Lower energy bills and more money in your pocket. It’s something every household wants, but it can be particularly important when you are a concession holder and maybe also managing retirement savings.

A powerful way to lower your bills is by installing solar panels on your roof. This isn’t new news – more than a third of South Australian households already have solar – but the upfront cost can be a barrier. A new South Australian government program is doing something about that though and making concession holders better off at the same time.

The chance to be hundreds of dollars better off

Switch for Solar is offering up to 1000 eligible concession households in South Australia the chance to be better off for years to come through solar installed on their roof at little to no upfront cost.

Households access the solar PV system by agreeing to forego or ‘switch’ their energy concession and Cost of Living Concession for 10 years. In return, they receive a fully installed 4.4 kilowatt solar PV system that can save a typical South Australian household hundreds on their yearly electricity bills.

By harnessing the sun to reduce their electricity bills, the savings a household can achieve are significant. Independent modelling shows that a typical household could be $157 to $525 per year better off under Switch for Solar, compared to the energy concession and Cost of Living Concession they currently receive.

Households that apply for the program also receive a personalised quote detailing their expected savings, based on their specific circumstances, to consider before they agree to join. The quote is obligation-free, meaning you can find out exactly what you could save and have time to think about it before committing to anything.

South Australians are already signing up

With solar installed at little to no upfront cost and the chance to be hundreds of dollars better off every year, it is no surprise that interest is growing quickly.

Over 400 applications have already been received for the program, and that number continues to grow as more people hear about the program and the benefits on offer. If you are interested in the program, it’s best not to wait too long to see if you are eligible.

Checking your eligibility is as easy as heading to the Switch for Solar website. From there you can also apply for your obligation-free quote, or alternatively call the Switch for Solar hotline on 8226 3100 during business hours or email switchforsolar@sa.gov.au.

Further information

The Government of South Australia is providing a range of ways to learn more about the program, help you check your eligibility, and apply for the program: