The Queensland Government has announced an immediate halt to the Solar Hot Ware Rebate program, saying the move will save the state an estimated $10 million in savings. 

 

“Applications for the rebate have slowed over the last six months and the cost of delivering the service for a reduced number of applicants can’t be sustained,” State Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle said.

 

Since the Solar Hot Water Rebate commenced on 1 July 2010, approximately $25.9 million in rebates has been paid to more than 35,000 eligible Queensland residents. 


Mr McArdle said getting rid of an old electric hot water system and replacing it with a solar hot water system would still make sense to many households, even without a rebate. 

 

“Switching to a solar system can save households up to 25 per cent on annual energy costs, so households should still consider the ongoing financial benefits,” he said. 


Applicants who have purchased or paid a deposit on a solar hot water system or heat pump before close of business today, will have until Friday 27 July 2012 to have their system installed, in order to receive the rebate.