Newcastle, New South Wales
Solar, battery and EV charger quotes in Newcastle
Compare quotes from up to 3 participating installers who service Newcastle, and get the local rules on connecting solar, batteries and EV chargers.
Solar, battery and EV charger quotes across Newcastle
This page covers Greater Newcastle as defined by the NSW Government: the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and Cessnock council areas, from Morisset and Swansea in the south to Nelson Bay and Raymond Terrace in the north, and west to Maitland, Kurri Kurri and Cessnock.
Tell us your postcode and a few details about your home, and we'll share your request with up to 3 participating installers who service your area. It's free, and there's no obligation to accept a quote.
Solar and batteries in Newcastle: the official numbers
Newcastle postcodes have 114,438 small-scale solar systems on record, and 7,292 more went in between January and September 2026. These counts come from the Clean Energy Regulator's postcode data, as at 30 September 2026, for the postcodes listed on this page.
114,438 solar systems
Small-scale solar systems installed in Newcastle postcodes, all years to 30 September 2026.
7,292 new solar systems in 2026
Installed from January to September 2026.
10,257 batteries in 2026
Installed from January to September 2026, and 16,199 since the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program began in July 2025.
About 14 batteries per 10 new solar systems
In 2026 so far. With more batteries than new solar systems, many households are adding a battery to solar they already have.
Where Newcastle homes are adding batteries
The Newcastle postcodes with the most battery installations from January to September 2026 were 2320 (Maitland area: Bolwarra, Aberglasslyn, Hillsborough and surrounds): 755; 2285 (Cardiff, Cameron Park, Edgeworth and Glendale): 607; 2287 (Wallsend, Elermore Vale, Fletcher and Maryland): 570.
These are counts of installations, not a measure of price or quality. They show how much is happening locally, so it's worth asking neighbours who've been through it, and comparing at least two itemised quotes yourself.
Connecting solar and batteries in Newcastle
Newcastle is on the Ausgrid network, which covers Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley. Ausgrid sets the rules for connecting solar, batteries and EV chargers, whichever retailer you buy power from.
Step 1: Approval comes first
Ausgrid must approve every solar and battery system before it's turned on. Your installer usually applies for you.
Step 2: Ausgrid's limits
Ausgrid can approve up to 10 kW of inverter capacity per phase through its streamlined process. A flexible export connection allows up to 10 kW of exports on a single-phase supply (30 kW on three phase), with Ausgrid able to reduce exports when the local network needs it. A fixed export connection is limited to 3 kW.
Step 3: Emergency backstop from November 2026
NSW is phasing in an emergency backstop by postcode between November 2026 and February 2027 (Ausgrid starts on 30 November 2026). Your network's website has a postcode checker. New and upgraded solar systems up to 200 kW will need a compatible inverter and a test at installation, so the network can reduce solar output in a grid emergency. Homes without reliable internet are limited to 1.5 kW of exports. Existing systems and like-for-like warranty replacements are exempt.
Incentives for homes in Newcastle
These are the incentives open to homes in the area. Your installer normally applies the federal discounts to the quoted price.
- Solar: small-scale technology certificates (STCs) reduce the price of eligible systems. Newcastle postcodes are in the Clean Energy Regulator's zone 3, which sets how many certificates a system earns.
- Batteries: the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program discounts eligible batteries through the same certificate scheme.
- NSW virtual power plant incentive: the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme pays an incentive when you connect a battery to a virtual power plant through an accredited provider, once per household. The NSW Government says it can be received alongside the federal program. The separate NSW battery installation incentive was suspended in September 2025.
- Apartments: the Solar for Apartment Residents grant pays owners corporations up to 50% of the cost of solar (up to 80% in eligible lower-income areas). Applications close on 4 December 2026. There's no NSW solar rebate for houses.
Feed-in tariffs and electricity prices
Retailers in Newcastle set their own solar feed-in tariffs. IPART publishes a voluntary benchmark range each year: for 2026–27, 3.4 to 6.5 cents per kWh for an all-day feed-in tariff. Retailers don't have to offer a rate within it, so compare offers once your system is connected.
Networks now charge retailers for some solar exports. Under Ausgrid's two-way pricing, there's no charge for the first 200 kWh exported each month between 10am and 3pm, a small charge above that, and a credit for exports between 4pm and 9pm. Endeavour Energy applies a similar two-way tariff to new and upgraded solar connections. Retailers decide how to pass these on, so a battery that stores midday solar for the evening can be worth more.
The Australian Energy Regulator's Default Market Offer caps standing offer prices in the Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy areas. From 1 July 2026, retailers in these areas also have to provide a Solar Sharer Offer with free electricity during three hours in the middle of the day, which needs a smart meter. It can suit homes that charge a battery or an EV during the day.
EV chargers in Newcastle
What to know before you get quotes for a home EV charger.
Step 1: Single or three phase
Most homes are single phase, where a dedicated 32 A charger gives about 7 kW. 11 kW and 22 kW chargers need three-phase power, and your car's own charging limit also applies.
Step 2: Tell the network
Ausgrid says you may need to notify it before installing a home charger. Your licensed electrician can tell you whether a connection application is needed.
Step 3: Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
Bidirectional chargers can connect under the same rules as solar and batteries. Ausgrid requires the charger to meet AS/NZS 4777.2 and be on the Clean Energy Council's approved inverter list (or have Ausgrid's written approval), with a connection application for each home.
Step 4: Charging from solar
A charger that can follow your solar output, or a Solar Sharer Offer with free midday power, can cut the cost of charging. The NSW EV Ready Buildings grant for apartment buildings closed in 2023, and we're not aware of a current NSW rebate for home chargers.
Worth asking about in Newcastle
- Close to the beach, the harbour or Port Stephens? Ask whether the panels, inverter and mounting are suitable for salt air, and check the manufacturer's warranty conditions for coastal sites.
- In a unit or townhouse? Solar, batteries and EV chargers on common property need the owners corporation's approval. Under NSW strata law, a special resolution for sustainability infrastructure such as EV charging passes unless 50% or more of the votes cast are against it.
- Older homes may need switchboard work before solar, a battery or an EV charger can be connected. Ask each installer whether their quote includes it.
- On acreage around Maitland, Cessnock or Port Stephens with three-phase power? Ausgrid's flexible export connection allows up to 30 kW of exports on a three-phase supply, compared with 10 kW on single phase. Ask the installer to confirm your supply.
- All electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Ask for the installer's licence and accreditation details with the quote.
Suburbs and postcodes in Newcastle
Suburbs grouped by postcode. Some postcodes cross into a neighbouring area. Not listed? Enter your postcode when you request quotes.
- 2264Balcolyn, Bonnells Bay, Brightwaters, Dora Creek, Eraring, Mandalong, Mirrabooka, Morisset, Morisset Park, Myuna Bay, Silverwater, Sunshine, Windermere Park, Yarrawonga Park
- 2265Cooranbong, Martinsville
- 2267Wangi Wangi
- 2278Barnsley, Killingworth, Wakefield
- 2280Belmont, Belmont North, Belmont South, Croudace Bay, Floraville, Jewells, Marks Point, Valentine
- 2281Blacksmiths, Cams Wharf, Catherine Hill Bay, Caves Beach, Little Pelican, Middle Camp, Murrays Beach, Nords Wharf, Pelican, Pinny Beach, Swansea, Swansea Heads
- 2282Eleebana, Lakelands, Warners Bay
- 2283Arcadia Vale, Awaba, Balmoral, Blackalls Park, Bolton Point, Buttaba, Carey Bay, Coal Point, Fassifern, Fennell Bay, Fishing Point, Kilaben Bay, Rathmines, Ryhope, Toronto
- 2284Argenton, Boolaroo, Booragul, Marmong Point, Speers Point, Teralba, Woodrising
- 2285Cameron Park, Cardiff, Cardiff Heights, Cardiff South, Edgeworth, Glendale, Macquarie Hills
- 2286Holmesville, Seahampton, West Wallsend
- 2287Birmingham Gardens, Elermore Vale, Fletcher, Maryland, Minmi, Rankin Park, Summer Hill, Wallsend, Wallsend South
- 2289Adamstown, Adamstown Heights, Garden Suburb, Highfields, Kotara, Kotara Fair, Kotara South
- 2290Bennetts Green, Charlestown, Dudley, Gateshead, Hillsborough, Kahibah, Mount Hutton, Redhead, Tingira Heights, Whitebridge
- 2291Merewether, Merewether Heights, The Junction
- 2292Broadmeadow, Hamilton North
- 2293Maryville, Wickham
- 2294Carrington
- 2295Fern Bay, Stockton
- 2296Islington
- 2297Tighes Hill
- 2298Georgetown, Waratah, Waratah West
- 2299Jesmond, Lambton, North Lambton
- 2300Bar Beach, Cooks Hill, Newcastle, Newcastle East, The Hill
- 2302Newcastle West
- 2303Hamilton, Hamilton East, Hamilton South
- 2304Kooragang, Mayfield, Mayfield East, Mayfield North, Mayfield West, Sandgate, Warabrook
- 2305Kotara East, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights
- 2306Windale
- 2307Shortland
- 2308Callaghan
- 2315Corlette, Fingal Bay, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay
- 2316Anna Bay, Boat Harbour, Bobs Farm, Fishermans Bay, One Mile, Taylors Beach
- 2317Salamander Bay, Soldiers Point
- 2318Campvale, Ferodale, Fullerton Cove, Medowie, Oyster Cove, Salt Ash, Williamtown
- 2319Lemon Tree Passage, Mallabula, Tanilba Bay, Tilligerry Creek
- 2320Aberglasslyn, Allandale, Anambah, Bolwarra, Bolwarra Heights, Farley, Glen Oak, Gosforth, Hillsborough, Horseshoe Bend, Keinbah, Largs, Lorn, Louth Park, Maitland, Maitland North, Maitland Vale, Melville, Mindaribba, Mount Dee, Oakhampton, Oakhampton Heights, Pokolbin, Rosebrook, Rothbury, Rutherford, South Maitland, Telarah, Wallalong, Windella
- 2321Berry Park, Butterwick, Clarence Town, Cliftleigh, Duckenfield, Duns Creek, Gillieston Heights, Glen Martin, Glen William, Harpers Hill, Heddon Greta, Hinton, Lochinvar, Luskintyre, Morpeth, Oswald, Phoenix Park, Raworth, Windermere, Woodville
- 2322Beresfield, Black Hill, Chisholm, Hexham, Lenaghan, Stockrington, Tarro, Thornton, Tomago, Woodberry
- 2323Ashtonfield, Brunkerville, Buchanan, Buttai, East Maitland, Four Mile Creek, Freemans Waterhole, Green Hills, Metford, Mount Vincent, Mulbring, Pitnacree, Richmond Vale, Tenambit
- 2324Balickera, Brandy Hill, Bundabah, Carrington, Cells River, Eagleton, East Seaham, Hawks Nest, Heatherbrae, Karuah, Limeburners Creek, Millers Forest, Nelsons Plains, North Arm Cove, Osterley, Pindimar, Raymond Terrace, Raymond Terrace East, Seaham, Swan Bay, Tahlee, Tea Gardens, Twelve Mile Creek
- 2325Aberdare, Abernethy, Bellbird, Bellbird Heights, Cedar Creek, Cessnock, Cessnock West, Congewai, Corrabare, Ellalong, Elrington, Greta Main, Kearsley, Kitchener, Laguna, Lovedale, Millfield, Moruben, Mount View, Nulkaba, Olney, Paxton, Paynes Crossing, Pelton, Quorrobolong, Sweetmans Creek, Wollombi
- 2326Abermain, Bishops Bridge, Loxford, Neath, Sawyers Gully, Weston
- 2327Kurri Kurri, Pelaw Main, Stanford Merthyr
Sources
Facts on this page were checked on 6 October 2026. Rules and programs change, so confirm details with your installer.
- Ausgrid — Network area map
- Ausgrid — Solar and batteries
- Ausgrid — Choosing a solar system
- Ausgrid — NSW Emergency Backstop Mechanism
- Ausgrid — Two way solar pricing
- Ausgrid — EV charging
- Ausgrid — Vehicle-2-Grid (V2G)
- IPART — All-day solar feed-in tariff benchmark 2026–27 (fact sheet)
- Australian Energy Regulator — Final determination: Default Market Offer 2026–27
- energy.gov.au — Solar Sharer Offer
- Clean Energy Regulator — Postcode zone ratings and zones for solar panel systems
- Clean Energy Regulator — Solar batteries and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program
- NSW Government — Peak Demand Reduction Scheme updates
- NSW Government — Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) grant program
- NSW Government — SoAR Boost
- NSW Government — Electric Vehicle Ready Buildings grant (closed)
- NSW Government — EV charging in apartment buildings: by-laws and general information
- NSW Government — Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036
- Clean Energy Regulator — Small-scale installation postcode data (solar and battery installations)
Frequently asked questions
Who approves solar connections in Newcastle?
Your electricity network: Ausgrid. An application is needed before a solar or battery system is connected, and your installer usually submits it.
How much solar can I export in Newcastle?
With Ausgrid's flexible export connection, up to 10 kW on a single-phase supply and 30 kW on three phase. A fixed export connection is limited to 3 kW. Your installer will confirm what your home qualifies for.
Is there a solar or battery rebate in Newcastle?
The main incentives are federal: certificates under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme reduce the price of solar, and the Cheaper Home Batteries Program discounts eligible batteries. NSW adds an incentive for connecting a battery to a virtual power plant. Apartment buildings can apply for the Solar for Apartment Residents grant until 4 December 2026.
Do I need approval for a home EV charger in Newcastle?
Usually only a notification or application through your electrician, not a separate approval from you. Larger chargers and ones needing a new circuit are more likely to need an application, and bidirectional (V2G) chargers always need network approval. In a strata building you also need the owners corporation's agreement for work on common property.
Does this page cover Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens?
Yes. It covers Greater Newcastle as the NSW Government defines it: the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and Cessnock council areas. All of them are on the Ausgrid network, so the same connection rules apply.