Written by Trish McGee

IMPACT client Solahart has long been a leader in the Australian solar industry and is driven by a clear mission: to empower people to confidently transition to renewables and clean electrification. 

Over the past five years, we’ve helped Solahart hone its focus on owning the critical communications territory of “the electrification of everything,” along with key supporting areas like grid resilience and smart technology. 

Through integrated communications, thought leadership, and key industry and consumer partnerships, we have consistently positioned Solahart as the industry experts in this vital shift. 

A recent testament to our strategic, collaborative approach unfolded late last month as we supported the stakeholder visit of the Minister for Climate Action, Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP, to a Solahart customer in the Yarra Ranges – endorsing a key Solahart and Solar Victoria program. 

However, this high-profile event is just one part of a deeper story of stakeholder engagement and expert communications that The IMPACT Agency has crafted with Solahart. 

Forging key government partnerships: SVREG launch 

More than nine months ago, we began working closely with Solahart, Solar Victoria, and the state government to develop the partnership’s communications strategy. 

This culminated in the official media announcement in October that Solahart’s Smart Home Energy Project (SHEP) was joining the Solar Victoria Residential Electrification Grants Program (SVREG). 

SHEP is Solahart’s flagship initiative within SVREG, actively supporting Victoria’s ambitious shift from gas to clean electricity. It offers eligible homeowners significant rebates – up to $2,400 – off smart solar technology and efficient water heating solutions. 

This program also marked a significant milestone for Solahart: the official government recognition of its PowerStore product as Australia’s first incentivised ‘electricity saving’ water heater, showcasing its vital role in addressing grid export limitations – a key territory for Solahart. 

Our team was instrumental in managing the stakeholder relations and external communications for this launch, including consumer awareness and education of the program’s benefits and its impact on the energy landscape. 

Minister for Climate Action champions Solahart’s role in strengthening Victorian grid resilience 

Building on the program’s launch, IMPACT recently assisted in the organisation and execution of the high-profile visit from the Hon Lily D’Ambrosio MP to a Solahart Eastern Ranges customer. This customer case study was fundamental to the narrative, providing a powerful local story for the Minister to highlight. 

Attended by representatives from Solahart, Solar Victoria, the Minister’s office, and IMPACT, this important event provided an invaluable platform to showcase the real-world success of SHEP and position Solahart as a thought leader in integrated home energy solutions. 

We executed a considered media outreach strategy, targeting both hyper-local and state media. Our media approach was designed to generate excitement around the initiative and educate residents on common challenges, like grid export limitations and, crucially, how solutions like SHEP can help them avoid “wasted” solar power and ensure grid resilience with Solahart. 

According to the Minister for Climate Action, Lily D’Ambrosio, “The Residential Electrification Grants are helping more Victorians transition to all-electric homes, reducing their energy bills and easing cost-of-living pressures.” 

Partnering for a brighter future 

At The IMPACT Agency, we love seeing our clients lead the charge. Solahart’s journey in driving electrification across Australia is a perfect example, and we’re incredibly proud to be their ongoing strategic partner in amplifying their mission to drive electrification across the nation. 

The recent Ministerial stakeholder visit illustrates how dedicated communications can help Solahart’s innovations gain the government support and broad visibility they truly deserve. 

This is just one of the many exciting initiatives we are working on with Solahart, and we look forward to sharing more in our next edition. 

To learn how strategic communications, thought leadership or partnerships can elevate your brand’s reputation, contact Trish McGee at trish@impactagency.com.au.