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.

1. 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.
2. Standard Connections: Equipped with standard 20mm inlet and outlet fittings for quick, secure connections.
3. Pre-Wired Electricals: Equipped with a standard 3pin 10amp plug is a simple plug and play installation
4. 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.

Hybrid Solar Inverter: Integrate Quality and Affordability in New Builds

Energy-efficient homes are more than a trend—they’re quickly becoming the standard for new builds. 

With rising energy costs and a growing focus on sustainability, hybrid solar inverters for homes are now on the radar for homeowners, architects, and builders alike. These systems use renewable solar power, store excess energy, and reduce reliance on expensive electricity from the grid.

Whether you’re planning a new home build for your family or a client, iStore is here to help with high-quality, cost-effective hybrid solar power inverters that are better for the environment and your budget.

What Is a Hybrid Solar Inverter?

A hybrid solar inverter builds on the basic functions of a standard solar inverter, offering more flexibility and efficiency. 

A standard (string) solar inverter converts the energy generated by solar panels (DC electricity) into the type of power a home can use (AC electricity). Any excess energy not immediately used is sent back to the electricity grid.

In addition to converting solar energy, a hybrid solar inverter can send excess energy to a solar battery for later use.

What if you’ve already installed a hybrid inverter in a new build without planning for a battery? 

No problem! Solar power hybrid inverters are designed to be battery-ready. They can be used with most existing solar setups, making it easy to upgrade to battery storage at any time.

How Hybrid Solar Inverters Work

Whilst converting DC power from your panels into AC power for your house, iStore hybrid solar inverters work in different intelligent modes to meet a home’s electricity needs.

Normal mode: During the day, your hybrid inverter will send any leftover energy to your solar battery. When the sun has set and your solar panels are no longer generating energy, your hybrid inverter will power your home using energy from the battery to keep the home running.

Backup mode: If you have the iStore backup box installed, your hybrid inverter can switch into backup mode, detach itself from the grid, and use stored energy to keep essential circuits in your home powered. No stumbling around in the dark or worrying about food in the fridge going bad! 

What Are the Benefits of iStore Hybrid Inverters for Solar?

• Energy Storage: Hybrid inverters store excess solar energy in a battery for use at night or on cloudy days instead of relying on expensive electricity from the grid.
• Backup Power: With a battery and backup box installed, hybrid inverters can keep essential appliances running during power outages.
• Lower Energy Bills: Using more solar power and less from the grid significantly cuts down electricity costs.
• Flexibility: They are battery-ready, making it easy to add battery storage at installation or down the track.
• Better Energy Management: Hybrid inverters can prioritise where energy goes to maximise a system’s efficiency—powering the home first, charging the battery, or exporting to the grid.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Relying more on renewable solar energy and less on grid power makes a home more environmentally friendly.
• All-in-One Solution: Hybrid inverters for solar work with the complete iStore range, including solar batteries, EV chargers, hot water heat pumps and more home electrification products yet to be released.
• Easier Installation and Maintenance: The single unit is quicker and less complex to install and simpler to maintain because it has fewer parts.

Key Features of iStore’s Hybrid Solar Inverters

Why choose a solar power hybrid inverter from iStore?

Because you can’t go past these exceptional features!

1. Cyber security: Our data centres are located in France, Europe in accordance with EU privacy laws.
2. Scalability: Battery-ready design for future energy upgrades
3. Safety: AI-powered Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) detects and interrupts power surges, overheating as well as containing self-extinguishing packs in the unlikley event of a fire.
4. Real-Time Monitoring: Homeowners can monitor and control energy production and usage with an iStore real-time data on the website or mobile app
5. High-Voltage Battery Input: The ability to connect to high-voltage iStore batteries that move the same amount of power using a lower current reduces energy loss
6. Durability: With the highest ingress protection rating (IP65), homeowners can rest assured that their inverter is protected against dust and high-pressure water from heavy rain and cleaning equipment and in conjunction with its whisper-quiet operation ensures it’s easy-care
7. Versatile Grid Connection: Our 1-phase inverter connects to a single-phase power grid commonly used in most homes, while our 3-phase model connects to a 3-phase grid for larger homes or properties with high energy use
8. Efficiency: Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology tracks and adjusts solar panels to operate at their maximum power point for optimal energy efficiency

How iStore Combines Affordability and Quality

At iStore, we believe advanced, sustainable solar technology should be accessible to every Australian household. We’ve designed our hybrid solar power inverters with cutting-edge features that enhance energy efficiency and convenience, all while being competitively priced.

One standout feature of our inverters is their expandable design. It allows homeowners to start with a basic system and expand it over time with stackable battery additions as their energy needs grow, saving them from costly upgrades or replacements later.

Reliability and durability are at the core of every iStore product. Built to withstand Australia’s harsh weather conditions, our inverters deliver consistent performance year after year. With fewer moving parts and strong construction, they offer long-term savings by reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

We back up our quality products with excellent customer support. While the iStore website provides detailed installation manuals for our inverters, if your iStore partner has an installation question or needs technical advice, they can call 1300 851 985 (option 2) or 08 9550 1585 (option 2), email info@istore.net.au, or fill out this online form. Our support team is ready to help. 

Our comprehensive warranty policies reflect our faith in our inverters. We offer a 10-year warranty on parts and labour for our hybrid solar inverters and for hybrid inverters an additional 2-year extended parts warranty.

How to Choose the Right Hybrid Solar Inverter

Choose a hybrid solar power inverter with

• The capacity to handle the home’s energy usage, considering appliances, heating, cooling, and future energy demands like electric vehicles or battery storage.
• High energy efficiency and the ability to match the size of the solar system for maximum savings.
• Battery capability for easy upgrades.
• A long warranty (10 years or more) for peace of mind.
• Strong local customer support for expert advice.
• A IP65 rating to handle harsh weather conditions.
• A proven track record of quality and reliability.

Cost and Value of Hybrid Inverters for Solar

Hybrid solar inverters cost more upfront than standard string inverters because of their additional ability to integrate with batteries and manage energy storage. 

However, the long-term savings they generate from storing excess solar energy in your battery and reducing reliance on grid electricity will cover the higher initial investment in time.

Then there’s the value they bring to the environment. By maximising clean, renewable solar energy and lowering dependence on fossil-fuel-generated electricity, hybrid solar inverters help lower carbon emissions and promote a more sustainable future.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between a Hybrid Solar Inverter and a Normal Inverter?

A normal (string) solar inverter converts solar energy into usable electricity for the home and sends any excess power to the grid. 

A hybrid solar inverter also sends excess solar energy to your solar battery for later use instead of relying on the grid. This provides greater energy independence, cost savings, and backup power during outages.

Can I Use a Hybrid Solar Inverter Without Batteries?

Yes, you can use a hybrid solar inverter without batteries. It will function like a standard solar inverter, converting solar energy for home use and sending any excess power to the grid. You can add batteries to your inverter later if needed.

Power Your New Build with iStore’s Hybrid Solar Inverters

Whether planning your own home build or working on a new build for a client, iStore’s hybrid solar inverters are not just a smart choice—they’re the only choice!

They blend affordability, reliability, sustainability, and efficiency to save households money on energy bills and ease their impact on the environment.

Explore the complete iStore solar energy product range online today, including hybrid solar inverters and solar batteries. 

Then, call 1300 515 640 or fill out this online form to get in touch with an iStore expert who can advise you on tailored solar solutions for new builds.