Free Stuff
If you want to install energy and water efficient products, your installer will usually tell you about any free government money available to you that will reduce the price you pay.

Federal Government schemes

$1000 for solar hot water ($600 for heat pump systems)
The Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme replaced existing solar hot water and insulation programs in February. A $1000 solar hot water rebate is still available on the cost of replacing an electric hot water system with a solar hot water system ($600 for heat pump).  Free ceiling insulation is no longer on offer. Go to www.environment.gov.au and follow the links for the most up to date information or ph 02 6274 1111 for information on the insulation program, and 1800 808 571 for solar hot water.

Up to $1280 REC's for Solar or Heat Pump Hot Water
The value of Renewable Energy Certificates varies by zone, system and market forces but this is an estimate for some of the systems installed on the Central Coast by local companies.
www.orer.gov.au/swh/index.html


$500 for Rain water tanks
Rebates of up to $500 are available to households for either the purchase and installation of a new rainwater tank which is connected for internal reuse of the water for toilet and/or laundry use; or the purchase and installation of a permanent greywater treatment system.
 
$7500 for Solar Electricity Panels
New legislation allows for the creation of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS) or  'Solar Credits' for small-scale solar, wind and hydro systems for household solar photovoltaic systems, worth up to $7500 for a 1.5 kw solar electricity system installed on the Central Coast. (Currently worth about $4500). These credits are usually claimed directly through an installer. 

A gross feed in tariff of 60 cents per kilowatt hour of all energy fed back into the grid has also been set, to start from 1 July 2010 for 6.5 years. Local retail energy suppliers have announced recently they will pay 66c per kw, including gst. According to the Sydney Morning Herald 9 Nov 09, this will mean each average household with a 1.5 kw system on the coast may receive aprox. $1500 per year in gross feed in tariffs.
NSW government Home Saver scheme
(Max. $1500 total per house)
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates  Ph 1300 361 967

$1500 for Rainwater tanks
Rebates available for up to $1500 for rainwater tanks connected to toilets and washing machines.

$300 for a new Hot Water System
Rebates available for a new solar, heat pump or gas hot water system if switching from an electric system.

$200 for a new dual flush toilet
1 per house - $200 for a WELS 4 star dual flush toilet when replacing an existing single flush toilet.

$150 for a new Washing Machine
A rebate of $150 is available for buying a 4.5 star or higher WELS rated washing machine.

$35 Fridge Buyback 
Get $35 to have a second fridge removed from your home
 
Wyong and Gosford Shire Councils

$500 Water Tank Internal Connections
Up to $500 is available when connecting existing tanks purchased between 1 Jan 03 and 1 Aug 09 to washing machines and/or toilets