NSW Government Launches the Home Energy Saver Program
With electricity prices continuing to rise across Australia, the NSW Home Energy Saver Program offers homeowners a practical way to make their homes more energy-efficient—without the burden of high upfront costs.
Launched by the NSW Government in June 2026, the program provides interest-free loans of up to $15,000 to help eligible households install solar panels, home batteries, insulation, energy-efficient appliances, EV chargers, and other approved upgrades.
Even better, eligible lower-income households may receive upfront discounts of up to $4,000, making the switch to clean energy more affordable than ever.
If you’re wondering whether you qualify, what technologies are covered, and whether you can combine this program with other rebates like the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, this guide covers everything you need to know.
At a Glance
✔ Interest-free loans up to $15,000
✔ Repayment period of up to 10 years
✔ Up to $4,000 additional discount for eligible households
✔ Available across New South Wales
✔ Supports solar panels, batteries, EV chargers, insulation, air conditioning, heat pumps, and more
✔ Can be combined with selected government rebates and incentives
What Is the NSW Home Energy Saver Program?
The NSW Home Energy Saver Program is a government initiative designed to remove one of the biggest barriers preventing Australians from adopting clean energy:
The upfront installation cost.
Instead of paying thousands of dollars upfront for energy-efficient upgrades, eligible homeowners can spread repayments over several years with 0% interest.
Unlike a traditional personal loan, you only repay the amount borrowed—there are no interest charges.
The program expands on the previous Empowering Homes Program, increasing:
- Loan amount
- Household income threshold
- Number of eligible technologies
Its goal is simple:
- Reduce household electricity bills
- Improve home energy efficiency
- Increase renewable energy adoption
- Support Australia’s transition to cleaner energy
How Much Financial Assistance Can You Receive?
Interest-Free Loan
Eligible households can apply for:
- Up to $15,000
- 0% interest
- Loan terms of up to 10 years
The approved amount depends on:
- Your chosen upgrades
- Installation cost
- Credit assessment
- Eligibility criteria
Additional Government Discounts
Some lower-income households may also qualify for:
Up to $4,000 in upfront discounts
These discounts reduce the installation cost before financing is applied, making solar and battery systems even more affordable.
What Can the Loan Be Used For?
One of the biggest advantages of the NSW Home Energy Saver Program is its flexibility.
Unlike many rebate schemes that only support solar panels or batteries, this program covers a broad range of home energy upgrades.
1. Solar Panels
Installing rooftop solar remains one of the most effective ways to reduce household electricity bills.
Benefits include:
- Lower grid electricity usage
- Reduced power bills
- Increased property value
- Greater energy independence
2. Home Battery Storage
Battery storage allows homeowners to:
- Store excess daytime solar energy
- Use stored electricity during expensive evening periods
- Reduce reliance on the electricity grid
- Maximise solar self-consumption
Combined with federal battery incentives, this can significantly lower the overall cost of installing a home battery.
3. Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Eligible upgrades may include:
- Ceiling insulation
- Draught-proofing
- Reverse-cycle air conditioning
- Ceiling fans
- Double-glazed windows
- Double-glazed doors
- Switchboard upgrades
- Hot water heat pumps
- Solar hot water systems
- Induction cooktops
- Level 2 EV chargers
These improvements can help households consume less electricity while improving year-round comfort.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the NSW Home Energy Saver Program, applicants generally need to:
✔ Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
✔ Own a residential property in NSW
✔ Be either:
- An owner-occupier
- A landlord
✔ Have a combined taxable household income of $210,000 or less
✔ Meet the credit assessment requirements of participating finance providers (currently Brighte or Plenti)
Property Eligibility
The property:
- Must be located in NSW
- Cannot be social or community housing
- Cannot be used exclusively for short-term accommodation (such as Airbnb)
Strata properties may also qualify with approval from the Owners Corporation.
Can the Program Be Combined with Other Solar Rebates?
Yes.
One of the biggest advantages of the Home Energy Saver Program is that it can work alongside other government incentives.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to combine it with:
- Federal Solar STC rebates
- Cheaper Home Batteries Program
- State-based battery incentives (where available)
- Retail battery offers
- Feed-in tariff programs
This combination can substantially reduce the overall cost of installing a solar and battery system.
How Much Could You Save?
The exact savings depend on:
- Your electricity usage
- Solar system size
- Battery capacity
- Electricity retailer
- Feed-in tariff
- Appliance usage patterns
For many NSW households, combining:
- Solar panels
- Battery storage
- Energy-efficient appliances
can reduce annual electricity bills by thousands of dollars over the life of the system, while improving protection against future electricity price increases.
Why This Program Matters
Electricity prices have continued to increase across Australia.
At the same time:
- Solar technology has become more efficient
- Battery prices are gradually falling
- Government incentives have expanded
The Home Energy Saver Program makes these technologies more accessible by removing the need for a large upfront investment.
Instead of delaying upgrades because of cost, homeowners can install them now and repay over time.
Things to Consider Before Applying
Before taking out any finance, compare:
Total System Cost
Don’t focus only on monthly repayments.
Compare:
- Equipment quality
- Installation standards
- Warranty
- Installer accreditation
Installer Accreditation
Always choose an installer accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA).
Proper installation is just as important as the products you purchase.
Your Energy Goals
Consider:
- Are you trying to reduce electricity bills?
- Are you planning to buy an EV?
- Do you want blackout protection?
- Are you preparing for future energy price increases?
Your answers will determine the most suitable system.
Is the NSW Home Energy Saver Program Worth It?
YES—if you:
- Want solar but can’t afford the upfront cost
- Are considering battery storage
- Plan to stay in your home for several years
- Want to reduce electricity bills
- Want to improve your home’s energy efficiency
It may be less suitable if you:
- Plan to move soon
- Already have an optimised solar and battery system
- Don’t meet the eligibility requirements
- Prefer paying upfront instead of financing
Expert Opinion
The NSW Home Energy Saver Program is one of the most significant state government initiatives aimed at improving residential energy affordability.
By combining:
- Interest-free finance
- Government discounts
- Federal solar incentives
- Battery rebates
eligible households have an opportunity to install high-quality renewable energy systems with far lower upfront costs than in previous years.
However, homeowners should compare quotes carefully, review repayment obligations, and ensure the proposed system is appropriately sized for their energy needs.
Final Verdict
The NSW Home Energy Saver Program 2026 is an excellent opportunity for eligible homeowners to invest in solar panels, home batteries, and energy-efficient upgrades without paying interest on the finance.
When combined with available federal and state incentives, it can significantly reduce installation costs while helping households lower electricity bills and increase energy independence.
Before applying, compare installers, understand the full costs, and ensure the system is designed to match your home’s energy consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use the loan for solar panels?
Yes. Rooftop solar systems are one of the primary technologies supported under the program.
Can I finance a home battery?
Yes. Home battery systems are eligible, subject to program requirements.
Is the loan really interest-free?
Yes. Approved participants repay only the borrowed amount over the agreed loan term, with no interest charges.
Can landlords apply?
Yes. Eligible landlords can apply, provided they meet the program criteria.
Can I combine+ this program with the Federal Battery Rebate?
In many cases, yes. The program is designed to complement existing federal incentives, subject to eligibility and program rules.
