Improving access to solar for apartment buildings

Householders from up to 5000 apartments will soon be able enjoy the benefits of solar energy, thanks to a new $16 million partnership between the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.

This new partnership will be delivered by Solar Victoria and will be implemented later this year.

The program will build upon our successful Solar Homes Program, and will remove some of the barriers to installing solar on apartment buildings. Grants targeted at owner’s corporations will be available, with up to $2,800 per apartment, and up to 50 apartments per building.

Until now, apartment owners and renters have faced difficulty accessing solar rebates due to the complexities of installing solar panels on shared roof spaces, multiple owners and tenants, and complex approvals processes, including owners’ corporation approvals.

Making the funding available to owners’ corporations not only simplifies the process, it will significantly boost the number of renters and lower income Victorians who can enjoy the benefits of cheap solar energy. Installing solar will help residents to save money on their energy bills including heating, which is one of the biggest energy users in the home.

Approximately 65 per cent of Victorian apartments dwellers are renters.

The $2,800 grants are double the $1,400 Solar Homes rebates available to freestanding homes, due to the co-investment from the Commonwealth Government, and recognises the challenges that owners’ corporations face in installing solar.

The grants will be funded through an equal contribution of $8.05 million from the Victorian Government and $8.05 million from the Commonwealth Government.

The Commonwealth’s contribution is part of its Community Solar Banks program, which is helping people across the country drive down their energy bills through solar and clean energy technologies.

The program is currently in the design phase, in consultation with key stakeholders, and is expected to open to applications in late 2023. Program information including eligibility criteria, application process and program requirements will be communicated at that time.

For further information, see the joint media release.