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Sustainable Household Scheme
The Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) remains the ACT Government’s flagship financing program for energy-efficient upgrades, but from 1 July 2025 solar panels are no longer covered.
Key Features (current as of July 2025):
- Loan Amounts: $2,000 – $15,000.
- Interest Rate: 3% per year for new loans approved on or after 1 July 2025 (existing 0% loans keep their terms).
- Repayment Terms: Up to 10 years, with fortnightly repayments starting once the product is operational.
- No Establishment or Account-Keeping Fees. Late-payment fee $4.99 (capped at $49.90 per year).
- Loan Provider: Brighte.
Eligible Products (from July 2025):
- Battery Storage Systems
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure
- Reverse-Cycle Heating & Cooling Systems
- Hot Water Heat Pumps (HWHP)
- Efficient Electric Stove Tops
- Electric Vehicles (cars and motorbikes)
- Ceiling Insulation
Important deadlines: Quotes for solar PV approved before 1 July 2025 can proceed under the old rules if installation is completed by 1 November 2025.
Home Energy Support Program
This program continues to provide extra help for concession-card holders, and still includes rooftop solar installations.
- Rebate: Up to $5,000, covering up to 50% of installation costs.
- Eligible Products: Rooftop Solar PV Systems, Energy-Efficient Appliances, Ceiling Insulation.
- Property Value Limit: Unimproved Value (UV) of $750,000 or less (houses) or $300,000 (apartments).
- Combined Support: Can be paired with a zero-interest loan of up to $10,000 through SHS for a total package of up to $15,000.
Rebate Structure and Energy Credits
The ACT still offers category-based rebates of up to $2,500 per installation (solar/batteries, efficient upgrades, EVs, insulation).
Note that category-A solar rebates now apply only through the Home Energy Support Program, not SHS.
Eligibility Criteria
For Households:
- Must own the property or have full authority to install the products.
- Unimproved Value (UV): $450,000 for rooftop solar (if applying through HESP), $750,000 for other products; $300,000 limit for apartments.
- Must pass a credit check.
- Attendance at a free one-hour live energy-efficiency workshop is required.
For Concession Card Holders:
- Eligible for up to $5,000 in rebates and can combine this with a zero-interest SHS loan of up to $10,000.
- Solar panels remain eligible under HESP.
For Community Groups:
- May access loans of $2,000–$15,000 under the same SHS terms (3% interest for new loans).
- Must meet Brighte’s criteria and attend an energy workshop.
Application Process
- Find a Supplier: Use the Brighte Marketplace to locate approved vendors.
- Get a Quote: Obtain and compare quotes.
- Apply for Finance: Inform your supplier you’re applying under SHS. Brighte manages the loan application.
- Approval & Installation: Once approved, installation begins. (Solar systems approved before July 1 2025 must be installed by November 1 2025 to retain 0 % terms.)
FAQs
1. Can I still get 0 % interest?
Only for SHS loans approved before 1 July 2025. New loans after that date have a 3 % interest rate.
2. Is rooftop solar still supported?
Not under SHS for new applications, but yes under the Home Energy Support Program if you hold a valid concession card.
3. Do I still need to attend a workshop?
Yes, attendance at a free one-hour energy-efficiency workshop remains mandatory.
4. Can I combine a rebate with a loan?
Yes. Concession card holders can pair the $5,000 HESP rebate with a $10,000 SHS loan.
5. What happens if my pre-July 2025 solar quote isn’t installed by November 1 2025?
The 0 % loan terms may lapse and your application may be reassessed under the new 3 % interest rules.
Key Considerations
- Apply early if you intend to lock in 0% financing for solar; the deadline has passed for new applications but existing quotes must be installed on time.
- Budget for a modest interest cost on any new SHS loan (3%).
- Concession card holders remain the only group able to access solar rebates/loans under the ACT framework.
Conclusion
The ACT continues to provide strong incentives for home energy upgrades, but policy has shifted away from subsidising rooftop solar for the general population.
Homeowners can still access low-interest financing for batteries, heating/cooling systems, EVs, and insulation, while concession-card holders retain generous solar support.
Check the latest guidelines and deadlines before applying to ensure you receive the maximum benefit available.
