Solar for Apartments Program in Australia

The Solar for Apartments Program is a government scheme that aims to promote the use of solar energy in apartments by subsidising the cost of solar installations. Apartment buildings included in the program would receive a share of the financial assistance through grants or rebates. The first aim of these schemes is to increase the use of solar power in multi-residential buildings that face access challenges. The program’s success will be built on its ability to deliver appropriate financial aid to those willing to make the required investment.

For the past 10 years, solar power in Australia has been like a high-priced, exclusive club serving only detached houses with roof-mounted systems. Blanketed with complex strata laws and technical limitations, apartment residents have merely been watching the action as their neighbours with individual roofs have slashed their electricity bills to virtually nothing. But late in 2025, a definite change in this scenario occurred. The combination of aggressive state-based grants in New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT, along with the new ‘solar sharing’ technologies such as SolShare, has finally made it possible for the apartments to be just as good as houses when it comes to renewable energy access.

This guide covers it all for you—from getting thousands in unclaimed government funding to smoothly sailing through the committee approval process and then reaping the benefits of your solar installation like a pro, regardless of whether you’re the owner-occupier grappling with sky-high levies or an investor safeguarding your asset for the future!

What Do These Programs Actually Offer?

1. Financial Incentives (The “Free Money”)

• The rebate programs address the core problem for Strata committees by addressing their upfront capital costs, which have always been their major hindrance.
• 50% Cost Coverage: Comprising programs from NSW and ACT, it accounts for approximately half of the project’s total cost and will be compensated.
• Per-Apartment Rebates: A maximum of $2800 is earmarked for each apartment in Victoria, in addition to the building total (for example, $140,000).
• Interest-Free Loans: The ACT has a spectacular program that offers a grant plus a 0% loan, paid by the Strata body before the system is installed, meaning it often pays nothing up front.

2. Focus on “Solar Sharing” (Not Just Common Areas)

• Previous government incentives allowed for the installation of solar only for the communal areas’ lighting and the lifts (“Common Property”). The 2025 programs’ primary advantage is that they require or strongly prefer installing units for individual residents’ exclusive use.
• Behind-the-Meter Technology: The policy supports the use of this technology (like SolShare), which allocates solar power and directly feeds it to the living units.
• Retailer Freedom: This aspect is of great importance to residents, as they are not required to change their electricity retailer to participate in the program. They retain their current plan, and the solar is reflected as a decrease in usage.

3. Inclusive Eligibility (Renters Included)

• The programs are available to tenants as well, unlike standard home solar rebates, which target homeowners and are thus designed to benefit them.
• Renter Access: The solar is attached to the apartment’s meter; whoever lives there (the owner or tenant) will be charged at a lower rate.
• Value Caps: To prevent money from going to the wealthy, most programs have “property value caps” (e.g., in Victoria, the average apartment must be valued at $950k; in the ACT, land must be valued at $300k).

4. Streamlined Strata Governance

• The programs are designed to work with the Strata laws rather than against them.
• Strata-Specific Application: The applicant is the Owners Corporation (Body Corporate), not the individual humans.
• Voting Thresholds: The programs comply with recent state law changes that have reduced the voting threshold for sustainability upgrades (which, in most cases, require only a 50% vote rather than 75% or unanimous support).

5. Consumer Protection

• Governments will not allow “cowboy” installers to take advantage of Strata funds.
• Vetted Suppliers: You cannot simply employ “a guy with a van.” You are required to use a supplier from a government-approved list (e.g., Brighte-accredited vendors in the ACT, Authorised Retailers in VIC).
• Feasibility Reports: The majority of programs require a formal feasibility study before the grant is approved to demonstrate that the ROI (Return on Investment) is real.

Apartment Solar Funding Programs: Quick Comparison

Part 1: The “Big Three” Government Grant Programs

If you live in Victoria, New South Wales, or the ACT, you are in the “Golden Zone” for apartment solar. These three states currently have active, generous cash grants explicitly designed to bridge the gap for Strata buildings.

1. Victoria: The Solar for Apartments Program (Round 3)

Victoria sets the gold standard for accessibility. The state government understands that strata committees move slowly, so their program is designed with generous timelines and clear per-apartment rebates.

• Status: OPEN (Round 3 is active).
• Deadline: Applications close 30 April 2026 (or when funding is exhausted).
• The Financials:
  • Rebate: Up to $2,800 per apartment.
  • Project Cap: A maximum of $140,000 per building.
  • This usually covers 50-70% of the total installation cost for a standard low-rise block.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Building Height: Your building must be 8 storeys or less. (High-rise towers are generally excluded due to wind/roof space constraints.)
• Property Value: The average “Capital Improved Value” of the apartments must be under $950,000.
• Governance: You must be a registered Owners Corporation (Strata Scheme).
• Usage: The system must be a shared solar system. It cannot just power the hallway lights; it must deliver energy into the private apartments behind the meter.

How to Apply:

1. Check your eligibility on the Solar Victoria Website.
2. Obtain a quote from an authorised solar retailer (they must be on the approved list).
3. Hold an Owners Corporation meeting (AGM or EGM) to vote on the upgrade.
4. Apply via the portal.

2. New South Wales: Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR)

NSW has launched one of the most aggressive funding schemes to date. While initial deadlines were tight, the program has been extended to ensure maximum uptake.

• Status: OPEN (Extended timeframe).
• Deadline: Applications are open until 30 March 2026 (Check explicitly as funding is capped at $25M).
• The Financials:
  • Grant: A lump sum covering up to 50% of the total project cost.
  • Cap: Up to $150,000 per building.
  • Note: Unlike Victoria, this is a competitive grant. Funding is limited, so “first in, best dressed” applies.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Building Type: Must be a completed residential apartment building (Class 2). Mixed-use buildings (e.g., shops on the ground floor) may apply, but the grant generally covers only the residential portion.
• History: The building must not have installed a solar system in the last 10 years.
• Strata Vote: You need documented minutes from a Strata Committee meeting approving the application.

How to Apply: Applications are managed through the Energy NSW Portal. You will likely need a feasibility study first 

Read more on NSW Solar for Apartment Residents Program

3. ACT: The Grant + Loan Combo

The Australian Capital Territory offers a unique hybrid model. They recognise that the most significant barrier isn’t just the cost, but the cash flow—Strata funds often don’t have $50,000 sitting in the bank.

• Status: OPEN.
• The Financials:
  • 50% Grant: The government pays half the upfront cost.
  • 50% Loan: The other half is covered by an interest-free loan (administered by Brighte).
  • Total Limit: Up to $100,000 in combined value.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Property Value: The average “Unimproved Value” (land value, not market value) of the units must be under $300,000 (based on 2022 rates).
• Installer: You must use a vendor accredited by Brighte for the ACT scheme.

How to Apply: Visit the ACT Everyday Climate Choices website to register interest.

Government Grants for Apartment Solar (VIC, NSW, ACT)

State / Program	Deadline	Financial Support	Eligibility Highlights	How to Apply
Victoria – Solar for Apartments (Round 3)	30 April 2026 (or until funds are exhausted)	• Up to $2,800 per apartment • Up to $140,000 per building • Typically covers 50–70% of installation cost	• Building ≤ 8 storeys • Average property value < $950,000 (CIV) • Must be a registered Owners Corporation • Must install shared solar (benefiting apartments behind the meter)	1. Check eligibility on the Solar Victoria website 2. Get a quote from an approved solar retailer 3. Hold OC meeting for approval 4. Apply via the Solar Victoria portal
NSW – Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR)	30 March 2026 (or until $25M funding limit reached)	• Up to 50% of the total project cost • Max $150,000 per building • Competitive grant (first in, best dressed)	• Must be a Class 2 residential building • Mixed-use allowed (residential portion only) • No solar installed in the past 10 years • Strata minutes required	1. Apply via the Energy NSW Portal 2. A feasibility study is often required
ACT – Grant + Loan Combo	No fixed deadline	• 50% grant + 50% interest-free loan • Combined max $100,000	• Average Unimproved Value < $300,000 (2022 rates) • Installer must be Brighte-accredited

Part 2:Hidden Incentives in Other States (QLD, WA, SA, TAS, NT)

State / Territory	Incentive Type	Program / Benefit	Financial Support	Notes
Queensland (QLD)	Community Solar / Landlord Incentives	Solar for Renters Rebate	Up to $3,500	Applies when landlords install solar on rental properties; Community Solar Banks pilots are active
Northern Territory (NT)	Solar & Battery Grants	Solar for Multi-Dwelling Grant	Up to $6,000	One of Australia’s most generous incentives for multi-unit properties
Western Australia (WA)	Battery & VPP Incentives	Virtual Power Plant Subsidies	~$3,000+	Energy retailers subsidise shared batteries for VPP participation
Western Australia (WA)	Export Tariff	DEBS – Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme	Higher late-afternoon export rates	Helps apartments achieve faster ROI
South Australia (SA)	Battery / VPP	VPP Retailer Incentives	~$3,000+	High solar penetration shifts focus to storage incentives
Tasmania (TAS)	Indirect Incentives	Federal STC Rebates	Varies	No apartment-specific grants, but federal incentives still reduce the upfront cost.

Key Benefits of Solar for Apartment Programs for Owners and Residents

1. Benefits for Residents (Owner-Occupiers & Tenants)

These are the people who pay the electricity bill.

• Immediate Bill Reduction:
  • The Benefit: By using “Solar Sharing” technology (like SolShare) funded by these grants, residents can save $300 to $500 per year on their electricity bills.
  • Why it matters: Unlike older systems that only powered the “Common Area” lights (saving the Strata fund money), these new programs put the savings directly on the residents’ electricity bill.
• Protection from Price Spikes:
  • The Benefit: Solar generates energy during the day (peak pricing times). By using your own power instead of the grid’s, you are effectively “locking in” a price of 0c/kWh for a portion of your day.
• Retailer Independence:
  • The Benefit: Residents do not have to switch electricity companies.
  • Why it matters: In older “Embedded Network” models, residents were forced to use one specific supplier. Under the new grant-funded models (VIC/NSW/ACT), you keep your own retailer (e.g., Origin, AGL, Amber) and the solar just appears as “reduced usage” on your bill.

2. Benefits for Property Owners (Investors & Landlords)

These people don’t pay their electricity bills, so they often ask, “What’s in it for me?”

• Increased Property Value:
  • The Benefit: Data suggests that homes with solar sell for a premium. In the apartment market, a “Green Building” rating is becoming a major differentiator.
  • Why it matters: For an investor, chipping in $2,000 for a share of a solar system can yield a property value increase of $5,000+ because buyers perceive the apartment as “modern and low-cost.”
• Higher Rental Appeal (and Retention):
  • The Benefit: In a competitive rental market, an apartment that advertises “Free Solar Electricity included” stands out.
  • Why it matters: Tenants stay longer in apartments with lower utility costs. Reduced vacancy rates save investors thousands in re-letting fees.
• Tax Deductions:
  • The Benefit: The cost of installing solar is a “Capital Works” improvement.
  • Why it matters: Investors can often claim depreciation on their share of the system cost (usually 10% per year for 10 years) against their tax, further reducing the real cost of the installation.

3. Benefits of the Government Programs (Why do it now?)

Why shouldn’t we just wait 5 years?

• Massively Reduced Payback Period:
  • Standard Payback: 7–8 years.
  • With Grant (50% off): 3–4 years.
  • Result: After Year 4, the system is generating pure profit for the building.
• Cash Flow Positive (ACT Specific):
  • In the ACT, the “Grant + Loan” combo means the Strata fund pays $0 upfront. The loan repayments are often lower than the electricity savings, meaning the building is better off from Day 1.
• Vetted Quality Control:
  • To get the grant, you must use an approved retailer. This protects the Strata Committee from “cowboy” installers, as the government has effectively done the due diligence on the supplier for you.

Different Types of Financial Incentives for Solar for Apartments Program

Solar for Apartments Programs often employ a combination of financial incentives to encourage the adoption of solar power in multi-residential buildings.

Incentive Type	Description	Repayment Required
Grants	Direct cash payments to offset upfront costs (not required to be repaid)	No
Rebates	Discounts applied towards the purchase price of the solar system	No
Loans	Borrowed money with favourable terms to cover solar system costs	Yes
PACE Financing	Loan secured by the property, repaid through property taxes	Yes
Feed-in Tariffs (FITs)	Government-mandated price paid for excess solar energy fed back to the grid	Yes

 

These incentives are designed to offset the upfront costs of solar panel installation and make the technology more accessible to apartment owners and residents.

Grants

Grants are direct cash payments provided by government agencies or other organisations to support solar projects. They typically do not require repayment and are often awarded based on specific criteria, such as building size, number of units, or location. Grants can significantly reduce the initial investment in a solar system, making it more financially feasible for apartment owners.

Rebates

Rebates are similar to discounts offered by government agencies or utilities. Unlike grants, rebates are typically applied as a credit towards the purchase price of the solar system. For example, a $2,000 rebate could reduce the cost of a solar panel installation by that amount. Rebates can be a valuable incentive for apartment owners looking to offset a portion of the system’s cost.

Loans

Loans provide financial assistance by allowing apartment owners to borrow money to cover the cost of the solar system. These loans often come with favourable terms, such as low-interest rates or extended repayment periods. Government-backed loan programs may offer additional incentives, such as loan guarantees or interest rate subsidies. Loans can be desirable to owners who prefer to spread the cost of the solar system over time.  

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing

PACE financing is a relatively new financing option that allows property owners to borrow money for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. The property itself secures the loan, and the repayment is added to the property tax bill. PACE financing can be a valuable tool for apartment building owners seeking to access significant funding for solar projects.  

Feed-in Tariffs (FITs)

While not strictly a financial incentive, FITs are worth mentioning as they can generate additional revenue for apartment building owners. FITs are government-mandated prices paid for electricity generated from renewable sources and fed into the grid. By selling excess solar power back to the utility company, apartment owners can earn additional income, further offsetting the cost of the solar system.  

It’s important to note that the availability and specific terms of these financial incentives vary widely by location. Apartment owners should research the programs offered in their area to determine the most suitable options for their building. By understanding the different types of incentives, owners can make informed decisions about financing their solar projects and maximising the benefits of solar power.

How to Find the Right Solar for Apartments Program

Navigating the landscape of Solar for Apartment Programs can be overwhelming. To find the most suitable program for your apartment building, follow these steps:

1. Understand Your Building’s Eligibility

Assess building size and type: Determine if your apartment building meets the program’s specific criteria regarding size, number of units, and construction type.

Evaluate roof suitability: Check if your building’s roof is suitable for solar panel installation. Factors to consider include orientation, shading, and structural integrity.

2. Research Available Programs

Explore state and territory options: Each Australian state and territory offers different Solar for Apartments Programs with varying eligibility criteria, incentives, and application processes.

Utilise government websites: Visit the official websites of your state or territory’s energy department or environment agency to find detailed information about available programs.

Seek professional advice: Consider consulting a solar installer or energy consultant to learn which programs are best for your building.

Read more about the Solar for Apartments Program in Australia

3. Compare Program Details

Evaluate financial incentives: Compare grant amounts, rebate percentages, and loan terms across programs.

Consider eligibility criteria: Ensure your apartment building meets the specific requirements of each program.

Assess program terms and conditions: Understand the application process, reporting requirements, and any restrictions.

4. Factor in Building Specifics

Estimate solar energy potential: Calculate the rooftop’s solar generation potential based on its size, orientation, and shading.

Consider energy consumption: Analyse your building’s energy usage patterns to determine the optimal solar system size.

Evaluate long-term costs and benefits: Assess the total cost of the solar system, including installation, maintenance, and potential energy savings.

5. Engage with Your Community

Involve building residents: Discuss the potential benefits of solar power with your neighbours and gather support for the project.

Form a committee: Consider establishing a dedicated committee to oversee the solar project and communicate with residents. By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can identify the Solar for Apartments Program that best aligns with your building’s needs and goals.

The Importance of Working with Experienced Solar Installers

Choosing the right solar installer is crucial for the success of your apartment building’s solar project. Experienced solar installers bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can significantly impact the system’s performance, longevity, and overall value.

Expertise and Knowledge

Technical Proficiency: Experienced installers have a deep understanding of solar technology, system design, and installation best practices. They can optimise system performance based on your building’s specific characteristics.

Code Compliance: They are familiar with local building codes, permitting requirements, and safety regulations, ensuring your solar installation complies with all applicable legal standards.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Experienced installers can diagnose and resolve issues promptly, minimising system downtime and maximising energy production.

Quality Equipment and Installation

Product Selection: Reputable installers maintain relationships with reputable manufacturers, ensuring access to high-quality solar panels, inverters, and other components.

Proper Installation: Experienced teams follow industry best practices to ensure optimal system performance and longevity. Attention to Detail: They pay close attention to details, such as cable routing, electrical connections, and weatherproofing, to prevent future problems.

Project Management and Communication

Efficient Project Management: Experienced installers have streamlined processes, ensuring timely project completion and minimal disruptions to building occupants.

Clear Communication: They maintain open communication with building management and residents throughout the installation process, addressing concerns and providing updates.

Warranty and Support: Reputable installers offer comprehensive warranties on their quality and equipment, providing peace of mind and long-term support.

Maximising Energy Production

System Optimisation: Experienced installers can assess your building’s specific conditions to optimise system orientation, tilt, and shading, maximising energy output.

Performance Monitoring: They can install monitoring equipment to track system performance and identify potential issues early.

Long-Term Efficiency: By choosing high-quality components and proper installation, experienced installers help ensure the system’s efficiency and longevity. In summary, working with experienced solar installers is essential to maximising the benefits of a solar power system for your apartment building. Their expertise, knowledge, and commitment to quality will contribute to a successful project and long-term energy savings.

Ready to bring solar to your apartment building? Contact us now to find out how you can benefit from the Solar for Apartments Program.

FAQ

Q1: What happens if the roof needs replacing in 5 years? 

A: This is a valid concern. Competent installers will use a removable “clamping” system. However, if your roof is in poor condition, you should have it restored before or during the solar install. (Some grants may even cover waterproofing if it’s part of the install.)

Q2: Does my tenant get the savings? 

A: With technology like SolShare, yes. This makes your property more attractive. In a competitive rental market, a “low energy bill” apartment is a premium feature.

Q3: Can we get batteries, too? 

A: Yes, but they double the payback period. Economically, solar panels are a “no-brainer” (3-5 year payback). Batteries are a “strategic choice” (8-10 year payback), usually only worth it if you join a VPP or want blackout protection for lifts/gates.

Q4: Is the Federal “STC” Rebate included? 

A: Yes. The “STC” (Small-scale Technology Certificate) scheme applies to everyone in Australia. It usually covers about 30% of the hardware cost. Most quotes you receive will have this discount already applied to the final price.

Conclusion

The current scenario for Australian apartments is very favourable, and this opportunity is truly unlimited. High energy prices, advanced technology (SolShare), and substantial government grants in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory have created an ideal investment environment. 

However, the government grants will not last forever. The funding provided by the programs in New South Wales and Victoria has been limited from the outset. If you wait until 2027, you might find the technology still working; however, the 50% cash incentive would no longer be available. 

Your Next Step: Don’t wait until the next AGM. Check today’s eligibility portal for your state, download the fact sheet, and send your Strata Manager a simple email with the subject line: “Proposal to investigate Solar Grants for our building.” The sun shines on your roof every day. It’s time you stopped wasting it.