NSW has introduced long-term, zero-interest financing to make solar, batteries and home energy upgrades more accessible to residents.  (Illustrative Photo; Photo Credit: red.io/Shutterstock.com)
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NSW Offers Interest-Free Loans For Home Solar & Batteries

Australian state’s AUD 557 million Home Energy Saver program offers eligible households financing support for rooftop solar, batteries and other energy-efficiency upgrades

Anu Bhambhani

  • NSW is offering zero-interest loans under its Home Energy Saver program, for rooftop solar, battery storage and other energy-saving home upgrades  

  • Eligible NSW households can access zero-interest loans of up to AUD 15,000 for clean energy and home efficiency improvements 

  • The initiative is designed to reduce upfront costs and help more families lower long-term electricity bills, stated the government 

Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) has launched its AUD 557 million Home Energy Saver program, offering eligible households access to zero-interest loans of up to AUD 15,000 for rooftop solar systems, household batteries and other energy-saving upgrades.  

The Home Energy Saver initiative, said the state government, aims to help families reduce electricity bills and improve home energy efficiency by making clean energy technologies more affordable.  

Currently more than half of all houses in the state are equipped with solar, according to the state government. It also counts 13,000 new batteries being installed every month. By 2035, it targets to install solar PV + battery energy storage systems (BESS) for 1 million households under the state’s Consumer Energy Strategy. Home Energy Saver program was announced to be launched as part of this strategy (see NSW Targets Rooftop Solar + Battery System For 1 Million Roofs).  

Under Home Energy Saver program, effective from June 17, 2026, households with a combined taxable income of up to AUD 210,000 will be able to access zero-interest loans of up to AUD 15,000 for energy-saving home upgrades, repayable over 10 years. Backed by an AUD 480 million investment, the program is expected to support more than 32,000 households.  

Later in 2026, eligible households earning up to AUD 80,000 annually, as well as concession card holders, will be able to access targeted discounts of up to AUD 4,000. The initiative is supported by a separate AUD 77 million funding commitment. 

Eligible households seeking both a discount and a zero-interest loan for the same upgrade are advised to apply for the discount first and then use the loan to cover any remaining costs, stated the government. Discounts will also be available to renters for carrying out upgrades with the landlord’s permission. 

“For many households, the upfront cost of these upgrades has simply been too high. We're stepping in to help where we can, so more families can access technology that lowers their bills and makes their homes more comfortable,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns.  

Loans under the program will be delivered by participating finance providers and approved suppliers that are listed on the government website.  

Smart Energy Council (SEC) CEO David McElrea called it a massive win for households to control their energy bills. “Helping lower-income earners and renters to overcome the cost barrier to modernising their homes with smart solar, batteries, efficient cooling and heating is the fastest way to permanently drive down household expenses while building a more resilient grid,” added McElrea.