Sustainable Household Scheme for Solar Energy
The Sustainable Household Scheme provides interest-free loans for householders and non-profit community organisations to buy energy-efficient products for their homes.
This scheme helps the Australian government and community work together to limit our contributions to global warming with meaningful action, while also improving our overall quality of life. It therefore aims to build a greener, cleaner planet for future generations and work towards the goal of net zero emissions by 2045.
In this guide, discover the key benefits of the Sustainable Household Scheme and how you can apply for a loan of up to $15,000 today to create a more energy-efficient home.
What is the ACT Government Sustainable Household Scheme?
As part of the Sustainable Household Scheme, eligible households can borrow anything from $2,000 to $15,000 to make energy-efficient upgrades, by installing solar panels, solar batteries, and other eligible products.
The overall aim of the scheme is to help lower energy usage and bills within Australian properties, while allowing us to live more comfortably and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the key benefits of this scheme is that multiple products or systems can be installed up to a value of $15,000. In some cases, depending on the results of a loan application credit check, you may be able to borrow more than $15,000 with some additional interest.
As well as covering installation costs, eligible products included in ACT’s Sustainable Household Scheme are:
- Rooftop solar panels
- Electric heating and cooling systems
- Electric stove tops
- Battery storage systems
- Ceiling insulation
- Hot water heat pumps
- Electric vehicles
- Electric vehicle chargers
Any funds borrowed can be repaid over 10 years, with zero interest and no upfront costs or fees. Repayments begin when the products are installed and operational, or once you’ve purchased the electric vehicle.
Who Can Apply to the ACT Sustainable Household Scheme?
Applicants will need to meet the eligibility criteria as set out by the scheme’s partner and loan provider Brighte. Under these scheme guidelines, eligible households and community groups should be residents of the ACT (Australian Capital Territory), which includes Hall, Tharwa, and Oaks Estate, but not Jervis Bay Territory.
Your property should also meet Unimproved Value (UV) thresholds, which refers to the value of the land excluding improvements, such as buildings, paths, fences, and landscape gardening.
Generally, the property’s UV must be below $750,000 in any year from 2022, or at or below $450,000 for any solar products. Your property’s specific UV can be found on your rates notice.
If you’re applying for an electric vehicle loan, you’ll need to hold a current driving licence. The vehicle must be powered by a zero emissions mechanism, such as an electric vehicle battery, and cost less than the luxury car tax threshold as set out on the Australian Government’s website.
You must pass a credit check to assess your financial capability of repaying the loan, and also attend a free one-hour live workshop online or in person, which will help you to make more energy-efficient choices within your home.
Home Energy Support Program
For those with an eligible concession card, the Sustainable Household Scheme loan can be combined with up to $5,000 in rebates through the Home Energy Support Program. Eligible concession cards include:
- Australian Government Pensioner Concession Card
- Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card
- Australian Government Health Care Card
Alongside a loan of up to $10,000, these rebates cover up to 50% of the cost to upgrade your home and buy energy-efficient products. This may include solar panels, electric stove tops, ceiling insulation, electric heating and cooling systems, and switching from gas to electric appliances.
How to Apply for the Sustainable Household Scheme
For home upgrades such as rooftop solar and other energy-efficient products, eligible applicants will need to go through the following simple application process to benefit from the Sustainable Household Scheme:
1. Choose the Right Products for Your Home
After assessing your property’s eligibility, it’s then time to select the best products and systems for your home.
Choosing to install rooftop solar is a popular option as it provides a more sustainable source of energy for homeowners compared with electricity straight from the grid. As well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using energy generated directly from sunlight can significantly lower your monthly energy bills, while also adding value to your property.
2. Contact an Approved Supplier
After deciding on a product, the next step is to discuss your needs with an approved rooftop solar supplier such as Volteam. They may then visit your home for a pre-inspection that will confirm the system’s suitability and help you understand the associated costs and savings.
You’ll also receive a quote for the system ready for your loan application.
3. Complete the Loan Application
Next, you will be asked to confirm your eligibility and complete the financial application, which will be reviewed and confirmed by the loan provider, Brighte. If the application is successful, you’ll receive an email with details on how to accept the loan and proceed.
4. Get Your System Installed
The final stage involves getting your solar system installed. At Volteam, our fully licenced and insured team will contact you to schedule a convenient date and time for the installation.
We work with leading solar panel brands, including Jinko, Trina, Longi, and Canadian Solar, which are known for their efficiency and durability, ensuring that your investment in solar energy pays off for years to come. We’re also Clean Energy Council-certified, demonstrating that our products and solar installations meet the highest standards for safety and performance. We offer our services in many parts of Queensland, including Nundah, Mount Gravatt, Morningside, and more.
Give Volteam a call today at 1300 865 832 or request a quote online to find out how we can supply and install high-quality solar systems in your home as part of the Sustainable Household Scheme.
FAQs
What is the ACT Government Sustainable Household Scheme?
The Sustainable Households Scheme provides zero-interest loans, with no upfront costs or fees, to help householders and community groups located in the ACT make energy-efficient upgrades. Loans can be worth up to $15,000 and will cover eligible products such as rooftop solar systems, battery storage systems, electric stove tops, hot water heat pumps, electric vehicles, and more.
What is the ACT Electric Car Loan Scheme?
As part of the Sustainable Household Scheme, eligible households within the Australian Capital Territory can apply for a zero-interest loan to purchase an electric car. Successful applicants will receive a sum of between $2,000 to $15,000 to put towards the cost of an electric vehicle, which must be powered by a zero emissions mechanism like an electric vehicle battery.
Who is Eligible for the Sustainable Household Scheme?
To be an eligible applicant, you must be an ACT resident living or working in a property that meets Unimproved Value (UV) thresholds. You’ll need to pass a credit check to ensure that you’re able to repay the loan, and if you’re purchasing an electric vehicle, must also hold a current driving licence.
How Can We Use Solar Energy for Sustainable Living?
Solar energy is generated directly from sunlight and is a renewable, inexhaustible form of power. Compared with electricity, which is produced through burning fossil fuels, solar energy is therefore much more sustainable, and can be used to heat water, operate our household appliances, and cook food. It can also be stored in solar batteries or cells for future use.
