Maroondah supports pensioners to go solar and cut power bills

Maroondah households are now able to access affordable, high-quality solar through a local government supported initiative aimed at helping residents save on their power bills.

Council in partnership with Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action is once again offering the Solar Savers initiative to Maroondah residents which is aimed at making it easier and more affordable for residents to install a quality home solar system.

There are many householders who would like to install solar energy but are often put off by upfront costs and the complexities of getting the right system from a trusted company. By installing rooftop solar through Solar Savers, participants are able to reduce their energy bills and future-proof against increasing costs, while also reducing their environmental impact.

Additional support is available to help pensioners and low-income households avoid prohibitive upfront costs by providing them with access to an interest-free loan, allowing them to gradually pay for their solar system through their Council rates payments.

Solar Savers is offering two versions of the program in Maroondah: a standard bulk buy program and a Special Rates Charge loan for eligible households.

All homeowners have access to the bulk buy program, as well as access to free advice and checks to make sure that solar is the right choice and high-quality rooftop solar installed by professional solar installers.

For pensioners and health care card holders eligible for the Special Rates Charge loan, the system will be paid for upfront by Council. The loan amount will then be repaid through their quarterly household rates at 0% interest over eight years.

Pensioners often have the most to gain from solar power as many use their power during the day when solar power is generated. Participating through a Special Rates Charge loan will enable them to gradually pay for their solar panels over time. At the same time, savings made on power bills will cover the cost of loan repayments. The Solar Savers model means every household will be at least $100 ahead at the end of each year.

It’s further anticipated that at the end of the loan agreement, households could potentially be saving between $400 to $500 per year on electricity bills. The result is that Solar Savers participants will receive a solar system that pays for itself in electricity from the very first day.

More than 160 homes have taken up the Solar Savers offer since the program began in September 2019.

To be eligible for the Special Rates Charge, residents must own their own home, have a pension or health care card and not already have solar installed.

Solar Saver participants may also be eligible for the new Victorian Government Solar Rebate. To find out more or register your interest, visit the

Further information is available by visiting our Solar Savers 2020 page or the

Places are limited for the Special Rates Charge loan. Contact Solar Savers to secure your place in the program.