Solar for low income households

The Solar for low income households trial enables eligible households to access affordable clean energy by providing them free solar systems. These free solar systems can help to cut household electricity bills by up to $600 per year. Eligible households must meet specific criteria and reside in one of the five trial regions outlined below.

Read here for updates on extreme weather and flooding.

Catherine couldn’t believe her good fortune after qualifying for a free solar system Read why here.

Introduction

We are trialling a new way of helping people on low incomes reduce their electricity bills by installing 3 kilowatt solar systems on their homes.

Who is eligible?

This trial is only available to up to 3000 low-income households in selected NSW regions.

To be eligible you need to meet the criteria, this includes:

• currently getting the Low Income Household Rebate
• agreeing not to get the rebate for ten years
• hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
• own your house
• not already have a solar PV system
• live in one of the following regions:
              o          Central Coast
              o          North Coast
              o          Sydney – South
              o          Illawarra – Shoalhaven
              o          South Coast
• if you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household.

CHECK THIS LIST OF POSTCODES TO SEE IF YOU'RE IN ONE OF THESE REGIONS

The process

1. You apply online.
2. We pass your details to the solar installer.
3. The solar installer gets in touch to assess your house.
4. The solar installer organises your contract and installation.
5. Your solar system is set up and you’re moved off the rebate.

Before applying

You must read the program guide before applying. It has important information about the eligibility criteria and your role and responsibilities in the program. It will help you decide if installing solar is the right choice for you.

• Solar for low income program guide (PDF 3MB)

How to apply

1. Select the ‘apply here’ button (google chrome preferred browser).
2. Sign up with your email address and create a password.
3. Answer the questions to check your eligibility.

To apply you will need:

• a Council rates notice or similar evidence to confirm that you own your home
• a recent electricity bill to confirm that you are receiving the Low Income Household Rebate
• an image of your Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card to confirm it is valid and up to date.

Apply here

 

Solar installer information

 

The installers for the five regions are:

North Coast	SAE Group	6638 9439
Central Coast	Origin Energy	1300 791 468
Sydney – South	Origin Energy	1300 791 468
Illawarra – Shoalhaven	Origin Energy	1300 791 468
South Coast	SolarHub	4488 4220

The three installers are responsible for supplying and installing the solar systems.

No other companies have been authorised to carry out installations as part of this program.

Read about how our approved installers have implemented safe measures to respond to COVID-19 here.

Case studies

Read more here  about how solar savings took the sting out of a difficult year for Dave and Isobel.

Watch more here about why Bob took up the offer of a free solar system through the trial to access renewable energy and save on power bills. 

Other ways to save on your electricity and
gas bills 

To help you more easily compare energy deals, visit Energy Made Easy. This is a free service to find the best available plans for your household based on your energy usage.

Help

If you have any further questions about this program, you can:

• see our frequently asked questions (PDF 101KB)
• contact a specialist at Service NSW on 13 77 88
• contact the program team by filling out this form.