In Newcastle, New South Wales (NSW), solar adoption is rapidly growing, with over 701 small-scale solar installations contributing a total capacity of around 5,218 kW as of October 2024. This adoption rate indicates that roughly 20-25% of households in Newcastle have home solar systems. These installations enable homeowners to save significantly on energy costs, often reducing bills by $800 to $1,000 annually. This reflects a growing trend toward renewable energy adoption in Newcastle, which not only helps households reduce their electricity expenses but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
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Newcastle solar statistics
Newcastle boasts ideal sun exposure for great solar output throughout the year. Below are some of the most important factors that affect solar production in Newcastle.
Data: WeatherAtlas
- Average Solar Hours: Newcastle enjoys the highest solar irradiance in spring and summer, with peak sun hours reaching up to 7.2 hours in November and 7.0 hours in December.
- Temperature Ranges: Summers are warm with average highs peaking at 26.7°C in January, while winters remain mild, with lows dropping to around 8.8°C in July.
- Cloud Cover: Cloud cover is higher during autumn and winter, averaging 47-50% in May through July, and decreases in spring and summer, with the clearest months in October and November averaging around 39-40%.
Newcastle homes with a solar system
701
Newcastle homes with battery storage
Unknown
New South Wales EV ownership
Unknown
Figures updated 2024
Why Solar and Battery Storage are essential for Newcastle homes and businesses
As Newcastle continues to embrace renewable energy, solar and battery storage offer innovative solutions for homes and businesses. These technologies provide financial benefits and contribute to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for the region.
- Reliable Energy Supply: Solar and battery systems provide consistent power, reducing reliance on the grid during outages or peak demand periods.
- Cost Savings: By using stored solar energy, homeowners and businesses in Newcastle can significantly cut electricity bills, especially during peak rate times.
- Environmental Benefits: Solar energy reduces carbon footprints, aligning with Newcastle’s efforts toward sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Future-Proofing: Installing solar and battery storage protects against rising energy costs and supports the transition to renewable energy solutions.
City of Newcastle suburbs
The following suburbs can enjoy the benefits of solar and battery storage. Contact your council to find out if your home has any restrictions or heritage overlays that may impact the installation of solar on your home or business.
- Adamstown – 2289
- Adamstown Heights – 2289
- Bar Beach – 2300
- Beresfield – 2322
- Birmingham Gardens – 2287
- Black Hill – 2322
- Broadmeadow – 2292
- Carrington – 2294
- Cooks Hill – 2300
- Elermore Vale – 2287
- Fletcher – 2287
- Georgetown – 2298
- Hamilton – 2303
- Hamilton East – 2303
- Hamilton North – 2292
- Hamilton South – 2303
- Islington – 2296
- Jesmond – 2299
- Kahibah – 2290
- Kotara – 2289
- Kotara South – 2289
- Lambton – 2299
- Mayfield – 2304
- Mayfield East – 2304
- Mayfield North – 2304
- Mayfield West – 2304
- Merewether – 2291
- Merewether Heights – 2291
- Minmi – 2287
- New Lambton – 2305
- New Lambton Heights – 2305
- Newcastle – 2300
- Newcastle East – 2300
- Newcastle West – 2302
- North Lambton – 2299
- Rankin Park – 2287
- Sandgate – 2304
- Shortland – 2307
- Stockton – 2295
- The Hill – 2300
- The Junction – 2291
- Tighes Hill – 2297
- Wallsend – 2287
- Warabrook – 2304
- Waratah – 2298
- Waratah West – 2298
- Wickham – 2293
Rebates and Incentives for Solar, Batteries, and more in Newcastle
Swap for Solar
Low-income families may be eligible for financial help to offset the expenses of installing 3kW systems.
Rebate Swap for Energy Upgrades
If you are not qualified for a Swap for Solar, you may be able to benefit from your energy-saving modifications. If you replace your appliances, you may be eligible for a free home energy assessment worth up to $4,000.
Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
For Australians who put solar panels on their houses, STCs are simple to get. The Australian Federal Government issues STCs, although their pricing is determined by the market. Because each solar system is only permitted a specific number of STCs, the aggregate sum of these STCs will be removed from the total value of the solar system.
Feed-in Tariff (FiT)
Exporting excess energy into the grid will reward you with FiTs. Energy retailers are the ones who will award you with FiTs and set the rates.
How much can I save with solar in Newcastle?
In Newcastle, NSW, the savings from installing a solar system depend on its size and energy consumption. Here’s a breakdown of potential savings for different system sizes:
5 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Approximately 6,643 kWh.
- Savings: Based on an average electricity cost of around 30 cents per kWh, you could save about $1,993 annually by self-consuming the majority of your solar power, assuming you use around 80% of the generated power.
6.6 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Roughly 8,831 kWh.
- Savings: Estimated annual savings could reach about $2,649, assuming similar self-consumption rates.
8 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Approximately 10,950 kWh.
- Savings: You could save around $3,285 per year if you consume most of this power.
10 kW system:
- Estimated annual output: Around 13,250 kWh.
- Savings: With this system size, potential annual savings could be about $3,975.
Key points to consider:
- Feed-in Tariffs: Any excess power fed back into the grid is typically compensated at rates between 3 to 12 cents per kWh, which can affect overall savings.
- Government incentives: The federal government offers incentives through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which can cover up to 30% of installation costs.
- Payback period: The average payback period for solar installations in Hobart ranges from 3.4 to 3.9 years
Energy Matters’ solar and battery installation services in Newcastle
Energy Matters proudly serves Newcastle by connecting homes and businesses with local and trusted installers. Our network of solar companies provides high-quality solar and battery installations, ensuring that residents and businesses can benefit from solar technology tailored to Newcastle’s unique environment.
- Solar panel installation: With extensive knowledge of solar panel installation Newcastle, Energy Matters connects you with installers who will provide expert consultations to identify the most effective systems, allowing customers to benefit from Newcastle’s abundant sunlight and achieve maximum energy savings.
- Battery storage solutions: Offering advanced storage solutions from a range of quality manufacturers, Our installers help our customers enhance their solar installation Newcastle setup with reliable backup options.
- Ongoing support and maintenance: Support and maintenance services ensure that solar system installation Newcastle customers can rely on their systems year-round, optimising efficiency and performance.
- Financing options and incentives: Our network of installers offers flexible financing and guides home and business owners through local rebate options, making solar installations Newcastle accessible to more residents.
Energy Matters is here to help you find the best solar system installation company in Newcastle.
Energy efficient upgrades
Saving on your energy bills goes deeper than just solar and battery storage. Upgrading your home appliances can see significant reductions in your bills and your environmental impact. Here are just some of the energy efficiency upgrades you can make in your home and business:
- Hot water system: Solar hot water systems and heat pumps
- Energy and water-efficient appliances: Dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and air conditioners
- Electronics: LED lighting and smart home monitoring
- EV chargers: Installing EV chargers at home or work provides convenient charging and reduces reliance on grid power, especially when paired with solar.
