iStore breaks down what the new NSW Home Energy Saver program means for families, and how a whole-of-home approach can make the most of it.
Electrifying your home just became far more affordable for households across New South Wales.
The NSW Government’s new $557 million Home Energy Saver program has removed the single biggest barrier to lowering power bills, the upfront cost, by offering eligible households zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 to fund energy-saving upgrades.
NSW program spotlight
What the Program Offers
The scheme is designed to help NSW families cut their energy costs by spreading the cost of home upgrades over time, rather than paying it all at once.
Eligible households can now access interest-free loans of up to $15,000, repayable over ten years, to install upgrades including rooftop solar, home batteries, and efficient electric appliances. The loans are available to households with a combined taxable income of up to $210,000.
Later in 2026, the program will also introduce discounts of up to $4,000 for lower-income households and eligible concession card holders, with renters able to access support too, provided they have their landlord’s permission.
For households eligible for both, the recommended approach is to apply for the discount first, then use a loan to cover the remaining amount.
A Real-World Example
The appeal is simple: your upgrades can start lowering your bills from day one, while you repay the loan interest-free.
For instance, a household earning $200,000 that wants a $10,000 solar and battery system can borrow the full amount and repay it over ten years with zero interest — all while the system reduces their energy costs immediately.
Why a Whole-of-Home Approach Matters
Electrification delivers the greatest savings when your systems work together. Solar panels generate clean power during the day. A battery stores the excess for expensive peak evening hours. A heat pump dramatically reduces the electricity needed for hot water. And a smart EV charger can soak up surplus solar instead of drawing more power from the grid later.
Solar Panels
Generate clean electricity during the day and reduce your reliance on grid power.
Battery Storage
Store excess solar energy so your home can use it later, including during expensive evening peak periods.
Heat Pump Hot Water
Reduce the electricity needed for one of the biggest everyday energy users in the home.
Smart EV Charging
Use surplus solar to charge your electric vehicle instead of drawing more energy from the grid later.
This is where iStore’s approach stands out. Because iStore covers solar, battery storage, heat pump hot water and EV charging under one brand, with one app and one company to deal with, NSW households can plan a complete electrification upgrade rather than juggling multiple suppliers. Depending on your installer’s pricing, a combined setup can potentially fit within the $15,000 interest-free loan cap.
What NSW Households Can Consider
If you are planning to use the Home Energy Saver program, it helps to think about your home as one connected energy system rather than a set of separate products.
- Check whether your household meets the income and eligibility requirements.
- Confirm which products and upgrades are approved under the current program rules.
- Consider whether solar, battery storage, hot water and EV charging can be planned together.
- Ask your installer how the upgrade can be staged or bundled within the loan amount.
- Compare upfront cost, repayment period, running cost savings and long-term value.
Take the Next Step
If you’re in NSW, there’s never been a better time to take control of your energy use, and your bills.
Full program details and eligibility criteria are available from Energy NSW.
To explore how iStore’s energy-efficient products can work together in your home, browse our range or contact our team today.
Eligibility, approved products and final pricing vary by household and installer. Always confirm current program details and eligible products before applying.
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