# How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?

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[Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)

Interest-free finance lets you spread a payment over time, and each provider, not Arlite, decides who is approved and on what terms.

By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy 4 minute read

**No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to.

**On this page**

1. Who are the finance providers?
2. How does the process usually work?
3. How is the price of the job worked out?
4. What about government rebates?
5. What should I look for in a plan?
6. What does Arlite decide, and what does the provider decide?
7. How to get ready
8. Frequently asked questions

Interest-free finance lets you pay for a project over time instead of all at once. Arlite offers interest-free finance plans through four providers: Humm, Latitude, Brighte and Zip Money. You apply with the provider, and the provider decides whether you are approved and on what terms. Arlite does not decide eligibility.

## Who are the finance providers?

Each provider runs its plans differently. This is a summary from the [Arlite finance options page](https://arlite.co/finance-options/), so check the provider’s own site for current details.

- **Brighte.** An Australian provider focused on solar and energy efficient home upgrades. Its options include a 0% interest payment plan, green loans and personal loans.
- **Humm.** A point of sale credit option with repayments taken automatically from your nominated bank account or card. You apply with Humm and are subject to approval.
- **Zip Money.** A credit account built for larger purchases, with interest free periods that vary by merchant. Approval, limits and fees are set by Zip.
- **Latitude.** Interest free plans on a Latitude credit card, with plan lengths set by the participating business and a choice of plan types: equal monthly, minimum monthly or deferred. A plan can be paid off early without penalty.

## How does the process usually work?

There are three stages. First you talk to the team about the work you want done, and they scope it with you and put together a quote. Then you choose the finance partner and plan that suit your budget. Finally you apply with your chosen provider, and once your finance is approved the work is scheduled with you.

## How is the price of the job worked out?

Finance is a way to pay, not a different price. The quote for the work depends on the scope of the job, the equipment chosen, the condition and layout of your home, and the electrical work involved. A solar or battery quote also depends on your roof and your switchboard. Any fees that come with a finance plan are set by the provider, so ask the provider for them in writing. Our articles on [what an electrician costs in Brisbane](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrician-cost-brisbane/) and [what affects switchboard upgrade cost](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) explain more about how pricing works.

## What about government rebates?

Government rebates and incentives change from time to time, and eligibility is decided by the program. This guide does not give any amounts. Ask the team what currently applies to your project.

Worth doing before you apply

Read each provider’s terms yourself, compare more than one, and only commit to repayments you are confident you can manage. This guide is general information, not financial advice. The government’s MoneySmart website at [moneysmart.gov.au](https://moneysmart.gov.au/) offers independent guidance on credit and borrowing.

## What should I look for in a plan?

Whichever provider you choose, these are good questions to ask before you apply. Get the answers in writing where you can.

- **How long is the interest free period?** And what happens when it ends?
- **What fees apply?** For example, any set up or account fees, and any fees if a payment is late.
- **What are the repayments?** Are they equal each month, a minimum, or deferred until later?
- **Can I pay it off early?** And is there any cost to do so?
- **What checks will be done?** Applying for credit can be recorded on your credit file, so ask the provider how your application will be handled.

## What does Arlite decide, and what does the provider decide?

Arlite scopes and quotes the work and carries it out. The provider decides whether you are approved, how much you can borrow, the length of the plan, the fees and the repayment terms. If you are declined, that is the provider’s decision.

## How to get ready

1. Get a quote — Talk to the team about the work you want. An in-home, no cost consult is available, and the quote is the starting point for any finance application.
2. Look at the providers — Read about each provider on the finance options page and on the provider’s own website.
3. Check your budget — Work out what repayments you can manage comfortably, including after any interest free period ends.
4. Apply with the provider — Apply directly with the provider you choose. Approval and terms come from them.
5. Keep your documents — Keep the quote, the provider’s terms and your approval so you have a record of what was agreed.

Talk to the Arlite team

Questions about finance for your project? Call **(07) 3062 9299** or use the [Arlite contact page](https://arlite.co/contact/) and the team will get back to you. You can also book an in-home, no cost consult.

## Frequently asked questions

- No. The finance provider decides eligibility, limits, terms and approval. Arlite is not involved in that decision.
- There is no single answer. Plans, fees and approval criteria differ, so compare the terms for your situation. We can explain how each plan works, but we cannot choose for you.
- It depends on the plan and the provider. Read the terms to see what applies during and after any interest free period.
- It depends on the provider. Latitude's page says a plan can be paid off early without penalty. Check the terms of any plan you are considering.
- Ask the team and the provider. What a plan can cover is confirmed for each job.

## Official guidance

For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly.

- [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/)
- [Energy Made Easy (Australian Government)](https://www.energymadeeasy.gov.au/)

Was this helpful?

Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home.

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- [Costs and financeWhat affects switchboard upgrade cost?Switchboard upgrade cost depends on board size, access, the site and what else you are adding, so get a written quote after an inspection.](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/)
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On this page

1. Who are the finance providers?
2. How does the process usually work?
3. How is the price of the job worked out?
4. What about government rebates?
5. What should I look for in a plan?
6. What does Arlite decide, and what does the provider decide?
7. How to get ready
8. Frequently asked questions

---

**Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm.

Page: https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/
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