This study evaluates whether residential rooftop solar can serve as a preventative solution to energy insecurity among low- to moderate-income households.

We found that solar leads to large, robust and salient reductions in five indicators of energy insecurity.

Moreover, the benefits of solar ‘spill over’ to improve a household’s ability to pay other energy bills.

The results suggest that rooftop solar may be an effective tool for policymakers who seek to reduce energy insecurity.

Authors: Yozwiak, M., Barbose, G., Carley, S. et al. The effect of residential solar on energy insecurity among low- to moderate-income households. Nat Energy (2025)

Access the report here

While rooftop solar has been installed on over 3.5 million houses in Australia, there are next to none on First Nations homes.

First Nations remain locked out of clean energy investment and housing and community-led initiatives, yet frequently experience unreliable, expensive, or power disconnections, living without an air conditioner as the climate warms, without a refrigerator to keep food and medicines cool, and without the ability to recharge phones and computers so that kids can do their homework.

While we continue to strongly advocate for government-backed renewable energy rebates and incentives for First Nations households, this session looks at what we can do now to improve our energy security - the appliances that pass the test, how to get off gas, and other simple energy efficiency measures to save us money on our electrification journey.

SPEAKERS: Janeen Bulsey, Vanessa Davis, Kerry Connors, Ruby Heard (Facilitator)

Norman Frank Jupurrurla from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory got rooftop solar on his home, but it wasn't easy.

In Tennant Creek, the sun shines about 300 days of the year but for many in the Indigenous community, that energy isn’t being put to good use in the home.

Rooftop solar can reduce energy insecurity and improve wellbeing among First Nations households pre-paying for electricity in the Northern Territory.

Despite the potential benefits, getting rooftop solar projects up and running hasn't been easy.