If your rebate application wasn't in to the Government by COB yesterday the rebate wont be available any longer. However, there will be a new system (a market based one, rather than a Gov't subsidy) in place in the coming months through new legislation. Some householders will get more Solar Credits (equivalent in money or discount on their PV system) than others depending on where you live and how much the price of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are in the marketplace (it fluctuates like shares but has been going up over time in general). With the new Solar Credits system there wont be a limit on who can apply ie what your income level is and it wont be restricted to just up to 1000 Watt systems so you can put larger systems in.

The next few months will probably find the solar companies working out the new system and pricing for householders but it should be working soon once the legislation is passed.

Yael, the household insulation scheme is up and running and after 1 July it wont cost householders anything upfront as long as the cost of the insulation is under $1600. Until 1 July you can get the insulation installed but you pay up front and get it refunded from the Government (there are a couple of rules about getting two quotes etc). This scheme is designed to install roof insulation in 2.9 million Australian homes that are currently uninsulated. If you are planning on getting this done (it runs for about 2.5 years I think), my advice would be book in ASAP as the waiting times may be quite long but a great deal IMO. There is information on Environment, Water and Heritage (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts - DEWHA) - Home Page about it as well as the alternative Solar Hot Water $1600 rebate.

In my opinion, and I have solar electricity panels on my roof, the best bet for most families is to buy green power. It is cheaper than large upfront costs of PV panels and may even have a bigger impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Solar Hot Water is also a great way to reduce electricity bills as 30% of your energy bill is likely to be hot water and the sun will heat it for you for free. With some States also offering rebates it can have a 1-2 year pay back and after that it is all free hot water.