Last updated 31st October 2024
ACT Sustainable Household Scheme
If you’re a homeowner in the ACT, you might be able to get a zero-interest loan to help with the upfront costs of installing a home battery storage system, thanks to the ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme. (You may also have heard the scheme referred to as the ‘no cost solar program’).
Key Details of the Sustainable Household Scheme:
The Scheme offers interest-free loans to assist residents with the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, including battery storage systems.
Loan Amount: Homeowners can borrow from $2,000 to $15,000 with no interest, no upfront costs, and no fees.
Repayment Period: You have up to 10 years to pay it back.
How the Sustainable Household Scheme works
You can use the loan solely to purchase a battery storage system or combine a few products (see eligible product list below), up to a total of $15,000. If you need more than that, it’s possible to apply for additional funds, but any amount above $15,000 may have interest added.
Other energy-saving products available through the Sustainable Household Scheme include:
- Solar panels
- Efficient heating and cooling systems
- Hot water heat pumps
- Electric stove tops
- Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure
- Ceiling insulation
- Installation costs for the above products
Repayment Start Date: Your repayments begin once your battery system is installed and ready to use.
Who Can Apply for the loan:
Households
Homeowners in the ACT can apply if they meet the eligibility and lending criteria, including attending a free one-hour workshop on energy efficiency (online or in-person). This workshop will guide you on the best options for energy-saving upgrades.
Concession Card Holders
If you have an eligible concession card, you may be able to get an extra rebate through the Home Energy Support Program. This can provide up to $5,000 (covering half of your upgrade costs) for things like ceiling insulation, solar panels, and switching from gas to electric. You can combine this rebate with the zero-interest loan to reduce upfront costs. Unfortunately, battery storage systems are not included in the Home Energy Support Program.
Community Groups
Eligible community groups can also get zero-interest loans from $2,000 to $15,000. These groups need to meet lending criteria and attend a free workshop or join the Business Energy and Water program to explore energy-saving options.
The Sustainable Household Scheme is a great way to make energy upgrades affordable and save on energy bills in the long run!
If this all sounds like a lot of information, don’t stress! The installers we connect you with can help determine if you’re eligible for the scheme and advise you on the application process.
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