As electricity prices continue to climb, more Illawarra Shoalhaven residents are looking for ways to take control of their energy costs and many are finding answers closer to home.
Across Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven, a council-led community solar and battery program has helped more than 300 households reduce their power bills, with some now paying little to nothing for electricity.
Real savings for local residents
For Shellharbour resident Daniel, the change was immediate. Before installing solar and a battery, his household was spending around $250 a month on electricity. Since making the switch, his largest bill has been less than $12.
"It's easily the best investment I've made for my home," he said.
He's not alone. Wollongong residents Ester and Matt have seen similar results. Ester spent six consecutive months in credit after installing her battery system, while Matt is currently sitting around $150 ahead on his electricity account, a clear sign of how solar and battery systems are now delivering real, ongoing savings.
A community-led approach to energy
The program, delivered in partnership with local councils including Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven, was designed to remove some of the common barriers that stop households from going solar.
Residents are given access to a structured, community-backed pathway, including education sessions, tailored system recommendations and exclusive pricing.
ShineHub, the program's delivery partner, was selected through a council-led procurement process based on its experience delivering large-scale community energy programs and its track record installing thousands of solar and battery systems across Australia.
By working at scale, the program is able to secure community solar and battery bulk discounts, helping reduce upfront costs while maintaining a focus on system quality and long-term performance.
Why batteries are becoming part of the conversation
While solar panels have become increasingly common, the addition of battery storage is driving a new wave of interest.
A battery allows households to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it at night, when electricity prices are typically highest. For many households, this shift significantly reduces reliance on the grid.
There is also growing interest in Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), where connected home batteries can send energy back to the grid during peak periods, helping stabilise the network while providing additional financial returns to participants.
For households already feeling the impact of rising electricity costs, these technologies offer a way to move from passive consumption to active control.
What happens next
The 2026 program is now in full swing across the region, with many residents already moving through the process.
While the community information sessions have wrapped up, residents can still request a quote and speak directly with a solar specialist to explore their options.
From there, systems are designed based on each household's energy usage, property and future needs, ensuring recommendations are tailored rather than one-size-fits-all.
A shift that's already underway
For many Illawarra Shoalhaven households, the move toward solar and battery storage is no longer a future decision, it's already happening.
What began as a way to reduce electricity bills is quickly becoming a broader shift toward energy independence, resilience and long-term cost control.
And for those still considering it, the first step is a simple one: understanding what a system could look like for their home and what it could save.
For more information on the program, including system options, pricing and how to get started, residents can visit the ShineHub website and request a tailored quote.
