Understanding green loans for solar and battery systems in Brisbane

Navigating the world of solar financing can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to break it down for you. A green loan is essentially a personal loan designed specifically for financing sustainable upgrades to your home, like solar panels and battery storage. Because lenders want to encourage these eco-friendly investments, they often offer lower interest rates and more favourable terms compared to standard personal loans.

For Brisbane homeowners, this means you can install a system now and start saving on your power bills immediately, paying off the system over time with predictable monthly repayments. These loans are typically unsecured, meaning you don’t have to use your home as collateral, making the application process simpler and faster.

Are there Queensland government interest-free loans for solar batteries in 2025?

This is a question I get asked a lot. In previous years, the Queensland government offered popular interest-free loans and grants under its Affordable Energy Plan. However, these state-based schemes have now concluded and are no longer open for applications. It is also important to note that the Brisbane City Council does not currently offer any specific solar or battery rebate programs for individual households, though some grants may be available for community groups. This means homeowners should focus on the federal support available.

The good news is that new, federally supported initiatives have stepped in to fill the gap, ensuring Brisbane households still have access to affordable financing for clean energy. The focus has shifted from direct state government loans to federally supported low-interest loans offered through commercial lenders.

Federal support: The Household Energy Upgrades Fund and CEFC

The major support available to Brisbane residents now comes from the Australian Government’s $1 billion Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF). This fund is managed by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), a government body that partners with banks and lenders to offer cheaper finance for green upgrades.

Here’s how it works: the CEFC provides discounted finance to lenders like Commonwealth Bank, Plenti, and Westpac. Those lenders then pass the savings on to you through lower interest rates on green loans. This program is designed to help over 110,000 Australian households invest in everything from solar PV and batteries to heat pump hot water systems and better insulation.

Alongside this, the new Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched on 1 July 2025, provides a significant upfront discount—roughly 30%—on the cost of an eligible home battery system. To qualify, you must have a new or existing solar PV system and use an accredited installer for the battery installation. The rebate is claimed by your installer and applied as a point-of-sale discount, simplifying the process for you. This federal rebate can be combined with a green loan to make the total cost of a solar and battery system much more manageable.

Comparing the best solar and battery green loans in Brisbane

With several lenders participating in the HEUF and offering their own green loan products, it’s crucial to compare your options. From my analysis of the market, the main differences come down to interest rates, fees, and eligibility criteria. Some loans are only available to existing home loan customers, while others are open to everyone.

Here’s a comparison of some leading green loan providers for Brisbane residents:

*Interest rates are indicative and subject to change. Always check the lender’s Comparison Rate. Case Study: A Family in Paddington The Tran family was struggling with quarterly power bills often exceeding $700. They decided to install a 6.6kW solar system using Jinko panels and a 9.6kWh Sungrow SBR battery . The total system cost was $18,500. After applying the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program rebate, their out-of-pocket cost was reduced to around $14,500. They financed this amount using a green loan with a 5-year term. Their annual bill savings are now projected to be over $2,400, giving them a payback period of approximately 6 years while their power bills have dropped to just the daily grid connection fee.

How to apply for a solar green loan in Brisbane

Applying for a green loan is a straightforward process. I’ve broken it down into a few simple steps to guide you. Gigi’s Pro Tip: Always look at the Comparison Rate , not just the advertised interest rate. The comparison rate includes most of the upfront and ongoing fees, giving you a much more accurate picture of the true cost of the loan over its lifetime.

• Get Your Quotes: First, contact at least three different Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installers in Brisbane for quotes on a system that suits your home’s energy needs. This is a mandatory step for most green loans.

• Choose Your System: Based on the quotes, select the solar panels (e.g., REC, Trina) and battery (e.g., Sungrow, BYD, Tesla) that offer the best value and performance for your budget. A 6.6kW solar array with a 10kWh battery is a popular and effective combination for a typical Brisbane family home.

• Gather Your Documents: You will need a copy of the official quote from your installer, proof of income (payslips), and standard identification documents.

• Apply With a Lender: Choose the lender that offers the best terms for your situation and complete their online application. Some lenders offer pre-approval, which can be a great way to lock in your finance before committing to an installer.

• Installation: Once your loan is formally approved, the lender will typically pay the installer directly. You can then schedule your installation and start enjoying the benefits of solar and battery storage.

Is a green loan the right choice for you?

For most Brisbane households, a green loan is an excellent tool. It allows you to overcome the primary barrier to solar and battery adoption—the upfront cost—and start saving on electricity bills from day one. The savings you make on your energy bills can often significantly offset, or even exceed, your monthly loan repayments.

However, remember that a loan is still a financial commitment. It’s important to ensure the repayments fit comfortably within your household budget. By choosing a reputable installer and quality components, you are investing in an asset that will deliver financial and environmental returns for many years to come.

If you’re feeling ready to take the next step and get quotes from trusted local experts, I can help connect you. Just fill out the form below. Alternatively, if you’re still in the early stages and want a quick estimate of costs, I can help with that too.