NSW Home Energy Saver: Your Guide to the $15,000 Interest-Free Loan for Solar & Battery
If the upfront cost of solar and battery storage has been holding you back, the NSW Government's new Home Energy Saver program changes the equation. Launched on 17th June 2026, it gives eligible NSW households access to an interest-free loan of up to $15,000 for solar, battery storage and other energy-saving upgrades.
No interest. No fees. Nothing to pay upfront.
What the Home Energy Saver loan offers
Home Energy Saver sits within the NSW Government's Consumer Energy Strategy, funded at approximately $557 million - $480 million for interest-free loans and a further $77 million for upfront discounts. The Government estimates more than 32,000 NSW households will benefit. Three numbers to remember:
Up to $15,000 can be borrowed per property
0% interest for the life of the loan
Repay the principal over a term of up to 10 years, with no fees
There's no catch on repayments, the amount you borrow is the amount you repay, spread evenly across your chosen term.
Am I eligible?
The eligibility settings are broader than most government energy programs. To qualify, you generally need to:
Own a property in NSW (owner-occupiers and landlords both qualify)
Have a combined household taxable income of $210,000 or below
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
That income threshold covers the vast majority of NSW homeowners. Final approval still comes down to a responsible-lending assessment by the finance provider, meeting the scheme's eligibility criteria doesn't guarantee loan approval.
What the loan can be used for
The loan covers a wide range of upgrades, though solar and battery storage is where most households see the strongest return. Eligible products include:
Solar panels and battery storage
Reverse-cycle air conditioning
Heat-pump hot water systems
EV chargers
Switchboard upgrades
Induction cooktops
Ceiling fans, insulation and double glazing
A loan now, and a discount later
The $15,000 loan is open today. A separate $4,000 discount was also announced but isn't yet open for applications -the Government has flagged it for later in 2026, for households with combined income under $80,000, or where someone holds an eligible concession card (e.g. Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card). Renters can also apply for the discount with landlord approval; the loan itself is for property owners only. If you'll likely qualify for both, NSW Government guidance recommends applying for the discount first, since it reduces how much you need to finance through the loan.
Most working households won't meet the lower discount threshold - but that's not a reason to wait. The 0% loan over 10 years is the real lever here, and it's available now.
Stack it with the Federal battery rebate
The NSW loan can be used alongside the Commonwealth Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which provides a direct discount on battery storage through accredited installers. The federal rebate reduces the upfront cost of the battery; the NSW loan finances what's left, at 0% interest. For some households, the two combined can bring the out-of-pocket cost on installation day close to zero.
How the loan application works
You can't apply to the finance provider directly. Home Energy Saver is installer-gated - only accredited suppliers can set up a loan application on your behalf, through the Government's approved finance partners, Brighte and Plenti.
CBR Renewable Energy Solutions is an accredited supplier under the NSW Home Energy Saver program, approved by Plenti. When we prepare your quote, we set up the loan application with Plenti at the same time and send you a pre-filled link to complete.
Process from quote to installation:
Contact CBR for a quote
We prepare your project proposal and set up the loan application
You receive a pre-filled link and complete your personal and financial details
The finance provider runs its credit and eligibility assessment
On approval, we schedule and complete the installation
You repay over up to 10 years, with no interest charged
The lender makes the final approval decision, not CBR. Our job is to make the path from quote to installed system as straightforward as possible.
What this could mean for your bills
A typical household spending $2,000 a year on electricity that installs a 6.6kW solar system with a 10kWh battery could see annual savings in the range of $1,500 to $1,800, depending on usage patterns and feed-in rates. Spread across 10 years at 0% interest, a $15,000 loan works out to $125 a month - worth comparing against your current electricity bill.
Check your eligibility and get a quote
The NSW Home Energy Saver loan covers most NSW homeowners, runs at 0% interest, and gives you up to 10 years to repay. If you'd like to know whether solar and battery makes financial sense for your property, get in touch for a quote. We'll walk you through the numbers, help you understand the loan application process, and manage the installation from start to finish.
This article is general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Program terms, eligibility criteria and funding availability are set by the NSW Government and may change - always confirm current details before applying.