A Council-led program that will help cut household power bills in Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie by more than $760,000 per year has reopened with more incentives to make the switch.
More than 360 people are already on the waiting list for the second round of Solar Neighbourhoods, a program that makes purchasing quality solar and batteries simpler and more affordable.
The program was introduced as a joint initiative of the three neighbouring councils in 2025, generating almost $5 million in community investment in renewable energy through the installation of 158 solar systems and 167 home batteries.
Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Joel Pringle said Solar Neighbourhoods makes it easy to install renewable energy at a time when households are struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
“Solar Neighbourhoods makes it easier and more affordable for households to slash their energy bills by installing solar and batteries, by addressing cost, complexity and trust,” Cr Pringle said.
“A key priority in our Newcastle Environment Strategy is to support the transition of the Newcastle LGA to net zero emissions by 2040 through an accelerated uptake of solar and batteries.
“Round one of the program showed that you can achieve annual energy savings of almost $3,800 per household, per year. If you missed out then, you can now sign up for Round 2.
“Old solar systems removed for upgrades under the scheme are recycled at City of Newcastle’s Summerhill Waste Management Centre at no cost to households. The projected emission reductions are equivalent to removing 741 cars from the road each year.”
Solar Neighbourhoods was recognised at the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards in June for setting a new standard in environmental leadership.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Environment & Sustainability Marnie Kikken said the 2026 program is designed to reach more people in the community.
“Rooftop solar and batteries allow households and businesses to generate and consume their own renewable electricity, significantly reducing their power bills,” Ms Kikken said.
“Round two of the Solar Neighbourhoods program has been expanded to include small-to-medium businesses and landlords, and we’ve also added extra-large packages for households with higher energy needs.
“We still have a $1,250 program discount per household, which delivered more than $250,000 in direct savings for participants last year, and we’ve updated the products offered to include different types of solar panels and Tesla EV chargers.
“We are also in discussions with the NSW Government about the potential for a new battery rebate pilot program, targeting low-income households, social housing and rental properties.”
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Community Partnerships Matt Holloway said local government continues to lead the way on sustainability with this collaborative program.
“The success of the inaugural Solar Neighbourhoods program demonstrates that our community is eager to embrace practical, sustainable solutions that reduce household energy costs while lowering emissions,” Mr Holloway said.
“With more than 200 local households signing up in the first year, we’re excited to help even more residents and businesses take advantage of clean energy in round two.”
Maitland City Council Executive Manager City Futures, Gunika Singh said Solar Neighbourhoods was proof councils could show leadership and help shape community involvement in environmental sustainability.
“To us, success looks like a community where our residents and businessowners have the information they need to consider sustainability in their decision making,” Ms Singh said.
Round two of Solar Neighbourhoods is now open and will close on 20 December 2026, providing access to quality solar, batteries and electric vehicle chargers from program partner 1KOMMA5 Australia and their network of local installers.
The NSW Government’s Home Energy Saver Program allows eligible households to access fee-free and interest-free loans of up to $15,000 to purchase products, such as solar, batteries and EV chargers.
Nine of the 12 Solar Neighbourhoods packages are priced under $15,000.
Participants must sign a contract by 31 October to access 2026 pricing and maximise the available government rebates.
