Do you live in an apartment and wonder if you can install solar panels on your building? Then you have come to the right place. The short answer is yes! But there’s much to know before installing solar panels while living in an apartment building.
So, how to go solar in Australian apartments for 2025?
Apartment residents who want to take advantage of the benefits of solar energy have different options. Here, we’ll look at how to go solar in Australian apartments. And what you should know before making the switch.
In this blog post:
- Understanding Solar Power
- Navigating Corporate Body
- Government Incentives
- The Benefits of Going Solar
- Solar Energy Is A Wise Investment for Landlords and Tenants
- The Challenges
- Is Your Apartment Building Eligible for Solar Energy?
- Solar Steps for Your Apartment Building
- Choosing the Right Solar Installer
Understanding Solar Power
Solar energy has emerged as a leading solution in Australia, offering the most effective sustainable energy source. For Australian apartment owners, the transition to solar energy may seem confusing.
However, with the correct information and guidance, it’s entirely achievable. This blog will guide you through the process of going solar in your Australian apartment, covering everything from understanding solar power to installation and the benefits.
Navigating Corporate Body
Getting corporate body approval is a crucial step in the solar installation process. It’s essential to present a well-researched proposal that highlights the benefits of solar power, the associated costs and return on investment, and the installation process.
Government Incentives
The Australian government offers incentives to encourage the use of solar power. The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) allows you to earn small-scale technology certificates (STCs) for every megawatt-hour of power your solar system generates. It can be sold to recoup some installation costs.
The STC program also applies to apartment buildings. The rebate is currently worth around $600 per kW of solar panels installed and is averaged across the country.
Your Solar Installation Partners will apply for the STC on your behalf and include this discount in your quote. That figure is decreasing yearly until it reaches zero in 2031, so the sooner you buy, the more money you’ll save!
Other rebates are available, but their availability varies depending on your location. We recommend that you investigate whether grants or funding are available in your area.
The Benefits of Going Solar
Going solar in Australian apartments is not only feasible but also highly beneficial. With the right approach and resources, you can overcome the challenges and enjoy the numerous benefits of solar power.
- Cost Savings: Solar power can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Over time, the savings can offset the initial installation costs.
- Environmental Impact: Solar power is a clean, renewable energy source that reduces your carbon footprint.
- Increased Property Value: Apartments with solar power systems are often more attractive to potential buyers, enhancing the property’s value.
Solar Energy Is A Wise Investment for Landlords and Tenants
For some landlords, the environmental benefits of solar power are sufficient to persuade them to invest in solar.
Installing solar power on your rental property can improve its appeal to tenants, increase its value, and help it stand out in the rental market. It may enable you to raise your rental price to cover the costs of installing solar power.
There are also solar companies that act as a middleman between the landlord and the tenant. The tenant will pay for the solar electricity at a lower rate than grid power. A portion of this money is then transferred to the landlord.
The Challenges
Unlike standalone houses, apartments present unique challenges for solar installation. Some hurdles include shared rooftops, corporate body rules, and the distribution of generated power among residents.
However, these challenges are manageable, and many Australian apartments have successfully transitioned to solar power.
Is Your Apartment Building Eligible for Solar Energy?
A solar firm with a track record in apartment installations or an independent advisory service can offer expert guidance on the optimal choices for your building. For instance, you can still power the communal areas with a solar system if there’s limited roof space.
Initially, examine your roof or online aerial images to identify existing structures, such as collaborative rooftop spaces or infrastructure.
While some solar solutions for apartments may take several months to a year to implement, the potential savings on bills and environmental benefits make it a worthwhile endeavour.
Solar Steps for Your Apartment Building
- Talk to your fellow owners and the owners’ corporation.
- Obtain estimated quotes, consult with a solar expert and examine different prices.
- Think about energy efficiency as well.
- Select the best option based on your building’s structure.
- After all that, the owners’ association approves, and solar panels can be installed. Initiate a conversation about solar energy with fellow apartment owners and your owners’ association.
Solar Solutions for Apartments
The following are some usual solar solutions. These solutions will help you enjoy the benefits of solar in your apartment.
Solar in Public Places
Solar panels are installed on the shared roof, and the electricity generated is used to power common areas. This is the most manageable solution because only one electricity meter and account are involved.
It can also be a good option if roof space is limited or if numerous common areas consume a lot of energy, such as lifts, a gym, a pool, or large air-conditioned common areas.
It is simple to distribute the benefit equally by lowering strata fees for common areas. Because this option is limited to powering the common areas, no owner or tenant’s electricity bill is reduced.
Individual Solar Panels
Another option is to install systems linked to the electricity meters of individual units. It works well for three or fewer stories of low-rise buildings, as roof space can be allocated for each apartment’s solar system.
Even if only some residents are involved, this can be a simple way for one or more individuals to access solar energy.
You may also be eligible for a rebate from the Victorian Government’s Solar Victoria program. You will almost certainly need the approval of your owners’ corporation.
Consider asking your neighbours if they’re interested in going solar with you. It can benefit you with a lower price for having a shared system. You can negotiate a lower price if you install multiple systems through the same solar company.
Once installed, this option works exactly like solar on a freestanding home, with no additional metering or monitoring equipment required and no interaction between your solar system and your neighbours’ systems.
Solar Sharing Between Neighbours
New technology distributes solar energy equally among apartments and businesses in the same building. This option allows residents to opt into solar. This technology maximises the amount of solar energy used within the building.
It can also be a good option where roof space is limited compared to the number of apartments. As new technologies emerge, more providers are expected to launch similar offers or other apartment solutions.
If this type of solution seems appropriate for your building, research the most recent available options. Savings on individual residents’ energy bills may be worth the extra cost of enabling technology.
Agreement of Power Purchase
Your building’s owners’ corporation has agreed to purchase energy from a renewable source, such as an on-site or off-site solar installation. A PPA leverages your collective purchasing power to secure lower costs for renewable energy.
It does not may or may not have any changes to metering or wiring. Still, it implies that participating apartments will receive two bills: one from their regular electricity provider and one from the PPA for their portion of the energy.
The sum of the two new bills will be less than your previous energy bill, resulting in savings.
Embedded Networks
All apartments in an embedded network are connected to the grid via a single meter and purchase electricity from the same retailer. These are more common in higher-density, larger apartments.
Better electricity rates can be negotiated by pooling the purchasing power of the entire building. Being a part of an embedded network necessitates the participation of all apartments.
It is usually difficult or expensive for individuals who want to opt out to change energy retailers. If you are already a member of an embedded network, you can install solar owned by the Embedded Network Operator and sell them to apartments in your building at a lower cost.
It can be a good option for buildings with an embedded network and want all apartment owners to participate. For more information on embedded networks, go to the Australian Energy Regulator.
New and Advanced Options
Several new options for purchasing renewable energy are becoming available. These include virtual power plants, microgrids, solar gardens, and other ‘offsite solar’ solutions. These software platforms allow for energy trading and sharing.
If solar is wrong for your apartment, or if you have solar on your building but want to do more, keep an eye on this space. Many of these solutions are currently in trial or pilot phases or are only available in limited quantities.
Other factors to consider
Complex solar installations, such as those on apartment buildings, incur additional costs. Determine if these requirements apply to your facility by consulting with a reputable solar retailer or an independent advisory service. Some of the most common extra charges are:
- Additional metering and monitoring costs for the equipment enable solar energy to be shared equitably among residents. Each apartment typically has its electricity meter and account. But an apartment building’s rooftop solar system may be shared.
- Additional installation costs for tilt frames, longer cabling, and other hardware required to install solar on a flat roof, a concrete roof, or a tall building, for example.
- Additional installation costs for equipment, labour, and permits are needed. Tall buildings may require specialised equipment and machinery for solar installations.
- Costs are incurred during the planning and approval stages of the project. For a complex professional solar feasibility study installation, consider consulting a professional solar feasibility study.
- Additional costs may be incurred for legal advice or regulatory fees related to specific solutions.
The majority of apartments have a mix of renters and owners. There are also ways to include both tenants and landlords, ensuring that everyone benefits. For more information, see our rental property guidance.
Choosing the Right Solar Installer
Selecting a reputable solar installer like Cyanergy, is key to a successful solar transition. We are a Clean Energy Council (CEC) accredited solar installer. We can guide you towards a successful transition to renewable energy.
Start your solar journey with us and contribute to a sustainable future. Get a free solar quote and check out the solar packages today to make your renewable energy dream a reality.
