Solar for Apartments
Live in an apartment? Government grants in NSW, Victoria, and NT are making shared solar systems accessible for strata buildings. Reduce your strata fees and electricity bills.
Apartment Solar Grants by State
These state programs provide significant funding to help apartment buildings install shared solar systems.
Solar for Apartments (SoAR)
check_circleBenefits
- checkGrants for feasibility studies ($5,000)
- checkInstallation grants up to $30,000
- checkCovers shared solar and battery systems
- checkTechnical support and guidance
- checkReduces common area electricity costs
verifiedEligibility
- arrow_rightStrata scheme in NSW
- arrow_rightMinimum 6 lots in the building
- arrow_rightBuilding with suitable roof space
- arrow_rightOwners corporation approval
list_altHow to Apply
- 1Apply for feasibility study grant
- 2Get professional assessment of building
- 3Present business case to strata
- 4Apply for installation grant
- 5Install system via approved installer
Apartment Solar Grants
check_circleBenefits
- checkGrants for eligible apartment buildings
- checkCovers solar PV and battery storage
- checkInterest-free loan options available
- checkReduces strata fees through energy savings
- checkIncreases property value
verifiedEligibility
- arrow_rightApartment building in Victoria
- arrow_rightStrata/owners corporation approval
- arrow_rightBuilding has suitable roof area
- arrow_rightUses approved installer
list_altHow to Apply
- 1Check eligibility on Solar Victoria
- 2Get quotes from approved retailers
- 3Pass motion at AGM or EGM
- 4Submit application with quotes
- 5Install and claim rebate
Community Solar Scheme
check_circleBenefits
- checkGrants for multi-unit dwellings
- checkSupports solar for remote communities
- checkBattery storage incentives
- checkReduces reliance on diesel generation
- checkCommunity-focused approach
verifiedEligibility
- arrow_rightMulti-unit dwelling in NT
- arrow_rightCommunity or strata agreement
- arrow_rightGrid-connected or off-grid eligible
- arrow_rightUses approved installer
list_altHow to Apply
- 1Contact NT Government energy office
- 2Submit expression of interest
- 3Get building assessment
- 4Apply for available grants
- 5Work with approved installer
How Apartment Solar Works
There are several models for distributing solar benefits in apartment buildings. Here are the most common approaches.
Common Area Solar
Solar powers shared spaces like lobbies, lifts, pools, and common lighting.
Embedded Network
Building becomes electricity retailer, buying wholesale and selling to residents with solar offset.
Virtual Net Metering
Solar credits are allocated to individual units based on ownership or usage share.
Community Solar Shares
Residents purchase shares in the rooftop system and receive proportional energy credits.
Getting Strata Approval for Solar
Installing solar on an apartment building requires owners corporation approval. Here's how to build support and pass a motion.
Use government grants (like NSW SoAR $5,000) to fund a professional assessment of your building's solar potential.
Show ROI, strata levy reductions, and environmental benefits. Use the feasibility study results.
Solar installation typically requires a special resolution (75% of votes). Engage strata committee early.
Once approved, apply for the full grant and work with an approved installer to complete the project.
Typical Apartment Solar Savings
*Example based on 30kW system for 20-unit building. Actual savings vary by building.
Frequently Asked Questions
helpCan apartments get solar panels installed?
Yes! Several state programs specifically support solar for apartments and strata buildings. NSW SoAR, Victorian grants, and NT schemes provide funding for shared solar systems on apartment buildings.
helpWhat is NSW Solar for Apartments (SoAR)?
NSW SoAR (Solar for Apartments) provides grants up to $30,000 for apartment buildings to install shared solar systems. The program covers feasibility studies and installation costs for strata properties.
helpHow does apartment solar work?
Apartment solar typically uses shared rooftop systems with energy distributed to common areas or individual units through embedded networks. Some buildings use virtual net metering to credit residents.
helpDo I need strata approval for apartment solar?
Yes. Installing solar on an apartment building requires approval from the owners corporation (strata). The good news is government grants often cover feasibility studies to help build the business case.
helpWhat is an embedded network for apartments?
An embedded network is a private electricity network within a building. It allows the building to buy electricity wholesale and sell to residents, often incorporating solar generation for reduced rates.
helpCan individual apartment owners install their own solar?
Generally no, as the rooftop is common property. However, some buildings allocate rooftop space to individual units or use community solar arrangements where residents buy shares in a shared system.
Ready to Bring Solar to Your Apartment Building?
We help strata committees navigate the process from feasibility study to installation. Get a free assessment for your building.