Join over 10,800 residents in Shellharbour who have installed solar

Generating power through rooftop solar on your home will help to reduce your energy bills and your greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, the average home solar system will pay itself back within five years through energy bill savings.

According to Dr Saul Griffith from Rewiring Australia, “rooftop solar is the cheapest energy to be delivered to the customer in the history of humans at 3 to 4 cents per kWh”, so why not make the switch?

Pair your solar system with a home battery and you can use the power you generate during the day to also power your home at night!

How do I get solar?

We recommend using the Australian Government's Solar Consumer Guide prior to contacting an installer to estimate your system size, cost and how much it will save you. In most cases, you can add solar panels to your home as exempt development, which means you don’t need approval from Council. Check the NSW Planning Portal for more information.

We recommend sourcing at least two quotes from an approved retailer or installer. To find out more, and for advice on selecting a solar retailer and installer, visit the Clean Energy Council. Eligible rooftop solar systems may also receive the Federal Government's Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate which is arranged for you by your installer. Ask your installer for more information on the STC scheme for your system.

Don’t own your home? You can use renewable energy at home by switching to green power. Most energy retailers now offer ‘green’ or ‘carbon neutral’ electricity plans, sometimes at no extra cost! You can search for a renewable energy provider on the Australian and NSW Government-backed GreenPower Website.

Where can I find out more about solar bateries?

Peak energy consumption in the average NSW household largely occurs outside the hours of solar generation. By installing a home battery you can store and use electricity generated when you need it. By 2025 a typical household will recoup their investment in just under 7.5 years, well within the average battery’s 10-year lifespan (AEMC, 2023).

Shellharbour residents can use the SunSPOT tool prior to contacting an installer to estimate your battery needs. The New Energy Tech Consumer Code's Guide to Installing Batteries also provides tips to help you make informed decisions when buying and owning a battery system. We recommend sourcing at least two quotes.

What financial support is available?

Typically, solar syatems pay for themselves within five years from savings on your electricity bills.

SunSPOT solar helps you select the right size system with the fastest payback period (with and without battery). But if you need a little help to get you kick started, you may be eligible for the following financial support:

  • Council is offering up to $250 per eligible household towards the cost of solar and up to $250 towards household batteries. Check out our rebate program here.  Each applicant property may only receive one rebate in the 2024/25 round of the Sustainability Rebates Program, subject to availability.
  • Your installer for solar and battery systems will have access to claim Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) on your behalf.
  • Eligible home batteries can also receive a Small-scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate which is arranged for you by your installer. An additional incentive is now available under the NSW Government's Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. Ask your installer for more information on available rebates and incentives.

Need more support?

Check out these handy videos which explain solar power and household batteries:

Explaining Solar Power

What are Household batteries?

Last updated : Thu 23 Jan 2025