, this can drop to six to eight years.
How To Claim Your Council Rebate
Simply complete the application form below and bring it, your receipt of purchase, and an invoice showing a breakdown of costs eg: unit price, installation costs and costs of miscellaneous items into the Council Office.
You can expect to receive your rebate within four weeks.
- Solar Hot Water System Rebate Application Form
 (98 kb)
For More Information on the Solar Hot Water Rebate Scheme Contact:
Whyalla City Council
Civic Building, Darling Terrace
or
PO Box 126
Whyalla, SA 5600
Ph: (08) 8640 3444
Fax: (08) 8645 0155
Email: council@whyalla.sa.gov.au
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