NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam and Shadow Environment Minister Michael Richardson say they will give families a rebate of up to $1,000 to install a solar hot water system in their homes.

“We need to think globally and act locally when it comes to tackling climate change in NSW,” the Opposition Leader said.

“If elected Premier, I will immediately take action to begin addressing climate change in NSW, starting with the family home,” he added.

“Electric water heating is the single largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions in the average home. I want to help families to make the switch to solar hot water so they can save energy, save money and reduce their impact on the planet.'

“I will encourage families to install solar hot water systems in their new and existing homes by providing financial incentives, specifically:

Provide a $500 rebate for families installing a solar hot water system in a new home; and,

Provide a $1,000 rebate for families replacing a peak electric hot water system with a solar hot water system in their existing home.'

“I will reward residents, families and communities for doing their bit to tackle the state’s problems and challenges,” Debnam said.

“We need to better manage our state’s water and energy resources, ensuring the NSW Government provides the strong leadership and incentives in this area that the community expects.

Currently in NSW there are around 448,800 peak electric hot water systems and just 64,000 solar hot water systems. Mr Richardson said the Iemma Labor Government had failed to help NSW families help the environment.

“Instead of spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars on expensive television advertisements about wind power, Labor could have been providing financial incentives for families to make the switch to solar hot water,” Mr Richardson said.

“When it comes to the environment, the Iemma Labor Government is all spin and no substance,” he said.

“By achieving our solar hot water targets, a NSW Liberal/Nationals Government will double the number of homes using solar hot water.