The Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) Program provides rebates for the installation of renewable energy power systems used instead of fossil fuel generation in off-grid areas of WA.

The Remote Area Power Supply Program has been developed and is administered by the WA Sustainable Energy Development Office. The program is funded by the Australian Government under the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program.

The information provided below is an overview of the Remote Area Power Supply Program and should be used as a guide only. Full details of eligibility criteria and rebates available are provided in the program guidelines.

Why use hybrid Remote Area Power Supply systems?

In many remote areas of WA the availability, reliability and cost of electricity supplies are major issues. Hybrid Remote Area Power Supply systems incorporating diesel generators, inverters, batteries and solar or wind generating components are often cost-effective compared to running diesel generators only. Hybrid systems can also deliver other benefits such as continuous availability of power, improved power quality and reduced diesel generator noise. See the case studies below for existing Remote Area Power Supply systems installed in remote areas of Western Australia.

General eligibility criteria

•	Funding is available for renewable energy systems that partly or fully replace fossil fuel generation, or where fossil fuel generation would otherwise have been used.
•	Facilities must not be connected to the South West or Pilbara grids.
•	Items on which a rebate is sought must be new and must be purchased after a pre-purchase application has been approved by the Sustainable Energy Development Office.
•	Expenditure on renewable energy generating equipment must be at least 30% of total expenditure or, for existing systems, renewable energy sources must meet at least 50% of the total system load.
•	Sufficient resources must be available for the implementation of projects and system suppliers, designers and installers must be capable and sufficiently qualified.

Rebates available

Rebates of 50% of the capital cost of eligible equipment and services are available, including:

•	Renewable energy generating equipment such as photovoltaic arrays and wind turbines
•	Essential enabling equipment such as inverters, batteries and battery chargers
•	Essential non-equipment expenditure such as design and installation.

Rebates are available for complete systems and for additions to existing systems. Rebates are not available for solar hot water systems, energy efficient equipment, fossil-fuel generators or for renewable energy systems serving temporary dwellings or facilities. The maximum rebate available under the Remote Area Power Supply Program is $500,000.

How do I apply?

1. Read the guidelines for the Remote Area Power Supply Program and information about Remote Area Power Supply systems incorporating renewable energy components.

2. Discuss your requirements with one or more suppliers of systems.

3. Prior to purchasing any equipment, submit a pre-purchase application to the Sustainable Energy Development Office with any required attachments.

Applications will be assessed by the Sustainable Energy Development Office and approved if all requirements are met, depending on available funds.

4. If the application is approved, the specified equipment can then be purchased and installed.

5. After the system has been installed, submit a rebate application to the Sustainable Energy Development Office with any required attachments.

Given that all requirements of the program are met, the rebate will then be paid to the applicant.

Applicant obligations

Applicants must ensure that equipment on which a rebate has been paid remains at the specified location for at least five years and must complete a standard report on its performance on an annual basis for five years. Systems may be inspected to ensure they comply with relevant standards and requirements.

Brochures, guidelines and application forms

General Remote Area Power Supply information

Renewable Energy Based Remote Area Power Supply Information Booklet (PDF 1.11 MB)
Remote Area Power Supply User and Maintenance Guide (PDF 361 KB)
Energy Review Worksheet (PDF 76 KB)
Suppliers of Renewable Energy Based Remote Area Power Supply Systems in WA (PDF 65 KB)

Remote Area Power Supply Program forms

Program Guidelines (PDF 100 KB)
Pre-purchase Application Form (PDF 209 KB)
Rebate Application Form (PDF 122 KB)

Other rebates available

Country Housing Authority gives farmers, businesses and service providers in rural and remote areas of Western Australia access to affordable housing finance. For more details, visit the Country Housing Authority webpage.

Renewable Energy Case Studies

Perup Forest Ecology Centre
Turee Creek Station
Woody Island
Thangoo Station

Further information

Sustainable Energy Development Office
Level 9
197 St Georges Terrace
PERTH WA 6000
Phone: +618 9420 5694
Fax: +618 9420 5699
Email: sedo@energy.wa.gov.au


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