Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland unveil Cheaper Solar and Battery Systems

5 September 2025

From L-R, City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold and Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff celebrate the upcoming launch of the Solar Neighbourhoods program later this month

newy.com.au – Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland councils have announced Solar Neighbourhoods, a collaborative program to make home solar and battery systems easier and more affordable, with a launch due later this month across the three local government areas.

Designed to remove barriers that have held back rooftop solar and home battery uptake, the initiative responds to community feedback and is being billed by the councils as the first of its kind in the region. It will offer vetted equipment, local installers and payment options intended to reduce complexity and upfront costs for households.

Residents across the three council areas will be able to access solar panels, batteries and electric vehicle chargers through program partner 1KOMMA5 Australia and its network of local installers, following what the councils said was an extensive tender and due diligence process. Upfront payment and options to pay the system off over time will be available, alongside an exclusive program discount and access to government rebates.

“We’ve heard from residents across the three council areas that they want solar and batteries for their homes, but are overwhelmed by the choice, upfront cost and complexity of buying solar systems,” Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said. “Through an extensive tender and due diligence process we’ve identified a range of high-quality systems, delivered by our program partner and local installers.”

“Households installing a new solar and battery system could save up to 90 per cent of a typical family electricity bill, which is why we’re committed to providing an easy, accessible pathway to solar and home batteries for our community,” Pull said. “This program also aligns with a key priority in our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which is to support the transition of the Newcastle LGA to net zero emissions through an accelerated uptake of onsite solar and batteries.”

Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff said the initiative would allow residents to take meaningful climate action through practical, community-led solutions. “We’re proud to support programs that help households lower their electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future,” Antcliff said. “This partnership reflects a united regional approach to reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, an outcome that benefits individuals, their neighbourhoods and the Hunter as a whole.”

Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold said more than one third of homes across the Maitland local government area currently have solar installed. “We hope that this program opens up accessible and affordable options for even more Maitland residents that are looking to make the switch,” Penfold said. “Forging strong partnerships with neighbouring councils and other agencies to drive solar uptake across Maitland, and in turn underlining the environmental, economic and social benefits for our residents, is just one of the ways that Maitland City Council is showing leadership and working to shape a more sustainable Maitland.”

The councils said Solar Neighbourhoods will open to participants later this month, with a waitlist now available at solarneighbourhoods.com.au for residents who want to be notified when it goes live.