REAL ESTATE • 7
Friday, July 6, 2012 – The Property Guide
bendigoh mes
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Solar still shines through market confusion E COSMART Solar has been inundated with calls from panicked solar hot water and solar electricity customers under the impression that they are no longer entitled to rebates as from July 1. Homeowners are confused about solar hot water, solar power and associated rebates, according to local EcoSmart dealer Jill Barker from EcoSmart Solar in Bendigo. State and Federal Government announcements along with changes to various solar schemes in recent times has made it difficult for homeowners to keep up-to-date and informed. “We are taking many phone calls from homeowners who are being told that the solar rebates end on the June 30, and as a result are signing up in panic mode,” Jill said. “To add more to the confusion, homeowners are unable to distinguish between solar power and solar hot water.” With the combination of Small-scale Technology Certificates and state rebates, the cost of installing solar water heating is dramatically reduced. The price varies between states according to the various incentives and rebates available. For solar electricity or photovoltaic solar power, the Solar Credits Multiplier has reduced to two, reducing the amount of the rebate by around $600 across all systems. Neither the solar hot water or solar electricity rebates are ending altogether. Water heating is one of the most energy intensive activities in the home and is responsible for around 35 per cent of total household energy bills. It is also one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases, according to Ecosmart.
By installing a solar hot water system, households can expect to substantially reduce energy bills, while producing up to 65 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions per year than traditional electric water heaters – an overall saving of three tonnes of carbon. For further information on EcoSmart’s energy-efficient range of hot water heaters visit www.ecosmart.com.au or call 133 326. To find out about all available rebates visit www resourcesmart. vic.gov.au for further information.
ECOSMART’S: Jill Barker.
Midland goes the extra mile
M
IDLAND Irrigation CEO Matt Smith says the Victorian Government’s water rebate scheme means saving money on saving water. With two streams of rebates currently available for home, business and farm, the water rebates cut the cost of selected water products and services. “Recent rains have been strong, but we need to remember that saving water is a good idea at the best of times. It is difficult to predict how long this drought break will last,” Matt said. Midland Irrigation is Victoria’s largest privately owned pumping and irrigation retailer, with stores in Bendigo, Kyneton and Ballarat with more than 50 years experience getting water where you need it. “On farms, in businesses and at home, Midland Irrigation works to stay ahead of the curve on climate change, product development, government regulation and water rebates so that our clients know where they stand,” Matt said. Government rebates, which came into effect after
SAVINGS: Matt Smith and MLC Damien Drum. Photo: GARRY PATERSON
the drought, cover a range of water products and are designed to encourage home and small business owners to think about the water efficiency of their properties. Damian Drum, MLC for Northern Victoria Region says the rebates are good for rural and regional Victoria. “The reality is that we live in a dry environment and ongoing incentives will do much to help people save water,” Damiam said. “As a community, we’re aware that water remains a big issue. Find out what the water rebates mean for
domestic, business and agriculture products and services and you could save money on saving water,” Incentives include a oneoff $2000 rebate for small businesses for the purchase of products, services and appliances and a one-off $1000 household rebate for tanks connected to toilet and laundry. To find out more about the rebates, visit www.water.vic. gov.au or drop into Midland Irrigation, 84-86 Strickland Road, Bendigo, phone 5442 5655.