0% interestloans up to $15,000
The NSW Government Home Energy Saver program can help eligible homeowners upgrade their home with solar, batteries and other approved energy-saving upgrades — up to $15,000 at 0% interest, with up to 10 years to repay.
What is the Home Energy Saver loan?
The Home Energy Saver program is a NSW Government initiative designed to help eligible households reduce their energy costs. The government covers the interest, so you repay what you borrow without paying interest or fees.
You can borrow up to $15,000, with repayment terms of up to 10 years.
What can you use it for?
The loan can cover approved energy-saving upgrades and their installation, including solar panels, home batteries, heat pump hot water and EV charging.
Who provides the loan?
The loan is provided by an approved Finance Provider, not Solar Start. You repay the amount you borrow, but you don't pay the interest or fees.
Who installs the system?
The program is delivered through Approved Suppliers. Solar Start is an Approved Supplier, with our own SAA-accredited installation team working across Northern NSW.
How long do you have to repay it?
You can choose a repayment term of up to 10 years. You can also pay the loan off early without an early repayment fee.
4 things to check
If you can tick these four boxes, you may be eligible for the Home Energy Saver loan.
Check your eligibility- You own the property, or you're the landlord
- The property is in NSW
- You're an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Your combined taxable household income is up to $210,000
Borrow up to
$15,000
0% interest, $0 fees and up to 10 years to repay.
The loan can help cover the cost of your approved solar, battery or other eligible energy upgrade after applicable rebates.
If the installed price after rebates is within your approved loan amount, you may be able to get your system with nothing to pay upfront.
Own your energy
Solar panels make power during the day. A battery lets you store more of that power and use it when you need it.
Instead of sending your excess solar back to the grid for a small feed-in credit, you can keep more of your energy for yourself.
Use your solar after dark
Your battery can store energy during the day and power your home in the evening, when electricity prices are often higher.
Reduce your reliance on the grid
The more of your own solar you can use, the less electricity you need to buy from the grid.
Stay powered during a blackout
With the right battery and backup setup, essential parts of your home can keep running when the grid goes down.
Get paid what your energy is really worth
With the right electricity plan and access to a Virtual Power Plant, your battery may also be able to earn you money when demand on the grid is high.
We'll help you work out what makes sense for your home.
Your battery can do more than store power
A Virtual Power Plant, or VPP, connects your battery to the electricity grid. When electricity prices are high, your stored energy can be used to support the grid and you can receive a payment or credit in return.
Your electricity retailer could be paying you — and we'll show you how.
Meet Kerrie
Kerrie already had solar, but she was still paying expensive peak electricity rates and receiving just 3c/kWh for the solar she sent back to the grid. We installed a battery and connected her to a VPP. The result was an average 40c/kWh solar and battery feed-in credit, with an average monthly bill of –$120.
"Three price spikes earned us $25 in just half an hour. We're on track for over $1,500 in credits this year!"Kerrie, Northern Rivers homeowner
Kerrie's real numbers, shared with her consent. Individual results shown — savings vary depending on household circumstances, energy use, energy plan and installation.
3 steps, keep it simple.
1. Talk with our experts
We'll look at your electricity bill and your property. Then we'll recommend a system that makes sense for you and provide a proposal.
2. We take care of the installation
We handle the paperwork and approvals, then our local SAA-accredited team installs your system. We'll book a day that works for you and keep you updated along the way.
3. We make sure you start saving
Once your system is up and running, we'll help you find the right electricity plan and make sure you understand how to get the most out of your solar and battery. That's the difference between simply installing a system and being your energy partner.
We're your energy partner
We're not here just to put panels on your roof. We look at your home, your electricity use and what you're trying to achieve, then recommend a system that makes sense.
Our own local SAA-accredited team handles the installation, and we stay around to help you get the most from your system afterwards.
Australian owned & operated
Local team, local support.
Solar & battery specialist
Store energy and stay powered during outages with our home solar battery solutions.
Local installation experts
Our own SAA-accredited team handles your installation across Northern NSW.
Industry-leading guarantees
10 years workmanship warranty, with up to 25 years of manufacturer warranties on system equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really 0% interest?
Yes. Eligible customers can access the Home Energy Saver loan at 0% interest, with no interest or fees. The loan is provided by an approved Finance Provider.
What's the catch?
There isn't one, but it is a loan, not a grant. You repay what you borrow, without interest or fees, over a repayment term of up to 10 years.
What can the loan cover?
The loan can cover approved energy-saving upgrades and their installation, including solar, batteries, heat pump hot water and EV charging. Any additional works outside the approved upgrade are itemised separately.
I already have solar. Can I use the loan to add a battery?
Yes. Adding a battery to an existing solar system is one of the most common upgrades we do.
I don't have solar yet. Can I get a battery?
The program requires solar at the property. If you don't already have solar, we can look at a solar and battery system together and work out what you may be eligible for.
Can I really get the system with nothing upfront?
If the installed price after applicable rebates is within your approved loan amount, you may not need to make an upfront payment. If there is a remaining balance, we'll explain it clearly before you go ahead.
I'm renting. Can I apply?
The loan is for eligible property owners, including owner-occupiers and landlords. If you're renting, it's worth talking to your landlord.
Do you cover my area?
We install across Northern NSW with our own local team. Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Lennox Head, Mullumbimby, Casino, Grafton and the Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah and surrounding areas.
Take control of your electricity bill
Tell us your suburb and what you're paying now. We'll look at your numbers and come back with a clear proposal showing what your system could cost after applicable rebates, what your 0% loan repayments could look like and what you could be left paying for electricity.