Lane Cove Council Launches Sustainability Rebates For Solar Panels and Batteries, EV Chargers and Rainwater Tanks

Are you looking to instal solar panels, solar batteries, an electric vehicle charger or perhaps a rainwater tank?   Lane Cove Council has launched a sustainability rebates programme to encourage residents to instal sustainability products in their homes and apartment blocks.

In December 2022, Councillor Rochelle Flood tabled a notice of motion recommending Lane Cove Council investigate the feasibility, scope, and cost of developing a home energy and water makeover program for Lane Cove.  This involved investigating rebates and renewable programs by other councils and developing a program for the Lane Cove community.

In April 2023, Lane Cove Councillors were asked to approve a Sustainability Rebates Programme to be rolled out to residents and businesses located in the Lane Cove Council Local Government Area.  If you live in Lane Cove North (Mowbray Public School side) you are a Willoughby City Council resident – to find out more about Willoughby City Council sustainability offers, click here.)

What Are the Sustainability Rebates on Offer?

The rebates are calculated by a % of costs up to a maximum value.

Rooftop Solar Panels Rebate:

House: 25% up to $500

Unit/Apartment (lot): 25% up to $1,000

Unit/Apartment (common area): 25% up to $5,000

Business: 25% up to $1,000

Solar Battery Rebate:

House: 10% up to $1,000

Unit/Apartment (lot or common area): 10% up to $1,000

Business: 10% up to $1,000

It’s important to read the complete eligibility requirements, however for solar panel/solar battery rebates to apply they must be installed by a Clean Energy Council Accredited Installer.

Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate:

House: 25% up to $500
Unit/Apartment (lot) 25% up to $500
Unit/Apartment (common area) 25% up to $4,000
Business: 25% up to $1,000 Eligibility Criteria

It’s important to read the complete eligibility requirements; however, for an electric vehicle charger rebate, the Electric Vehicle Charger Installation must be installed by a licensed electrician.  The rebate only applies to an electric vehicle charger (excludes power socket installations).

Rainwater Tanks Rebate:

House: 25% up to $250
Unit/Apartment (common area) 25% up to $2,000
Business: 25% up to $1,000

It’s important to read the complete eligibility requirements.  Rebates will only apply to rainwater tanks with a minimum capacity of 1 000 litres for houses and must be installed by a licensed plumber.

Examples

The following table was included in the Lane Cove Council April 2023 Agenda Papers.

Can I apply for More than One Rebate?

Yes, you can.  However, the maximum Rebate for each site/location per financial year is:

  • $2,000 per house or individual unit
  • $6,000 per unit/apartment block and
  • $2,000 per business.

You can only apply once for each rebate.  For example, you could apply for a rainwater tank rebate and a solar panel rebate in one financial year.  The items to be installed must not be required for BASIX or development application compliance purposes.

Is There a Cut-off Date for Installation?

The installation must occur within 12 months of the pre-approval date.

How To Apply

An application must be made before you instal any of the items mentioned above.  The Lane Cove Council has a set budget for this sustainability rebate programme. Once the budget has been exhausted, the programme will be closed for the remainder of the financial year and then relaunched in the next financial year.  Basically, it is on a first-come, first-served basis; if you miss out, you apply the next year.  The Application Form is here.

Background – Why Has Lane Cove Council Introduced Sustainability Rebates

Lane Cove Council declared a climate emergency and is working towards increasing the uptake of renewable energy and batteries in the community and reducing or eliminating the use of fossil fuel energy and, in particular, gas.

The rebates are designed to help residents and businesses overcome barriers such as costs, with stronger incentives for those with larger barriers (for example, apartment complexes).

Questions and Queries

All enquiries should be directed to: Alicia Lloyd, Sustainability Coordinator – Community Programs Lane Cove Council – Email: [email protected]

 

Cover Photo

Our cover photo is sourced from Evolution Solar & Electrical’s Instagram Page – An Instal in the Lane Cove Council Area.  They are an ITC Business Supporter.


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