Since the Solar Neighbourhoods initiative launched in mid-September, more than 550 people have registered their interest, with more than 110 purchasing solar panels, batteries, or both, as part of a package deal.
City of Newcastle’s Climate Change & Sustainability Program Lead Lexi Crouch said representatives from the three Councils have been energised by the response.
“We designed this program to remove barriers that have held back solar and home battery uptake in the region,” Mrs Crouch said.
“While the program is called Solar Neighbourhoods, we’ve found the majority of customers are buying a home battery, either to complement their existing solar panels or as part of a package.”
“This is a trend we’re seeing across Australia with more than 100,000 home batteries installed since July when the Federal Government introduced the Cheaper Home Batteries scheme.
“We intend to run Solar Neighbourhoods again next year, but the current program is still open until 30 November, and we’re urging interested residents to register and sign a quote as soon as possible in order to lock in this year’s prices before the government rebates drop.”
Lake Macquarie City Council’s Sustainability Engagement Coordinator, Zoe Johnson, said local government is leading the way on sustainability with the introduction of this collaborative program.
“This initiative is the first of its kind for our Councils and responds to community feedback,” Mrs Johnson said.
“Residents from the three Council areas told us they want solar and batteries for their homes, but they were overwhelmed by the choice, upfront cost and complexity of buying solar and battery systems.”
“Through an extensive tender and due diligence process we identified a range of high-quality solar and battery systems, delivered by our program partner 1KOMMA5° Australia and installed by trusted Hunter tradies, to make the process as easy as possible.”
Coordinator Sustainability Strategy and Education, Ben Maddox from Maitland City Council said the program has made it more affordable for residents to take meaningful climate action through practical, community-led solutions.
“We’re making sure affordable options to pay the system off over time are available in addition to paying upfront, as well as an exclusive program discount and government rebates of $1,250,” Mr Maddox said.
“Households installing a new solar and battery system can save up to 90 percent on a typical family electricity bill, so we’re committed to providing an easy, accessible pathway to solar and home batteries for our community.”
“By partnering with our neighbouring Councils we’re reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, an outcome that benefits individuals, their neighbourhoods and the Hunter as a whole.”
Swansea resident Luke York said he was purchasing a battery as part of the program to complement his existing solar panels.
“We’ve paid off our solar panels so this battery will further support our household energy usage,” Mr York said.
“I was so surprised and pleased with the cost of the battery as part of the program and hopefully it ensures we won’t need to take any energy from the grid once it’s up and running.”
“I can highly recommend this Council-led program to anyone who is thinking about solar panels and home batteries.”
Residents across the three Council areas have been accessing quality solar, batteries and electric vehicle chargers from program partner 1KOMMA5° Australia and their network of local installers.
1KOMMA5° Australia CEO Luke Stronach said the partnership is an excellent example of how the private and public sectors can come together to support Australia’s renewable energy transition.
“Between the support for renewables across all levels of government and significant community uptake, it’s clear the moment to take a step towards energy independence is now,” Mr Stronach said.
To be part of this year’s Solar Neighbourhoods program head to the website for more information and to register by 30 November 2025. https://solarneighbourhoods.com.au
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