Solar Homes and Communities Plan
The Government's Solar Homes and Communities Plan (SHCP) solar power rebate program closed to new applications on 9 June 2009, when the program was replaced by Solar Credits.
Program achievements
The SHCP commenced as the Photovoltaic Rebate Program (PVRP) in 2000 with a budget of $31 million.
PVRP and SHCP were major drivers increasing photovoltaic (PV) power generation capacity in the 2000s.
PVRP and SHCP have helped Australian householders and communities reduce their energy use, save on energy bills and grow the solar energy industry. The programs provided rebates of up to $8,000 for the installation of solar PV power systems in households and provided 50 per cent of eligible costs for the first 2 kilowatts in eligible community installations including schools and not-for-profit organisations.
The programs resulted in:
- more than $1billion in support for the installation of over 130,000 systems; and
- a huge increase in accredited solar panel installers to more than 3,200; with approximately 80 new installers per month in the last year of the program.
For all enquiries relating to installation of solar power systems please contact the Department of Climate Change and Energy efficiency on:
Phone: 1800 057 590 within Australia
Email: enquiries@climatechange.gov.au
Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm AEDST