Council-led solar, battery program reopens in New South Wales

The second round of a solar and battery program covering three neighbouring councils in the state of New South Wales (NSW) is now open for applications.

The Solar Neighbourhoods program offers households covered by the councils of Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie a series of packages and exclusive savings when installing solar systems and home batteries in an effort to make installations more affordable.

Packages available on a dedicated program website are split into solar, battery, and solar-plus-battery offers, with each providing a AUD 1,250 ($888) rebate per household. Electric vehicle (EV) chargers and smart EV chargers are also available.

Households can access a 0% interest, no-fee loan from the NSW government under its Home Energy Save Program, subject to eligibility. They can also choose to pay for the package either upfront or under a pay as you go model.

The three councils have selected 1KOMMA5 Australia to act as program partner, alongside a network of certified local installers.

The first round of the program opened last year. According to figures published by the City Council of Lake Macquarie, the first edition contributed to the installation of 158 solar systems and 167 home batteries and helped cut household power bills across the three council areas by more than AUD 760,000.

More than 360 people are already on the waiting list for the second round, the council added.

Marnie Kikken, City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager for Environment & Sustainability, said the second round of the program has been expanded to include small-to-medium businesses and landlords, as well as extra-large packages for households with higher energy leads.

She also revealed that the AUD 1,250 rebate delivered more than AUD 250,000 in direct savings for participants last year.

“We are also in discussions with the NSW Government about the potential for a new battery rebate pilot program, targeting low-income households, social housing and rental properties,” Kikken added.