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Incentive Schemes

Overview of the Australian incentive schemes EnergyAE works with for SWH and HPWH registrations.

EnergyAE works with four Australian government incentive schemes that provide financial certificates for the installation of solar water heaters (SWHs) and heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). We work on behalf of manufacturers to model products, prepare audit files, and submit applications.

Schemes

SchemeAdministered byCertificateRegion
SRESSmall-scale Renewable Energy SchemeClean Energy Regulator (CER)STCAustralia-wide (zones 1–5)
VEUVictorian Energy UpgradesEssential Services Commission (ESC)VEECVictoria (zones 4 & 5)
ESSNSW Energy Savings SchemeIPARTESCNSW (zones 3 & 5)

Scheme comparison

SchemeCertificate unitAS/NZS 4234 versionResidential activitiesCommercial activities
SRES1 STC = 1 MWh saved over 10 years2008Load size 2
VEU1 VEEC = 1 tonne CO₂-e20211D, 3C (load size 1)44A(i/ii/iii)
ESS1 ESC = 1 MWh saved2021D17, D19 (load size 2)F16, F17 (IHEAB)

VEU 1D/3C note: earns certificates based on load size 1 but must also satisfy the load size 2 criteria (≥60% energy savings, minimum delivery temperature).

Available certificates by state and system type

System typeVICNSWRest of Australia
Residential HPWHVEEC + STCESC + STCSTC
Light commercial (<=425 L)VEECESC + STCSTC
Large commercial (>425 L)VEECESC