Having solar installed on our homes is a great way to reduce our energy bills, but people in households at the lower end of the income scale are often disadvantaged as they are unable to install solar due to the cost.
Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN), is supporting people at the lower end of the income scale to have a small solar system installed at no cost to them.
Colin Lambie from Zero Emissions Noosa says many people at the lower end of the income scale are locked out of the savings they can make to their energy bills.
“Low income households are often disadvantaged as they are unable to afford to install solar due to the cost,” said Mr Lambie.
“Helping with home energy upgrades, like installing solar, is a vital way of helping people in low income households who do not have the money to pay up front to install solar.”
The ACOSS-commissioned Deloitte Report in July, 2024 said that an accelerated home energy upgrade program could drastically reduce energy stress for people struggling to heat and cool their housing.
”Homes with modest electricity use can save $400 to $800 per annum with a rooftop solar system installed,” said Mr Lambie.
“As we know, there are many people who are struggling with the cost of living and to pay their energy bills. Low income earners are missing out on the opportunity to save money on their energy bills by not having solar”, said Colin.
Margaret has been living in her all-electric home for 43 years. She has been a single mother for 32 years and still looks after grandchildren. She says owning her own home is the key to surviving on a pension.
Getting solar would mean an end to rising power prices and she could afford to pay for some maintenance around her old home. She will also be able to turn a heater on to stay warm in winter.
“Sometimes living on the pension is hard, so being able to have solar will help a lot with the budget and also being able to turn on electric appliances during the day while solar is generating the power.”
Mr Lambie says the Noosa Low Income Solar Project will give access to clean energy to 10 households at no cost to them, that otherwise would not be able to afford solar.
“We want to help those families contribute to the fight against climate change, while also reducing their cost of living,” he said.
To be eligible to apply for a no-cost rooftop solar system as part of the Zero Emissions Noosa project, you must be receiving a Centrelink payment, own your own home, and live in the Noosa Shire.
To apply, complete the Expression of Interest form on the Zero Emissions Noosa website or zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au/low-income-solarcampaign-project or pick up a copy from one of our community partners, Vinnies at Noosaville, and Making Lives Matter at Noosaville.
Completed applications will be assessed based on eligibility and placed into a prioritised listing based on need and other factors. There is no guarantee of inclusion in the program from filling out the application and the installation of solar systems under this program is subject to available funding.
Applications close on 30 April or earlier if the project spaces have been filled.
Apply now at zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au/low-income-solar-campaign-project
