Sustainable Household Scheme
Full scheme available now. The scheme will run until 2026, unless extended.
You might be able to get a loan to improve your home's energy efficiency. Reduce your environmental impact with solar panels, batteries and other products. Eligible home owners can borrow up to $15,000. You have up to 10 years to repay it*. There's zero interest, and no upfront costs or fees.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
Check Eligibility
About the program
This scheme provides zero-interest loans to help with the costs of energy-efficient upgrades. Brighte is our partner and loan provider for the scheme. If you're eligible, you can get a loan from $2,000 to $15,000. You can repay the loan over up to 10 years. The scheme is open to new applications for 5 years.
How it works
If you're eligible, you can get a loan from $2,000 to $15,000 to buy energy-efficient products. These include:
- rooftop solar panels
- household battery storage systems
- electric heating and cooling systems
- hot water heat pumps (HWHP)
- electric stove tops
- electric vehicles
- electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- installation costs for these products.
Over the life of the scheme, you can install one product or a bundle of products from the list of eligible products. Together, these can be valued at up to $15,000.
You may borrow more than $15,000 depending on your loan application credit check. The loan provider may charge interest on funds borrowed above the limit.
Your repayments will begin when you either:
- install the product or system and it is operational
- buy the electric vehicle.
You can apply for a loan under this scheme and a subsidy under another program, such as the Next Gen Energy Storage Program.
Buyers Guides
- Rooftop solar panels (PDF 2.6MB)
- Household battery storage systems (PDF 2.1MB)
- Electric heating and cooling systems (PDF 171KB)
- Hot water heat pumps (HWHP) (PDF 192KB)
- Electric stove tops (PDF 86KB)
- Electric vehicles (PDF 136KB)
- Electric vehicle charging infrastructure (PDF 87KB)
Who can take part
It's open to residents of the ACT who either own a home or hold a current driving licence (when applying for a loan for an electric vehicle).
You must meet the scheme's eligibility criteria and Brighte's lending criteria. This includes attending a free one hour live online workshop. These workshops will help you with your energy efficiency choices.
To check if you're eligible, read:
The scheme will be open to eligible community groups soon so watch this space.
Cost
No establishment fees or account-keeping costs.
You can repay the loan early with no penalty fee. But if you fall behind in your loan repayments, the loan provider may charge a fee.
You must meet standard credit criteria for the loan. This includes a good credit history and the ability to repay the loan without hardship.
If you can't repay the loan, the loan provider will have hardship support to help you.
The loan provider must follow the responsible lending practices in the National Consumer Protection Credit Act2009.
Why it's important
The ACT is committed to net zero emissions by 2045. You can help us get there by installing and using energy efficient products. These loans will make it easier to switch to products that are better for the environment.
Home Energy Support: Extra Rebates for Homeowners
You may be able to get extra rebates for sustainable home upgrades. Improve home comfort, save money on energy bills, and reduce your environmental impact with rooftop solar systems, hot water heat pumps, reverse cycle heating and cooling systems, and better ceiling insulation. Eligible homeowners can apply for rebates of up to $5,000.
Check Eligibility
About the program
The program provides up to $5,000 in rebates for eligible homeowners to help with the upfront costs of installing energy efficient products and undertaking sustainable upgrades.
From 31 March 2022, eligible homeowners can access a rebate of up to $2,500 for the installation of rooftop solar. The program has an option to pay for the rest of the solar system with an interest-free loan.
An additional rebate of up to $2,500 will also be available soon for eligible homeowners to install:
- reverse cycle heating and cooling
- hot water heat pumps
- ceiling insulation
The maximum rebate amount per property is up to $5,000.
Next Gen Energy Storage Program
The battery rebate is $3,500 (excluding GST) or 50% of the battery price (excluding GST) – whichever is lowest. Reach out to any of the Next Gen retailers (We are Next Gen Approved Retailer) and discuss your requirements. We will be able to answer your questions and work out the best system to meet your needs. You will receive the rebate amount from the retailer who will automatically include the reduction on your quote.
*Terms & Conditions Apply.
Check Eligibility
About the program
The Next Gen program supports the development of the energy storage industry in the ACT, along with research and training.
During the day, solar is turned into electricity for your home or business. A solar battery stores extra energy so you have power when you need it:
- at night
- on overcast days
- at peak times when electricity prices are higher.