Governments have been a great supporter of energy efficiency for the home. Despite the setback caused by the infamous “pink bats” insulation program in Australia, government grants, subsidies and rebates abound  in Australia, the UK and in the USA.  The grants and rebates are not standardised from country to country but you can literally save thousands of dollars for your renewable energy installation.

In the renewable energy installation space, what have become known as RECs – renewable energy certificates  - are available when  solar hot water heaters or when wind systems are installed. The prices of these certificates do vary but can offer significant benefits to the holder as they can be traded. As with many government grants and rebates there are some conditions attached, including the length of time the installation has been in place.

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The Solar Credits “multiplier” will offer up to $7,200 in savings depending on the size and location of installation and apply to new installations of small-scale renewable energy generators eligible under the scheme. Here, solar credits will apply to the first 1.5 kilowatts (kW) of capacity installed.

The Australian Federal Government’s solar credits rebate reduces the upfront cost of rooftop solar panels and this is good news for the DIY home owner. The payment is based on the value of renewable energy certificates. For example, a 1.5 kw generator will create 155 RECs. The REC value is $40, so the final rebate is about $6,000. In Australia the REC values state by state. In the UK and the USA, similar schemes have both rebate and grant benefits available to households. Check out http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Easy-ways-to-stop-wasting-energy/Energy-saving-grants-and-offers

http://www.energysavingadvice.co.uk/energy-saving-tips/home-energy-saving-grants.php

http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/topics/home_improvements

When it comes to other “renewable” energy installations, water ranks high. Indeed “green” plumbing is now front of mind for many DIY practitioners. Plumbing, draining and filtering water are all energy consumers; hence rainwater and grey water

Rebates of up to $500 are available under the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative to help you with the cost of installing rainwater tanks or a greywater treatment system.

A greywater treatment system collects, treats and disinfects your greywater so that you can reuse this water for other purposes. Installing a greywater treatment system or rainwater tank can save you money on your water bills. You’ll also make environmental savings by using your own water for low health risk activities like watering your garden or flushing the toilet.

With a greywater treatment system or rainwater tanks, you save the higher quality water that comes out of our taps. To qualify for a rebate, your system needs to be permanently connected to your waste water pipes. The system will also have to be plumbed into your home and/or be used by a sub-surface (just underground) watering system. A qualified plumber may be required as there is a certification process involved. In addition your rainwater tank or greywater treatment system must be brand new and fully operational.

Rebates and grants for greywater systems will vary greatly in each of Australia, the UK and the USA. As an indication, in Australia in some states,  there are two rebate amounts depending on how big your new tank will be. The rebate amounts are:

$400 for tanks between 2,000 and 3,999 litres

$500 for tanks more than 4,000 litres

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As with solar this type of renewable energy installation is becoming the essential feature of a home thus adding value to your asset.  Federal and state government grants and rebates are useful incentives although most countries require a registered or licensed installer to do all or some of the work.

Related articles

• How can I use greywater recycling in my home? (greenanswers.com)
• What to Know About NJ Solar Power Rebates (ideagreenshop.com)