Maximise Savings with Heat Pump Hot Water Government Rebates
Do you want a hot water solution for your home that’s easy on your wallet and the environment?
You might think upgrading to an energy-efficient system will cost a fortune, but the good news is that heat pump hot water government rebates make it surprisingly affordable!
Using a government rebate to help purchase and install an iStore heat pump hot water system, you’ll enjoy cutting-edge technology, big savings on your energy bills, and a chance to make a real difference for the environment—all without breaking the bank!
Understanding Government Rebates for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Federal
The federal Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) is an initiative that encourages households and small businesses to install renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps.
When you install an eligible system, you’ll receive Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These certificates have monetary value, and you can sell them to energy retailers or other liable entities who need them to meet their renewable energy obligations under the scheme. You can apply that value toward your system’s installation cost.
The number of STCs you receive depends on your system’s size, location, and expected renewable energy generation over its lifetime.
This scheme is reducing until it ends in 2030, so the amount you can save on your heat pump installation cost will decrease as time goes on.
State
The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) in NSW helps households and businesses save money on energy by offering financial incentives to upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
You can receive discounts on the installation cost of an air-source heat pump when you replace electric water heaters or gas water heaters.
In Victoria, eligible households and businesses could receive multiple discounts for replacing an inefficient gas water heater.
Eligibility and Application Process
Only specific air-source heat pumps, like the iStore heat pump, are eligible for Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) under the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). To qualify, your heat pump must have a capacity of under 425 litres and be on the Australian Government Clean Energy Regulator register.
After choosing an eligible heat pump, what next?
1. Choose a Retailer and Installer
Choose a reputable retailer with positive reviews and experience in heat pump installations. Confirm that they only work with licensed installers.
For your system to be eligible under the scheme, the installer must meet your state or territory’s licensing requirements. Ask the installer for their licence details and verify them with your state or territory’s licensing authority. Many retailers/installers will manage the STCs and state based rebates for you so that you do not need to worry about registrations and claims.
2. Decide if You’ll Use an Agent
Creating STCs for your renewable energy hot water system is a little complicated. Most people choose to use a registered agent to simplify the process.
A registered agent will calculate the value of the STCs you’re eligible for and offer a discount on your system in exchange for the right to claim those certificates.
You can find a list of registered agents through the REC Registry.
3. Have Your Heat Pump Installed
Once the installer has installed your heat pump, inspect the system to check that it’s operating correctly, request instructions for using it, and review any paperwork before signing.
If you have a rooftop solar system, consider also having the built-in iStore timer set to run the heat pump during the day while your system generates energy.
4. Create and Register STCs
If you don’t assign your STCs to an agent, you can create and register them yourself in the REC Registry within 12 months of installing your heat pump.
First, you must set up an account in the REC Registry. Then, following the Registry’s guidelines, make sure you have all the required documents. The documents you need depend on your renewable energy hot water system. When you submit your STC application, you can upload the documents to the Registry, reducing the processing time.
STCs are audited before they’re registered to ensure they’re valid. Validation can take four to six weeks.
How To Choose the Right Heat Pump for Your Home
Consider
- Your Household’s Size: A 180L heat pump is sufficient for showers, dishwashing, and light laundry for one to three people. A 270L size is better for multiple showers, large bathtubs, and frequent loads of laundry and dishes in a home with four or more people.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Look for a heat pump with a high energy-efficiency rating to lower your home’s electricity bills.
- Solar Panels: Pairing your pump with a solar system reduces energy costs by using free, renewable solar power to run your heat pump. Check that your roof has enough space for solar panels and gets plenty of sunlight to maximise the panels’ use and, in turn, your heat pump.
Benefits of Heat Pump Systems
Energy and Money Savings
Heat pumps use approximately one-third of the electricity of conventional electric water heaters. Instead of constantly burning through expensive electricity, they use innovative technology to extract thermal energy from the air to heat water.
The best energy-efficient heat pumps feature computer control to save you even more money on electricity.
In addition to heat pump hot water government rebates, eligible households can apply for a solar panel (PV) rebate through the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme. By powering your heat pump with solar energy, the savings will really roll in!
Environmental Friendliness
A heat pump transfers thermal energy from the air rather than directly generating heat, so it uses less electricity than an electric water heater. This process relies on air—a renewable energy source—instead of fossil fuels, reducing your home’s greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint.
Discover Why iStore’s Product Range is Your Best Choice
If you want a heat pump that’s brimming with benefits and eligible for government rebates, there’s really only one choice—an iStore 180L or 270L heat pump!
The benefits of our heat pumps include
- Energy Savings: Consuming 75–85% less electricity than traditional electric and gas water heaters.
- Money Savings: Cutting your water heating costs by up to 70%, saving you as much as $1,000 a year on energy bills.
- Environmental Friendliness: Using approximately only 500 watts of energy per hour during the heating process, our heat pump can lower the average Australian home’s CO2 emissions by up to 2.9 tonnes a year.
- Optimal Performance: Built in computer control makes sure that your iStore is always operating at its most efficient regardless of weather or usage.
- Easy Operation: The easy-to-navigate electronic display lets you adjust and monitor settings without needing to call in a professional for minor tweaks. You can also program heating cycles to align with either off-peak electricity rates or excess daytime solar electricity generation both maximising energy usage and cost savings.
- Troubleshooting: Built-in diagnostic tools can detect issues and display error codes. You can then get onto fixing problems quickly so your system isn’t out of commission for too long.
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It: See What Our Customers Have To Say!
“The hot water rebate in Victoria was worth it in the end. The iStore 180L works great. We only have a little house, so this size is perfect for us. That’s one more appliance off the gas and onto the solar. It’s actually quieter than I thought it would be, as well. And even though it is overcast and rainy today, my 6kW solar system is generating more than enough to cover the 500W the iStore needs. Very happy.”
Tom, Melbourne
“Brilliant invention. Working perfectly. I got the iStore 180L at a great price. Shirley organised a delivery quote, an affordable plumber, the government rebate of $1080, and processed the forms. Very happy.”
Lone J
“Didn’t know what hot water was till I got an iStore! I recently purchased the iStore after reading all the fantastic reviews online, and I’m so glad I did! The product is amazing, and I didn’t realise how bad my previous hot water system was till I bought the iStore. The installation and ordering were super quick and easy. I will be recommending this product to all my friends and family.”
Taylah, Perth
Installing Your iStore Heat Pump
After establishing your eligibility for a heat pump hot water government rebate, it’s time to install your iStore heat pump!
Our heat pumps are straightforward to install. Here’s why.
- Integrated Design: The evaporator, fan, compressor, and water storage tank are combined into a single unit, eliminating the need for complex refrigerant piping and reducing installation time.
- Standard Connections: Equipped with standard 20mm inlet and outlet fittings for quick, secure connections.
- Pre-Wired Electricals: Equipped with a standard 3pin 10amp plug is a simple plug and play installation
- Compact Footprint: Requiring minimal clearance and fitting in typical residential installation spaces.
At iStore, we provide comprehensive resources to support your installer throughout the installation process.
Our website has detailed installation manuals for the 180L and 270L models, covering every aspect of the installation process, including site selection, plumbing connections, electrical requirements, and system commissioning. The iStore website also has an FAQ section that addresses common installation questions.
If your installer has an installation question or needs technical advice, they can contact our helpful support team by calling 1300 515 640, emailing info@istore.net.au, or filling out this online form.
Solar Hot Water Systems vs Heat Pump Systems
| Feature | Solar Hot Water Systems | Heat Pump Systems |
| Energy Source | The sun. | Heat from the air (extracted using electricity). |
| Weather Dependence | Needs consistent sunlight. May require a backup system in cloudy weather (e.g., gas or electric). | Works in various weather conditions, including colder climates and low sunlight areas. |
| Installation | Sizeable rooftop solar collectors and a water tank. | Small compact footprint. |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning of solar panels and system checks. | Low maintenance; occasional checks for optimal performance. |
| Upfront Cost | Generally higher due to solar panel installation. | Lower initial cost compared to solar systems. |
| Operating Cost | Minimal if sunlight is consistent; costs increase with backup use. | Low operating cost; more energy-efficient than traditional electric systems. |
| Environmental Impact | Zero emissions with adequate sunlight. | Low emissions; more sustainable than electric systems. |
FAQs
How Do I Know if I Qualify for a Rebate?
To qualify for heat pump hot water government rebates in Australia, you generally must
- Be a homeowner replacing an existing solar, electric or gas hot water system.
- Install an eligible heat pump system listed under the federal government and your state’s approved products.
- Use a licensed heat pump installer.
Eligibility varies depending on where you live, so visit your state or territory’s energy department website or speak to a licensed retailer or installer.
How Much Can I Save With a Government Rebate?
Under the federal Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), installing an eligible heat pump can earn you Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These certificates have monetary value, and you can sell them to energy retailers and apply that value toward your system’s installation cost. The number of STCs you can earn depends on your system’s size, location, and expected efficiency.
In NSW you can receive discounts on the installation cost of an air-source heat pump when you replace an electric water heaters or gas water heaters. Some local government areas even offer incentives up to $500.
In Victoria, eligible households and businesses could receive multiple discounts for replacing an inefficient electric or gas water heater.
How Do I Choose the Right System To Maximise My Rebate?
To maximise your heat pump hot water government rebates, choose a heat pump listed on the state/federal government’s approved product register for rebate programs and choose an installer that meets your state or territory’s licensing requirements.
How Long Does the Rebate Process Take?
If you use a registered agent under the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme, you give the agent your right to create Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) in exchange for an immediate upfront discount on the heat pump’s purchase price.
If you create and register STCs independently, it can take four to six weeks to complete the process and receive your discount.
Many retailers/installers will manage the STCs and state-based rebates for you so that you do not need to worry about registrations and claims.
Unlock Savings with iStore’s Heat Pump Hot Water Solutions
Ready to save big on your energy bills and do your part for the planet? With heat pump hot water government rebates and iStore’s affordable heat pumps, upgrading your hot water system has never been easier!
But government rebates for heat pump hot water systems are reducing; the longer you delay, the more money you’ll miss out on!
Explore our range of energy-efficient heat pumps, then contact us today to take the first step toward a smarter, money-saving, and more sustainable future for your home. Call 1300 515 640 or fill out this online form, and we’ll be in touch soon.
