Clean energy to lower your power bills
The NSW Government’s Solar for Low Income Households trial helps eligible households in selected NSW regions access clean affordable energy by installing free 3kW solar systems.
These free solar systems can help to cut household electricity bills by up to $600 per year. SolarHub is an approved installer under the trial for the South Coast region.
Eligible customers can ask for a larger system installation if they want. The NSW Government would then cover the costs of the 3kW system, and the customer would pay for all costs associated with extra PV capacity installed. Eligible customers can choose to upsize their system to a maximum of 6 kW, but they must pay for all costs associated with upsizing.
What some of our clients had to say about their solar installation with the trial:
“I applied for the NSW Government Low Income Solar Trial and my local installer was SolarHub. I cannot speak highly enough of their great service. Their team are very professional, responsive, helpful and just ‘get the job done’. I would most definitely recommend SolarHub for anyone wanting solar installation.”
– Linda, Central Tilba
“The application was very easy and straight forward. After my application was assessed, the installer at SolarHub talked me through the installation process. Then my new solar system was set up in less than a day”.
– Catherine, Catalina (read Catherine’s full testimony here)
“The SolarHub team at Batemans Bay were fantastic from start to finish. We applied for the NSW Government low income solar system. This is a pilot program aimed at homeowners of low income and we were successful in receiving a complete fully installed system at no cost to us. The fantastic team handled all the administrative requirements, installed the system in a day and have been awesome with backup and advice. Today we are enjoying solar power with all its benefits thanks to the NSW Government’s program and the professional people at SolarHub. Brilliant work! Thank you!”
– Chris, Surfside
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for this trial on the South Coast, you need to meet the following criteria:
- currently getting the NSW Low Income Household Rebate on your electricity bills
- agreeing not to get the rebate for ten years
- hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
- own your house
- not already have a solar PV system
- Live in one of the selected NSW postcodes (check NSW South Coast eligible postcodes)
If you are not the registered homeowner, but your spouse is, you may be considered eligible collectively as a household.
How to apply
If you are interested in participating in this trial, you must read the program guide before applying.
It has important information about the eligibility criteria and your role and responsibilities in the program. It will also help you decide if installing solar is the right choice for you.
You can apply online in a few easy steps. To apply you will need:
- a Council rates notice or similar evidence to confirm that you own your home
- a recent electricity bill to confirm that you are receiving the Low Income Household Rebate
- an image of your Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card to confirm it is valid and up to date.
If you know someone that may be interested and eligible for this trial, please feel free to share this webpage with them.
On site consultation
After confirming your eligibility, the Solar for Low Income Households program team will forward us your details and we will be in touch to organise a site visit with you and one of our solar consultants.
During the site visit, SolarHub will determine the optimal panels and inverter locations, discuss the expected financial impact of the system on your power bills, and assist with any questions you have on the installation process.
After the site visit, SolarHub will send you a formal quote and contract for installing the solar system. If you accept the quote, SolarHub would install your system six to twelve weeks after quote acceptance.
Important notes:
Extra charges
You must have a smart meter installed in your home as part of this trial program. Some electricity retailers provide smart meter installations at no charge. Contact your retailer to discuss the potential cost and options.
System upsize
Eligible customers can ask to upsize the system and install more than 3kW of solar. In this scenario, the NSW Government would cover the costs of the 3kW system, and the customer would pay for all costs associated with extra PV capacity installed. Once again, the extra costs would be clearly mentioned in the quote.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact us.