Upgrade costs

Upgrade costs can vary

The cost of an upgrade depends on the system size, installation complexity and any services that may be needed. Installers can offer discounts to decrease the cost of an upgrade. 

We don’t set prices, so we can’t advise what different products should cost. It depends on the system, services needed and job complexity. 

Review all quotes carefully and choose a system that meets your needs. 

Your chosen installer will give you a quote that details the work, the discount and the total cost. Ask them if your quote includes extra charges like site preparation, electricals and removing your old system.

Minimum payments

Some upgrades require you to make a minimum payment. You might need to pay more than the minimum depending on the upgrade costs.

The minimum payment amount can vary depending on: 

  • product type 
  • energy consumption of the product (typically called capacity and is listed in kilowatt hours (kWh))
  • dwelling type
  • business size. 

Minimum payments for homes and small businesses*

Minimum payment Products
$30
  • LEDs
  • CFLs (only to replace floodlights)
  • windows
  • doors 
  • chimney dampers 
  • draught proofing 
  • external blinds 
  • low-flow showerheads 
  • space ventilators
  • self-sealing exhaust fans. 
$200
  • pool pumps
  • heat pump water heaters
  • solar water heaters
  • solar batteries (up to 2 kWh - 28 kWh capacity, for government owned/managed sites and certain low-income or exempt energy programs.
$500
  • air conditioners (except multi-split or ducted systems).
$1,000
  • multi-split air conditioners (up to 15kW capacity)
  • ducted air conditioners (up to 15kW capacity)
  • solar batteries (20kWh – 200kWh capacity, for apartments and 4+ individual dwellings).
$2,000
  • multi-split air conditioners (15kW ≤ 20kW capacity)
  • ducted air conditioners (15kW ≤ 20kW capacity).
$3,000
  • multi-split air conditioners (with at least 20kW+ capacity)
  • ducted air conditioners (with at least 20kW+ capacity).

*a small business is defined as consuming less than 100 MWh per year

Minimum payments for businesses and commercial industries

Minimum payment Products
$1,000 
  • refrigerated cabinets
  • air conditioners, (except multi-split and ducted systems)
  • heat pump water heaters.
$3,000 
  • multi-split air conditioners (with at least 30kW+ capacity)
  • ducted air conditioners (with at least 30kW+ capacity).
$5,000
  • solar batteries (20 kWh ≤ 200 kWh capacity, not for residential buildings or data centres).

Minimum payment exemptions under Low income and Exempt Energy Programs

A minimum payment may not apply if the upgrade is done under a low-income energy or exempt energy program. Check with your installer to find out if you are exempt from the minimum payment.

Other resources

Here are a few resources below that might help you understand upgrade costs. 

NSW Climate and Energy Action
IPART