The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) ConcessionsSA is to expand its Switch for Solar Program to give more South Australians access to free home solar systems.
Announced by the Minister for Human Services, Michelle Lensink, the Program is to give eligible concession holders the chance to have a free solar system installed in return for their concession payments, allowing 5,000 low-income households across the State to save up to $538 on annual electricity bills.
Ms Lensink said the Switch for Solar trial, which began in the Goolwa area and the north eastern suburbs of Adelaide in May 2021, will now be extended to 5,000 households in a Statewide rollout following exceptional proven results.
“Data from the trial shows that concession households who voluntarily ‘switch’ their $215.10 per year Cost of Living Concession and $231.41 annual energy concession for a 4.4kw solar system are set to receive an average of $538 in savings over and above their existing $446.51 saving from their concessions,” she said.
“This is higher than the initial estimate of $57 to $525 when the scheme was launched.”
The Minister said the Program was about choice and empowerment.
“It means some households who want solar but don’t know how they’d ever afford it can now get a system at no up-front cost and save even more on their power bills,” she said.
Ms Lensink said concession holders would be invited to register their interest in the Program to receive updates and get to the front of the queue, with expansion to 5,000 systems to be rolled out from August.
Program registrations of interest can be made by calling ConcessionsSA on (08) 8226 3100 during business hours or at this PS News link.
