Thinking about solar or a battery for your home but put off by the cost or confused by the process? You’re not alone.
Many local families want to lower their energy bills, but they’re unsure where to start, what products to choose, or who to trust.
Solar Neighbourhoods
That’s why City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie City Council and Maitland City Council joined forces to create Solar Neighbourhoods, an award-winning community program designed to make solar and batteries simple and more affordable.
And after a successful first year, Solar Neighbourhoods is back for 2026.
More than 200 local households have already joined
In 2025, 203 households joined Solar Neighbourhoods in just 11 weeks. Together, these households installed 168 home batteries and 3,242 solar panels and are projected to save thousands each year on their energy bills.
For families feeling the pressure of household bills, generating and storing your own electricity can be one way to take greater control of your home’s energy costs.
They’ve done the hard work for you
Choosing solar and batteries can be overwhelming, with plenty of brands, products, installers, warranties, rebates and finance options to compare.
Through Solar Neighbourhoods, the councils have done much of that work upfront. They’ve selected quality brands and products, negotiated exclusive savings and created clear package options to suit different households.
Following an extensive tender and due diligence process in 2025, the councils partnered with 1KOMMA5° to deliver Solar Neighbourhoods, supported by a network of trusted, local Hunter tradies who carry out the installations.
What do you get with Solar Neighbourhoods?
Solar Neighbourhoods offers solar, battery and combined solar and battery packages in different sizes, as well as EV chargers.
The 2026 program includes:
- An exclusive $1,250 Solar Neighbourhoods rebate for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland residents
- Access to the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries rebate
- Access to the NSW Government Home Energy Saver interest-free $15,000 loan for eligible households
- Quality solar and battery products selected for the program
- Market-leading warranties
- Installation by trusted Hunter tradies
- Post-installation support
- Options to pay upfront or pay it off over time, subject to eligibility.
A new way to make the upfront cost easier
Eligible NSW households can also now apply for the NSW Government’s Home Energy Saver program to help them manage the upfront cost of joining Solar Neighbourhoods.
Eligible homeowners and landlords can access a zero-interest, no-fee loan of up to $15,000 for approved energy-saving upgrades, including rooftop solar and home batteries. Eligibility requirements apply. Check the NSW Government website for more details.
Ready to see if solar or a battery could work for your family?
Whether you’ve been thinking about solar for years, already have panels and are considering adding a battery, or you’re just starting your research, Solar Neighbourhoods is designed to take some of the guesswork out of the process.
Want more information
Join online for a free, easy-to-understand session designed to cut through the confusion. Experts from City of Newcastle and 1KOMMA5˚ will explain how solar panels and batteries work, the savings they can bring, and the trusted options available through the Solar Neighbourhoods program. Plus answer any questions you have about the Solar Neighbourhoods program.
You’ll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to make the switch.
- Wednesday 14 October – 12pm to 1.30pm
Can’t make it? Register for the free session now and City of Newcastle also send a recording of the event afterwards.
Solar Neighbourhoods runs until 20 December 2026 but join by the end of October to lock in 2026 pricing. Visit the Solar Neighbourhoods website to find out more.