NSW has a zero-interest loan for home energy upgrades, and it sits alongside the federal rebates rather than replacing them. The figures here are as reported at the time of writing; the program page is the authority.
What the program is
The NSW Home Energy Saver program was reported as launched on 17 June 2026, part of a Consumer Energy Strategy package. It offers interest-free loans of up to $15,000 over 10 years to eligible households, with a $480 million loan commitment reported and a wider $557 million package. A later discount of up to $4,000 for lower-income households or concession card holders is also reported, as of this year.
What it covers
Reported eligible upgrades include rooftop solar, home batteries, EV chargers, insulation, reverse-cycle air conditioning, induction cooktops replacing gas and switchboard upgrades. It is aimed at the upfront cost, so the household pays the balance back over the loan term with no interest.
Who qualifies
Households with a combined taxable income of $210,000 or less are reported as eligible, and the property needs to be in NSW. Details such as ownership, concession status and installer requirements are on the NSW Government site, so confirm them before signing a quote.
How it works with federal rebates
The sequence reported is: the federal STC discount for solar or the Cheaper Home Batteries Program discount reduces the price first, and the loan covers the remaining cost, up to its limit. Other certificate incentives (ESS, PDRS or federal) must be applied to the quote first. The loan is not a rebate; it is borrowing at zero interest.
A rough example. A battery quote of a given price is reduced by its STC discount. The remainder, up to $15,000, can be borrowed interest-free. Federal factors are lower from 1 January 2027 (5.7 against 6.8 now), so the loan could carry a larger share of the same battery next year. See the battery STC pillar and the factor schedule.
Loans versus other schemes
Some state loans have closed: the NT battery scheme, the Tasmania Energy Saver Loan, the QLD Battery Booster and the Victoria Solar Battery Loan are reported as closed. The NSW program is live at the time of writing, but funding is capped, so it can run out. Compare with other finance in no-interest STC loans and green loans for batteries.
What this means for homeowners
- Get the quote showing the STC discount as a line.
- Ask the installer whether they are approved to take Home Energy Saver finance.
- Check the loan terms, including any fees, and what happens if you sell the house.
- Compare the total cost with other finance.
What this means for installers
Learn the approval process. If customers are borrowing, a clean STC discount on the invoice matters even more, because the loan covers only the balance. See the battery installer guide. For paperwork, the STC assignment form is the base document.
If you sell batteries and want to see how fast STCs settle, check pricing and how it works.