A Hunter solar program that began with local households is moving into the small business sector for its second year.
Solar Neighbourhoods has reopened across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland, bringing small businesses and landlords into a program that attracted more than 200 households in its first round.
The change means eligible local businesses can now access the same $1,250 discount and preselected solar and battery packages available to residents.
The offer is aimed at a problem that comes before installation. Households and small businesses interested in solar can face a complicated process of comparing products and working out which installer to trust.
Solar Neighbourhoods brings those choices together under a program developed by City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie City Council and Maitland City Council.
The councils conducted a tender and due-diligence process before appointing 1KOMMA5˚ to provide the packages, with installations completed through its Hunter-based partners.
From household trial to wider offer
The first round of Solar Neighbourhoods led to 158 solar systems and 167 home batteries being installed.
City of Newcastle said the purchases generated almost $5 million in community renewable energy investment. Participating households also received more than $250,000 through the program’s $1,250 discount.
That response prompted the councils to return with a wider offer in 2026.
“With more than 200 local households signing up in the first year, we’re excited to help even more residents and businesses take advantage of clean energy in round two,” Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Community Partnerships Matt Holloway said.
More than 360 people had joined the waiting list before the second round opened.
The program now gives a small business the same starting point as a participating household. After registering its interest, the applicant is contacted by a solar specialist to discuss the property and its energy use. A standard package can then be adjusted to suit the site.
The Solar Neighbourhoods website offers solar-only systems alongside battery packages for premises that already have panels. Combined solar and battery systems are also available.
Larger packages have been introduced for properties with higher electricity requirements.
Councils respond to calls for guidance
The three councils developed Solar Neighbourhoods after their sustainability teams received requests for help choosing solar products and installers.
By assessing a provider and selecting a range of packages in advance, the program is intended to reduce the research required before a resident or business seeks a quote.
The packages include product warranties and a 30-year workmanship warranty. Customers also receive post-installation checks, while batteries come with blackout protection.
Maitland City Council Executive Manager City Futures Gunika Singh said the program was intended to help people make informed choices.
“To us, success looks like a community where our residents and businessowners have the information they need to consider sustainability in their decision making,” Ms Singh said.
Applicants must still decide whether a package is suitable for their property and finances. The councils advise prospective customers to make their own enquiries before signing a contract.
Discount available to businesses and residents
The $1,250 Solar Neighbourhoods discount is available to participating households and small businesses within the three council areas.
Battery package prices also include the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries discount, with both amounts deducted from the customer’s quote.
Eligible homeowners may be able to use a fee-free, interest-free loan of up to $15,000 through the NSW Government’s Home Energy Saver Program. Nine of the 12 Solar Neighbourhoods packages are priced below that amount.
The household loan should not be confused with the program’s offer to businesses. The Solar Neighbourhoods FAQs confirm that small businesses can access the packages and $1,250 discount, but do not state that businesses qualify for the Home Energy Saver loan.
Businesses will need to discuss payment arrangements and any available rebates with the program provider.
Local boundary applies
The full offer is limited to residents and small businesses in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland local government areas.
Applicants elsewhere in the Hunter can request a quote and access the product packages, but they cannot claim the exclusive $1,250 program discount.
The second round closes on 20 December 2026. To secure the stated 2026 prices and make the greatest use of rebates available at that time, households and businesses must sign a contract by 31 October.
For small businesses within the three participating council areas, this year’s expansion turns what began as a household program into another route for assessing and purchasing solar through Hunter-based installers.
