More NSW households to unlock benefits of rooftop solar
NSW Government funded trial looks to shave more than $300 a year off low income household energy bills.
Up to 3,000 low income households in five areas will be offered a free rooftop solar system and installation worth $4,000 as part of a new trial.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the NSW Government has committed $15 million to reduce the impact of high energy prices, particularly for vulnerable low-income households.
“We are committed to reducing emissions and acting on climate change, while also ensuring affordable and reliable energy for the people of NSW,” Mr Kean said.
“For low income households the cost of buying and installing a rooftop solar system can be prohibitive, so we’ve set up this trial so more of these homeowners can unlock the savings benefit offered by rooftop solar generation.
“In addition to potential bill savings, the addition of up to 3,000 more rooftop solar systems will add more than 8 megawatts of renewable capacity to help support a clean, affordable and reliable electricity grid.”
The Solar for Low Income Households Trial is available in five regions – Central Coast, North Coast, South Coast, Sydney-South and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven – providing eligible households with a 3 kilowatt rooftop solar system.
Eligible applicants must meet the criteria which includes having their own home in a selected region, having a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, and opting out of the Low Income Household Rebate for 10 years.
“Through the Solar for Low Income Households Trial we will unlock the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy for more homes in NSW.”
Three installers are responsible for supplying and installing the solar systems across the five regions: North Coast - SAE Group; Central Coast, Sydney-South and Illawarra-Shoalhaven - Origin Energy; and South Coast - SolarHub.
