What is the Solar for Low Income Households Trial? The NSW Government are trialling a new way to help people on low incomes reduce their electricity bills by installing 3 kilowatt solar systems on their homes. The program aims to improve energy affordability by helping households unlock long term savings on their electricity bills. This program is only available to a limited number of households that live in selected regions and meet the eligibility criteria. This includes receiving the Low Income Household Rebate and holding a valid Pensioner Concession Card or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card. This NSW Government initiative is run by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and is available for up to 3,000 eligible homeowners. The NSW Government has selected three solar installation companies to deliver this program. When you participate in this program you receive a free fully installed 3 kilowatt solar system. To receive a solar system you must agree to: 1. stop receiving the Low Income Household Rebate for 10 years (this means you will not receive the $285 annual discount on your electricity bill) 2. allow your electricity retailer to send your electricity bills to the NSW Government 3. take ownership of the solar system and be responsible for its maintenance 4. notify us if you move house or change your electricity retailer in the next 10 years 5. enter into a contract between you and the solar installer 6. contact your electricity retailer to arrange for a smart meter and pay any associated costs.
Who is eligible?
This trial is only available to up to 3000 low-income households in selected NSW regions.
To be eligible you need to meet the criteria, this includes:
currently getting the Low Income Household Rebate
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
not live in a retirement village or strata building
live in one of the following South Coast postcodes:
