Introduction: A Solar Revolution for Everyone – Including Renters
For too long, solar battery adoption has been limited to detached homes. Meanwhile, millions of Australians living in apartments, especially renters, have been left out of the renewable energy transition.
But that’s starting to change.
Thanks to a new $32 million boost, Victoria’s Solar for Apartments program is giving renters and apartment dwellers real access to rooftop solar systems, many of which are solar battery-compatible.
This is more than just a subsidy, it’s a strong policy signal that clean energy must be inclusive, accessible, and future-ready.
What Is the Solar for Apartments Program?
The Solar for Apartments program is a landmark clean energy initiative jointly funded by the Victorian Government and the Federal Government of Australia, officially entering its third round in 2024. With a total investment of $32 million, this program is designed to bring rooftop solar power to renters and apartment residents, a group that has historically been locked out of solar benefits.
Unlike traditional solar schemes aimed at detached homes, this program focuses on multi-unit dwellings like:
- Apartment complexes
- Strata townhouses
- Units with common property rooftops managed by Owners Corporations
Purpose
The primary goal of the program is to enable solar access for people living in apartments, particularly renters, who make up around 65% of apartment dwellers in Victoria. The scheme addresses longstanding challenges like:
- Split incentives between landlords and tenants
- Complex approval processes in shared buildings
- Lack of infrastructure to distribute solar energy among individual units
By funding rooftop installations on shared rooftops and using embedded network technology, the program ensures each participating apartment can directly benefit from solar power, whether through lower electricity bills or reduced reliance on grid energy.
Round 3 Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Target Households | 5,000 apartment residences |
| Rebate Per Household | Up to $2,800 |
| Cap Per Building | Up to $140,000 |
| Managed By | Owners Corporation (not individual tenants) |
| Application Website | solar.vic.gov.au/apartments |
| Total Funding Round | $32 million AUD |
How It Works: Shared Solar, Split Savings
Instead of installing panels for each unit, the program supports shared solar systems on the rooftop of the building. These systems are then connected to an embedded energy network, which enables the generated electricity to be fairly distributed across individual apartments.
So even if you’re a renter in a high-rise, you can now directly benefit from solar energy, with no need to own the property or pay the full upfront cost.
This model also paves the way for future solar battery integration, allowing buildings to store solar power for use during the night or peak demand hours.
Why This Matters: Solving the Apartment Solar Barrier
Before this program, apartment residents faced 3 major obstacles:
- Shared Roof Ownership: Rooftops are managed by the Owners Corporation, not individuals.
- Split Incentives: Landlords pay for systems, but renters benefit, leaving no clear ROI.
- Technical Limitations: Energy couldn’t be easily divided between apartments, until now.
This program addresses all three with:
- Government rebates to ease upfront cost
- Support for building-wide installation
- Embedded network tech to split energy among residents
And because 65% of apartment residents are renters, this is a clear win for energy equity.
How Renters Benefit
Even if you don’t own your apartment, this program means you can still enjoy:
- Up to $500/year savings on electricity bills
- Clean energy access without owning the roof
- Solar battery-ready systems in many cases, for future storage upgrades
- Lower carbon footprint with fewer emissions
As Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said:
“We’re making it easier for Victorians living in apartments to enjoy the benefits of free energy from the sun.”
Results So Far: Strong Uptake in Key Areas
Since its launch in February 2024:
- 3,200+ households already installed rooftop solar
- ~50% are renters
- Strongest participation in:
- Merri-bek
- Port Phillip
- Yarra
- Darebin
These are inner-Melbourne councils with a high concentration of renters, showing that well-designed policies can unlock pent-up demand.
The Solar Battery Connection: What’s Next?
While the current rebate focuses on solar panel systems, most installations are being designed with solar battery compatibility in mind.
This opens the door for future developments like:
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
Apartments with solar & battery systems can share power across the network and trade energy in real time.
Shared Solar Battery Storage
Buildings may install centralised battery systems, increasing self-consumption and blackout resilience.
Energy Resilience for High-Density Housing
In a future of climate-related blackouts, solar + battery-equipped apartments will have backup power for essential needs.
Policy Takeaways: A Blueprint for Inclusive Clean Energy
This initiative marks a shift in solar policy thinking, moving from homeowner-focused to renter- and city-friendly design.
Key insights:
- Affordability matters: Subsidies still drive adoption.
- Design for real housing: Many Australians live in apartments.
- Battery-ready solar should be standard: Plan for upgrades.
- Shared infrastructure is possible: if policy supports it.
As Federal Minister Chris Bowen puts it:
“Whether you’re in a house or an apartment, everyone should be able to take advantage of cleaner, cheaper solar.”
FAQs
No. The Owners Corporation or building manager must apply. Renters should encourage them to participate.
Yes. The system uses embedded network tech to divide solar energy between units.
Absolutely. Many systems are battery-ready, allowing upgrades to store power for night-time or blackout use.
Not entirely. But it can reduce your grid usage significantly, leading to lower bills.
You can explore options like community batteries or moving to a solar-enabled building.
Final Thoughts from Solar Rains
At Solar Rains, we believe in making solar battery solutions accessible, whether you own your home or rent an apartment.
Programs like Solar for Apartments show that inclusive policy design can:
- Cut energy bills for more people
- Expand Australia’s solar battery network
- Prepare our cities for a low-carbon future
If you’re a renter, this is your moment:
- Talk to your strata
- Get your building solar battery-ready
- Be part of the clean energy movement
Let’s make solar work for all Australians – not just homeowners.
