How to save on solar in NSW
Over the years, governments have provided incentives for renewable forms of energy such as solar power. As the uptake of solar systems has increased, solar rebates have decreased in value. And in some cases, the rebates for installing solar systems have been removed all together.
The NSW Solar Bonus Scheme provided financial assistance for many households to go solar up until 31 December 2016. That scheme is now closed. However, a couple of other initiatives have been implemented to assist households. So, if you’re thinking about going solar, it’s worth checking to see you might be eligible for the offers below.
Empowering Homes solar battery loan offer
Rebate value:
- An interest-free loan of up to $14,000 towards a solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery system (repayable over a range of terms up to 8 years); or
- $9,000 towards retrofitting a battery system to an existing solar PV system (repayable over a range of terms up to 10 years).
Eligibility:
- Households in selected areas of the Hunter region.
- Households with an income of no more than $180,000 per annum.
- Owner-occupiers who have the authority to install the system.
- Be connected to the national electricity grid.
- Satisfy the loan criteria.
Note: The battery-only option is for homes with existing solar. This offer does not include solar-only options. Businesses and participants in the Solar for Low Income Households trial (see below) are not eligible.
How to apply:
Visit the Energy NSW website to find out more.
Solar for low income households
Rebate value:
- The cost for purchasing and installing a solar system at your home.
Eligibility:
- Currently receiving the Low Income Household Rebate.
- Agree not to receive the Low Income Household Rebate for ten years.
- Valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.
- Own your house.
- Do not already have a solar (photovoltaic) PV system.
- Do not live in a retirement village or strata building.
- Use at least 3600 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity in a year.
- Live in one of the following regions:
- Central Coast
- North Coast
- Sydney – South
- Illawarra – Shoalhaven; or
- South Coast.
How to apply:
Apply online at the Energy NSW website.
Solar feed-in tariffs
While not a government rebate, solar feed-in tariffs can also help you save money. Also known as ‘buy back rates’ or ‘solar tariffs’, feed-in tariffs give you money back for any surplus electricity you export to the national electricity grid.
To be eligible to receive a solar feed-in tariff, you will need a solar system that is connected to the grid.
You may also be able to receive feed-in tariff credits on your electricity bill if you are renting. However, this would need to be agreed upon with the owner of the rental property.
Feed-in tariffs will vary depending on the area in which you live and the electricity plan you have. When comparing feed-in tariffs, it’s important to consider your electricity usage, the usage rates, the supply rates, any discounts, and the contract period.
To learn more, see Using solar feed-in tariffs to save.
For more information on going solar, see A little guide to solar.