Improved HomeBuilder incentive might reduce your energy expenses
The HomeBuilder grant, a financial stimulus of AU$25,000 (later reduced to AU$15,000) introduced by the Australian government during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to encourage the construction of new homes or substantial renovations. Although the grant did not specify a list of funded energy-efficient features like other green rebate programs, it did require compliance with the National Construction Code's minimum energy efficiency standards.
The grant, which is now closed for new applications, encouraged builders and homeowners to incorporate energy-efficient elements to meet building codes. For instance, in New South Wales, increased BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) standards, effective from October 2023, will require all new homes to meet stricter energy use and thermal performance criteria.
While HomeBuilder did not directly fund specific energy-efficient features, advanced energy features such as solar panels, batteries, or high-performance insulation were not directly funded by the grant. However, there are other Australian government and state-based incentives that may apply, separate from HomeBuilder.
For example, New South Wales has recently announced funding for solar PV and battery initiatives, such as the Clean Technology Innovation grant, which supports commercial projects, not individual homes. The federal Solar Sunshot Program also provides grants for advanced solar deployment, but this is for companies, not homeowners.
Many states and territories offer separate rebates for solar panels, home batteries, and energy-efficient appliances. These are separate from HomeBuilder and have their own eligibility criteria. Additionally, some states offer rebates for upgrading insulation, windows, and heating/cooling systems.
In summary, HomeBuilder primarily funded construction/renovation, not specific energy-efficient features, but required compliance with the NCC, which includes basic energy efficiency standards. State programs like NSW’s BASIX set higher energy and thermal performance requirements for all new dwellings, regardless of HomeBuilder eligibility. Advanced energy features were not directly funded by HomeBuilder, but may be eligible under other state or federal rebate programs.
For those intending to stay in their homes for the long term, award-winning architect Peter Maddison suggests that investing in energy-saving features like solar power and batteries can reap substantial long-term savings. RACV Solar chief executive Andy McCarthy suggests that the AU$25,000 grant could fund a rooftop solar system and a Tesla Powerwall battery. Tania Phillips, general manager of business development for RACV Home, notes that the grant could let homeowners get a state-of-the-art solar power and battery system for zero cost up front while reaping long-term energy savings.
The Master Builders Association chief executive, Rebecca Casson, states that the grant provides Victorians the opportunity to make substantial sustainability and efficiency improvements to their homes. The grant is available on contracts signed before 31 December, 2020, and can fund sustainable home features such as solar power and battery systems, draught-sealing, insulation, and heat-pumps for heating, cooling, and hot water. Additional features such as solar hot-water systems can also be funded by the HomeBuilder grant to help deliver savings on power bills.
If you are seeking current information on energy-efficient home grants, consult your state government’s energy or housing department, as the landscape of incentives continues to evolve.
- The HomeBuilder grant, although not funding specific energy-efficient features directly, encourages homeowners to invest in energy-saving elements like solar power and batteries for long-term savings.
- Separate from HomeBuilder, many Australian states offer rebates for installing solar panels, batteries, energy-efficient appliances, and upgrading insulation, windows, and heating/cooling systems.
- In New South Wales, apart from the HomeBuilder grant, state programs like the Clean Technology Innovation grant support commercial projects for solar PV and battery initiatives, while homeowners may find eligibility in federal programs like the Solar Sunshot Program.
