As part of its commitment to net zero emissions by 2045, the ACT Government operates one of Australia’s most comprehensive household electrification finance programs.
The Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) provides low-interest loans of up to $15,000, repayable over up to 10 years, to help ACT households install clean-energy and all-electric technologies such as solar batteries, EV chargers, heat pumps, and rooftop solar.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan amount | $2,000 – $15,000 |
| Loan term | Up to 10 years |
| Interest rate | Low-interest loan (currently ~3% p.a.) |
| Fees | No upfront application or account-keeping fees |
| Loan provider | Brighte (ACT Government delivery partner) |
| Eligibility | ACT homeowners; ACT licence holders for EV loans |
| Repayments start | Once the product is installed and operational |
What Can You Use the Loan For?
Eligible ACT residents can use the Sustainable Household Scheme loan to purchase and install:
- Solar battery storage systems
- Rooftop solar PV systems
- Electric vehicle chargers
- Electric heating and cooling systems (no dedicated Solar Choice hub page in the list provided)
- Hot water heat pumps
- Electric cooktops and appliances (no dedicated Solar Choice page in the list provided)
- Ceiling insulation (no dedicated Solar Choice page in the list provided)
- Electric vehicles (no dedicated Solar Choice page in the list provided)
- Installation and associated labour costs (general—no single best-fit page in the list provided)
You can choose to install a single product or bundle multiple upgrades – the total must not exceed $15,000.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible if you:
- Live in the ACT
- Own a residential property in the ACT
- (or hold a current ACT driver’s licence for EV-only loans)
- Meet Brighte’s credit assessment criteria
- Complete a free 1-hour energy efficiency workshop (online or in person)
Community organisations and not-for-profits may also be eligible under separate arrangements.
ExamAdding a Solar Battery in the ACT
A typical battery retrofit scenario in Canberra:
- Installed battery cost: $12,000
- Loan through SHS: $12,000
- Loan term: 10 years
- Indicative repayments: ~$115–$120 per month (based on current low-interest rate)
- Upfront cost: $0
While the loan is not interest-free, the low interest rate substantially reduces financing costs compared to standard personal loans, while allowing households to benefit immediately from lower grid consumption and improved energy resilience.
Support for Concession Card Holders
Eligible concession card holders (including Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card and Health Care Card holders) may also qualify for additional assistance through the ACT Home Energy Support Program, which can include:
- Rebates of up to $5,000 for eligible energy upgrades
- Access to zero-interest loan components (up to $10,000) for remaining costs, subject to program eligibility and assessment
Important:
This zero-interest loan pathway applies specifically through the Home Energy Support Program, not automatically through the standard Sustainable Household Scheme. Eligibility and loan structure vary by household circumstances.
How to Apply
- Check eligibility: Visit the ACT Government Sustainable Household Scheme page
- Attend the free energy efficiency workshop provided by ACT Govt.
- Obtain quotes for eligible products and installation from solar choice
- Apply through Brighte, which conducts credit and affordability checks
Important Notes
- The Sustainable Household Scheme is a low-interest, not interest-free, loan
- Repayments commence once installation is complete and operational
- Early repayments are allowed with no penalties
- Hardship support is available if repayment difficulties arise
Combining the ACT Loan With Rebates
ACT households may be able to combine the Sustainable Household Scheme loan with:
- Federal Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for solar PV
- ACT rebates such as the Home Energy Support Program
From 1 July 2025, eligible households may also access the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which provides a national battery rebate delivered through the STC framework. For a typical 10–13.5 kWh battery, this can reduce upfront costs by approximately $3,500–$4,700, depending on STC value and installation timing.
Changes to the federal battery rebate took effect from 1 May 2026, with step-downs scheduled over time.
While federal rebates and ACT loans operate under separate rules, households should confirm eligibility and stackability with both Brighte and their installer at the time of application, as final approval rests with program administrators
Why It Matters
The ACT remains a national leader in household electrification. The Sustainable Household Scheme helps households move away from gas and reduce emissions by turning clean-energy upgrades into manageable, long-term repayments rather than large upfront purchases.
For battery buyers, the scheme improves affordability, reduces financial risk, and accelerates the transition to a more resilient, low-carbon energy system.
ACT Solar Battery Resources
- Compare Solar Battery Prices
- Solar Battery Payback Calculator
- Sustainable Household Scheme (ACT Gov)
Combining with Federal Solar Battery Rebate
ACT homeowners can usually use the Sustainable Household Scheme loan to finance the remaining cost of a battery after any rebates are applied.
The Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program (from 1 July 2025) provides a battery discount via the STC framework. The rebate value varies by eligible battery size and STC value, with step-down changes from 1 May 2026. For a typical 10–13.5 kWh battery, savings are often around $3,500–$4,700, but can be higher or lower.
Because the federal rebate and the ACT loan are administered separately, confirm:
- your battery/installer meets federal eligibility, and
- Brighte approves the loan for the remaining amount.
Learn more: Federal Solar Battery Rebate | Ultimate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I add a battery to an existing solar system using the scheme?
Yes. Battery retrofits are eligible, provided the system is compatible and installed by an approved provider.
Is anything interest-free?
The standard Sustainable Household Scheme loan is low-interest. Zero-interest loans may be available only through specific concession-based programs such as the Home Energy Support Program.
Is a credit check required?
Yes. Brighte assesses all applications based on credit history and repayment capacity.
Can I combine this with federal and ACT rebates?
In many cases, yes — but eligibility must be confirmed at the time of application, as programs are administered separately.
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