an image of elderly woman stands in front of home with rooftop solar with the words goodbye stressful power bills

Noosa Low-Income Solar Project: Supporting Households and Reducing Energy Stress

 

Irene Mews received a no-cost solar system as part of the ZEN initiative. Here with Colin Lambie (ZEN), Gareth Duggan (Home & Energy), Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie, and Matt Harold (Enviro Projects).

The Noosa Low-Income Solar Project has provided 10 eligible low-income households in Noosa Shire with free solar power systems, helping to reduce energy stress and ongoing electricity costs.

The project was made possible through the support of a Noosa Council Climate Change Response Grant and was open to applications from eligible homeowners receiving a government low-income pension.

By giving households access to clean, renewable energy, the project supports both cost-of-living relief and climate action, creating lasting benefits for the community.

 

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Energy costs have risen significantly in recent years, and households on low incomes are often disproportionately affected. Many residents struggle with energy stress, where a large portion of household income is spent on power bills, making it difficult to cover other essential living costs.

This project was designed to address that challenge by giving low-income homeowners the opportunity to benefit from free, clean, and renewable solar energy.

a man installs solar on rooftop
 

Project Delivery

  • Eligibility: The project was open to applications from homeowners in Noosa Shire who were recipients of a government low-income pension.

  • Selection: Applications were reviewed to identify households most in need of energy relief.

  • Installation: Solar systems were installed on 10 homes, delivering immediate access to clean electricity.

This process ensured that the benefits of solar could reach households who would otherwise be unable to afford the upfront cost.

Impact & Outcomes

The solar systems are expected to:

  • Deliver significant annual savings on household electricity bills (estimated at $400–$800 per year).

  • Reduce energy stress for residents living on a fixed income.

  • Contribute to Noosa’s climate action goals by cutting household carbon emissions.

Through this project, energy relief and climate benefits go hand in hand helping both residents and the wider community.

Jeanette: Relief from Rising Energy Costs

Janette has spent many years as a registered wildlife carer and is passionate about protecting the environment. Rising electricity prices are a major concern, and until now she didn’t think solar would benefit her because of her age. Installing solar gives Janette relief from unpredictable bills, allow her to better manage her home, and help her continue living in alignment with her environmental values.

““All bills are getting higher and anything that will assist to bring them down is great. I hold my breath each time a bill comes’.”
— Home Owner

Irene: Managing Costs with Solar

Irene, a Tewantin homeowner, had long dreamed of solar, which was previously unaffordable. Thanks to ZEN, she is already seeing benefits on her household budget and has learned how to monitor and optimise her energy use to get the most from her solar system.

““I am thrilled to have solar at last. It was an unaffordable dream until ZEN. It is and will be a huge benefit to me with my budget and the ongoing cost of living,” said Ms Mews.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project was made possible thanks to the support of Noosa Council through its Climate Change Response Grant program which was open by application to eligible home owners.

Zero Emissions Noosa also acknowledges the efforts of local installers and community members who helped bring the project to life.

 

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