The NSW Home Energy Saver program
Eligible NSW households can now access a zero-interest loan of up to $15,000, plus discounts of up to $4,000 coming later in 2026, to install rooftop solar, home batteries and switchboard upgrades.
Zero-interest loan
Up to $15,000
- No interest, repaid over up to 10 years
- For households earning up to $210,000 combined
- For homeowners and landlords
- Delivered by approved finance providers Brighte and Plenti
Targeted discount
Up to $4,000
- For households earning up to $80,000, or concession card holders
- Available to homeowners and renters (with landlord permission)
- Can be combined with a loan; apply for the discount first
- Delivered by Creditex
About the Home Energy Saver program
Solar and batteries lower your power bills and make your home more comfortable, but the upfront cost locks many households out.
The NSW Government's Home Energy Saver program launched on 17 June 2026 under the NSW Consumer Energy Strategy. It lets eligible households spread the cost over ten years with a zero-interest loan, or cut it with a discount.
Just over half of NSW homes already have solar, and about 13,000 batteries go in each month. This program helps more families join them.
- Clean Energy Council Approved Retailer
- New Energy Tech (NETCC) Approved
- Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer
- SolarQuotes Platinum
The program requires an accredited, NETCC-approved supplier. Platinum Solar Designs is a New Energy Tech (NETCC) Approved Seller.
Loan and discount eligibility
There are two separate offers with different income thresholds. You may qualify for one or both. If you qualify for both, apply for the discount first, then take a loan to cover the rest.
Zero-interest loan
Open nowUp to $15,000
To be eligible you must
- Own the property (owner-occupier or landlord)
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have a combined taxable household income up to $210,000
- Be upgrading a dwelling located in NSW
- Pass the finance provider's responsible-lending check
Not eligible
- Properties that have already used $15,000 of Home Energy Saver loans
- Social or community housing
- Short-stay accommodation
Targeted discount
Coming 2026Up to $4,000
To be eligible you must
- Own the property, or be a tenant named on the lease
- Have a combined household income up to $80,000, or hold an eligible concession card
Eligible concession cards
- Health Care Card
- Low Income Health Care Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Veteran Gold Card
Renters can use the discount with their landlord's permission. Sign up to the NSW mailing list to know when discounts open.
Eligible upgrades we install
The program covers a range of upgrades, and we install three of them: rooftop solar, home batteries and switchboard upgrades. Each qualifies for both the loan and the discount, and must meet the program's technical standards and be installed by a licensed, accredited installer.
Rooftop solar PV
The panels and inverter must be Clean Energy Council approved and installed together with an eligible battery.
Home battery
The battery needs over 5kWh of usable capacity, a 10-year warranty and the ability to join a Virtual Power Plant.
Switchboard upgrade
A switchboard upgrade qualifies where it is needed to safely support your solar and battery installation.
Key rules for solar and battery
Under the loan guidelines, rooftop solar must be installed together with an eligible battery. Solar on its own isn't funded.
- Battery requirements
- The battery needs more than 5kWh of usable capacity, a 10-year warranty retaining at least 70% capacity, and the ability to join a Virtual Power Plant.
- Solar requirements
- The system must be designed and installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia installer, use Clean Energy Council approved panels and inverter, and be registered with AEMO.
- Accredited supplier
- The upgrade must be bought from a New Energy Tech (NETCC) Approved Seller, such as Platinum Solar Designs.
How to get a Home Energy Saver loan
The NSW Government funds the program, but the loan agreement is between you and an approved finance provider, and the install is handled by an approved supplier like us.
Explore your options
Read the loan guidelines and use the NSW Energy Savings Calculator. Then talk to us for a no-obligation quote.
Choose your upgrade
We give you an itemised quote covering the product, installation and any other incentives, so you know what's included.
Apply for the loan
We share a referral link from your chosen finance provider (Brighte or Plenti). You supply proof of ownership, income details and a serviceability check.
Accept your agreement
If approved, you'll be pre-approved and sign the provider's loan agreement. We then lock in an installation date with you.
Installation
Our accredited team installs your system to all Australian standards, shows you how it works and provides full warranties.
Settle & repay
Once your install is confirmed complete, the provider pays us on your behalf and your zero-interest repayments begin.
Combining the loan with other incentives
A Home Energy Saver loan can be combined with other state and federal incentives. Approved suppliers must apply any you're entitled to before the loan, so your cost comes down first.
- NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)It provides incentives for efficient appliances and upgrades.
- Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS)It provides incentives for batteries and demand-reducing upgrades.
- Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)It delivers the federal solar and battery rebate.
- Home Energy Saver discountEligible households can get up to $4,000 off from later in 2026.
Homeowners, landlords and renters
Homeowners
Homeowners can apply for a loan, a discount, or both. The upgrades can lower your bills, make your home more comfortable year-round and cut your emissions.
Landlords
Landlords can use a zero-interest loan to upgrade a rental, with the tenant's consent, improving the property and its energy performance.
Renters
Once discounts open, tenants named on the lease can access a discount to make upgrades, with their landlord's permission.
Loan eligibility checklist
- Your home is in NSW
- You own the property
- You're an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Combined household income up to $210,000
- The upgrade is on the approved list
- The property hasn't already used $15,000 of HES loans
Frequently asked questions
Can I get both a discount and a loan?
Yes, if you're eligible for both. Apply for the discount first, then take a zero-interest loan to cover the remaining cost. Discounts open later in 2026.
Is the loan really interest‑free?
Yes. Home Energy Saver loans are zero-interest, funded by the NSW Government and delivered through approved finance providers (Brighte and Plenti). You repay the amount borrowed over up to ten years with no interest added. Loans are still subject to the provider's responsible-lending assessment.
Can I get solar on its own?
Not under this program. The loan guidelines require rooftop solar to be installed together with an eligible battery (over 5kWh usable capacity, VPP-ready, with a 10-year warranty). A battery can be added to an existing solar system. Solar with a battery also delivers the strongest bill savings.
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
The loan is designed to cover the cost of the approved upgrade and its installation, so eligible households can avoid a large upfront outlay. The loan can't be used for extra preparatory work your home might need; that should be quoted separately so it's clear what's included.
I live in a strata property. Can I apply?
Yes, but you'll need consent from your owners corporation before installation can go ahead. If you're a landlord, you'll also need to confirm your tenant has consented to the upgrade.
How does Platinum Solar Designs fit in?
We're a New Energy Tech Approved (NETCC) retailer and Clean Energy Council accredited installer, the kind of approved supplier the program requires. We design and install your solar and battery system, provide the itemised quote, apply any other incentives you're entitled to, and help you through the finance provider's loan application.
What if applications don't suit me right now?
There are many other NSW and federal rebates available. Use the NSW Energy Savings Finder to check your eligibility, or talk to us and we'll point you to the best combination for your situation.
Official sources
Read the official information
- NSW Climate and Energy Action: Home Energy Saver
- NSW Government media release (17 June 2026)
- Home Energy Saver loan guidelines (PDF)
- Finance providers: Brighte and Plenti (loans), Creditex (discounts)
Platinum Solar Designs provides this information as a general guide. It was prepared on 17 June 2026 from information published by the NSW Government. Program details, eligibility criteria, amounts and dates are set by the NSW Government and its appointed providers and may change. Always confirm current details on the official NSW Climate and Energy Action website before applying. Home Energy Saver loans are provided by approved finance providers and are subject to their terms, conditions and credit assessment; Platinum Solar Designs is not a finance provider, credit assistance provider or financial adviser, and nothing here is financial or credit advice. Discount eligibility, amounts and opening dates are determined by the NSW Government. Eligibility for any upgrade depends on meeting the program's technical and installation standards.
Get a quote for solar and battery
As a New Energy Tech Approved retailer and Clean Energy Council accredited installer, we can design a Home Energy Saver eligible system and guide you through the process, with zero sales pressure.