Canberra may have a smaller population than other major cities, but the capital continues to punch well above its weight in terms of renewable energy uptake. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
There have been a few changes made to ACT home solar rebates as of this financial year, but according to local experts, energy efficiency deals in the capital are still hard to beat.
Canberra remains a leader in renewable energy for Australian households. Around 30 per cent of local homes have rooftop solar installations, many of which are made possible by incentives such as the Sustainable Household Scheme.
The ACT Government recently committed a further $75 million to the scheme, but the extension comes with a compromise. Instead of no interest, loans written from 1 July 2025 come with a low interest rate of 3 per cent per annum.
Solar panel installations have also been removed from the rebate offering.
Eligible homeowners can still access between $2000 and $15,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, and have up to 10 years to repay the full amount.
No-interest loans for concession holders are still available under the Home Energy Support program.
Households with no-interest loans approved up to 30 June won’t be charged interest, but installation must be completed by 1 November 2025.
The Sustainable Household Scheme covers purchase and installation for home battery storage, electric heating and cooling, solar hot water systems, EVs and charging infrastructure, ceiling insulation, and energy-efficient electric appliances.
Lee Hindley is one of three co-directors at Huglo Solar. He says that while interest changes might deter some buyers, the scheme continues to represent the best value on the market.
“There are third-party providers out there offering zero per cent interest, but many of them simply hide the costs elsewhere,” he says.
“We recommend caution when considering offers like these. ACT Government rebates administered via Brighte are still the best genuine finance option.”
The Australian Energy Regulator increased its default market offer for electricity prices back in May, which effectively raised the maximum price retailers can charge customers in NSW, South Australia, and South East Queensland.
While this doesn’t apply directly to ACT households, it is a reliable indicator that electricity prices will continue to rise across the board.
“Limiting your reliance on the grid with a rooftop PV panel system, preferably with a battery attached, is the best way to protect your household from recent and future electricity price rises,” Lee says.
“The scheme’s eligibility criteria haven’t changed, but could become more stringent in future, especially if another extension is applied.
“If you’re looking to take advantage of low-interest loans, we recommend getting onto your home energy upgrades sooner rather than later.”
To be considered for the Sustainable Household Scheme, loan applicants must be residents of the ACT, attend a free online workshop before applying, be in a financial position to repay the loan in the next 10 years, and either own the home where installation will occur or live with the person who does.
The criteria can be viewed in full on the ACT Government’s Climate Choices: Sustainable Household Scheme page.
For more information, visit Huglo Solar.
