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Solar For Apartments: Options For Units & Strata

Can You Get Solar on an Apartment? Yes — But It’s Tricky.

Solar is a no-brainer for homeowners — cheap energy, lower bills, and a smaller carbon footprint. But for apartment dwellers, shared rooftops, multiple meters, and strata rules make things harder.

The good news? New solutions and government support are making apartment solar easier than ever. In this guide, we’ll cover your options — shared solar, incentives, and how to get your body corporate on board — so you can start saving with solar.

Table of Contents

1. Why Apartment Solar Is Difficult: The 3 Biggest Reasons
2. Solar for Apartments: Possible Solutions
3. Government Incentives & Rebates for Apartment Solar
4. The Process: How To Get Solar On Your Apartment
5. Why Landlords Should Back Solar for Strata: What Property Investors Get From It

Why Apartment Solar Is Difficult: The 3 Biggest Reasons

1. Shared Roof Space & Ownership

Unlike houses, where the owner controls the entire roof, apartment rooftops are common property, which means:

• Solar installations need strata approval — so you’ll need to convince the committee.
• Roof space is limited, and dividing it among residents isn’t always practical.
• Strata may have other priorities, like maintaining common areas or water systems.

2. Strata & Legal Hurdles

Even if you have the perfect solar setup in mind, strata laws can slow things down. Roadblocks include:

• Getting approval — most states require a majority vote from the body corporate.
• Red tape — some states demand multiple quotes before anything moves forward.
• Slow decision-making — strata meetings are infrequent, so expect delays.

3. Metering & Energy Distribution

Apartments have multiple electricity meters, making solar trickier to share fairly. The main issues:

• Standard solar systems are designed for single meters, not multi-unit buildings.
• Fair energy distribution often requires embedded networks or shared solar setups.

Fortunately, there are solutions to these problems — if you know where to look.

Solar for Apartments: Possible Solutions

Getting solar on an apartment isn’t as simple as slapping panels on the roof, but there are ways to make it work. The best option depends on your building’s setup, metering system, and whether residents are willing to share the energy.

a) Community Solar Programs

If rooftop solar isn’t an option, residents can buy into a community solar project, where an external solar farm generates energy for subscribers. This works well when:

• The building can’t support solar panels.
• Residents want solar benefits without dealing with strata approvals.

b) Individual Solar Systems (Each Unit Gets Its Own)

An alternative approach is for every participating apartment to install its own small solar system.

Pros	Cons
✅ Residents have full control over their own solar system. ✅Owners retain full control over their electricity provider and tariff selection.	❌ No energy sharing — unused solar is exported at a low feed-in tariff.
✅ No need for complex metering or shared agreements.	❌ Multiple small systems are more expensive than installing a shared system due to economies of scale. ❌ Individual solar users may struggle to maximize their own solar energy use, leading to more excess exports at lower feed-in tariffs.
✅ Direct savings on personal electricity bills.	❌ Limited roof space may not allow solar for all apartments.

Best For:

• Penthouses or top-floor apartments with exclusive roof access.
• Buildings with low participation rates, where only a few units want solar.
• Strata committees that don’t want shared solar complexity.

Not Ideal For:

• Large apartment buildings with limited roof space.
• Owners wanting more cost-effective solar solutions.
• Buildings where multiple residents want to share solar power.

In Europe, plug-in solar panels for apartment balconies are a hassle-free way of reducing the energy bill of a single apartment. You might think it’s a great solution that would not require strata approval, but these plug-in balcony solar systems are illegal in Australia.

c) One Solar System for Common Areas Only

A single solar system powers only the common areas (hallways, elevators, lighting).

Pros	Cons
✅ More cost-effective per kW compared to individual systems.	❌ Doesn’t reduce electricity bills for individual apartments.
✅ Easier to get body corporate approval, since it benefits shared spaces.	❌ May not be the best return on investment if common area power usage is low.
✅ Reduces electricity costs for common areas (hallways, lifts, lighting).	❌ Often oversized, leading to excess solar exports at low feed-in tariffs.

Best for:

• Apartment buildings with high common area electricity usage.
• Strata committees looking for a simple solar option.
• Buildings where residents aren’t interested in personal solar savings.

Not ideal for:

• Owners looking for direct savings on their personal power bills.
• Apartments with low common area electricity demand.
• Building residents wanting a more efficient way to share solar power.

d) Embedded Networks (One Large Solar System Shared Among Units Via Sub-Metering)

The body corporate acts as an energy retailer, distributing solar to residents and billing them accordingly.

Pros	Cons
✅ Maximizes solar savings across multiple apartments.	❌ Third-party operators take a cut of the solar savings, reducing financial benefits.
✅ Allows for fair energy distribution among residents.	❌ Requires sub-metering for each apartment, which can be costly.
✅ Reduces overall reliance on grid power.	❌ Someone must act as an electricity retailer (or hire a third-party company).

Best For:

• Large apartment buildings where multiple residents want solar.
• Strata committees looking for a long-term shared energy solution.
• Buildings with high electricity demand per unit.

Not Ideal For:

• Small apartment blocks with low participation.
• Buildings that lack space or infrastructure for sub-metering.
• Owners who don’t want third-party involvement in energy billing.

e) One Large Solar System Shared Among Units Without Embedded Networks

Tech like Allume Energy’s SolShare dynamically distributes solar energy across multiple apartments without the complexity of an embedded network.

Pros	Cons
✅ Maximizes solar self-consumption, reducing electricity bills. ✅ Prioritizes solar energy for residents instead of exporting to the grid.	❌ High feed-in tariff plans may not be cost-effective if maximum self-consumption is prioritized.
✅ Increases grid stability by ensuring voltage levels stay within limits. ✅ Lower transmission losses — self-consumed solar reduces electricity losses by up to 10%.	❌ May require additional network approvals for high-capacity installations.
✅ Easier to get approval as residents keep their own electricity retailer and meter. ✅ Residents can opt-in or opt-out, reducing political challenges.	❌ Strata body negotiation required — consultation and approval from all owners can be a major roadblock.
✅ Works with existing meters (no need for embedded networks or sub-metering). ✅ Compatible with new and existing solar installations.	❌ Uneconomical for less than 6 single-phase units — workarounds exist but may not be cost-effective. ❌ May require a feasibility study to determine the best setup, adding to upfront costs.
✅ Reduces reliance on the grid and mitigates export limits imposed by electricity networks. ✅ Reduces peak demand charges for the whole building.	❌ Works best when all meters are on one switchboard — separate meter locations increase installation complexity and costs.
✅ Cheaper maintenance — shared costs reduce the burden on individual owners. ✅ Better warranty outcomes — strata-managed systems are more likely to receive support from manufacturers.

Best For:

• Apartment buildings where residents want to share solar without complex metering.
• Strata committees looking for a flexible, scalable shared solar solution.
• Buildings where some residents want solar and others do not.

Not Ideal For:

• Buildings with multiple, separately located meter boards (higher costs and complexity).
• Apartments requiring large individual solar allocations — SolShare prioritizes energy-sharing efficiency, not oversized capacity.
• Strata properties unwilling to go through an approval process.

The best choice depends on your building’s setup, metering, and whether strata is on board. Up next —we’ll look at rebates and incentives to cut the cost of going solar.

Government Incentives & Rebates for Apartment Solar

Installing solar on an apartment can be expensive, but state and federal rebates can slash the upfront cost. Here’s what’s available:

NSW: Solar for Apartment Residents Grant (Now Open)

The NSW Solar for Apartment Residents Grant provides owners corporations with 50% funding to install shared solar systems on eligible apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings.

• $25 million in total funding available
• Covers 50% of project costs, up to $150,000 per project
• Applications close: 5 PM, 1 December 2025, or earlier if funds are fully allocated.
• Individual apartment residents cannot apply—but they can encourage their strata committee to do so.

More Info & Applications: NSW Solar for Apartment Residents Grant

Victoria: Solar for Apartments Rebate

This rebate took applications until the 28th of February 2025. The Victorian Solar for Apartments Rebate program offered:

• Up to $2,800 per apartment (capped at $140,000 per building).
• Available to owners’ corporations installing shared rooftop solar.

ACT: Solar for Apartments Program

The ACT Government supports apartment solar with:

• Grants and interest-free loans of up to $100,000 per building.
• Available to owners’ corporations installing shared solar.
• Can be combined with other ACT solar incentives for extra savings.

NT: Solar For Multi Dwellings Grant Scheme

The NT Government offers support with:

• Grants of up to $7,500 per individual dwelling, to support up to 50% of installation costs.
• Available to eligible unit management corporations in the Northern Territory.
• Covers shared solar systems and, when required, smart meters and battery storage systems.

Other States & Future Incentives

• South Australia is expected to announce apartment solar funding soon.
• As long as the system on your building is 100 kW or less, your strata is still eligible for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

How to Check Eligibility & Apply

• Check your state’s official website for eligibility and application details.
• Some rebates require multiple installer quotes before approval.
• Funding is limited, so applying early is recommended.

With these incentives, apartment solar is getting more affordable. Next, we’ll walk through how to get solar installed on your building, step by step.

The Process: How to Get Solar on Your Apartment

Getting solar on an apartment building takes coordination, approvals, and the right system. A structured approach makes it manageable. Here’s the step-by-step process.

Step #1: Get Strata on Board

Before anything happens, the owners’ corporation (body corporate) must approve the project. To get the ball rolling:

• Raise it at a strata meeting – Highlight the benefits, including lower bills and available rebates.
• Build support from other owners – The more backing you have, the easier approval will be.
• Address concerns upfront – Expect questions about cost, fairness, and system management.
• Convince the landlord-owners – Landlords might not see an ROI in solar. Educate them about the benefits of solar on an investment property.

Note: Some states require a majority vote before solar can be installed on common property, usually between 50%-75%. Check your local strata laws.

Step #2: Check Feasibility & Get a Solar Assessment

Once strata is interested, you need to assess whether solar is viable for your building. Consider the following factors:

• Roof space – Is there enough room for a shared system?
• Metering setup – Does your building have individual meters, an embedded network, or a mix?
• Technical challenges – Will the meter board need upgrades?

Most solar installers offer free assessments to help determine what’s possible. Allume Energy can help you with this.

Step #3: Compare Solar Options & Get Quotes

If solar is viable, it’s time to compare solutions and pricing:

• Shared or individual solar? – Will units share a system, or is each getting its own?
• Battery storage? – A shared battery can increase savings and enable Virtual Power Plant (VPP) participation.
• Get multiple quotes – Some states require at least two quotes for strata approval.

Tip: Choose an installer with apartment solar experience to avoid technical headaches.

Step #4: Apply for Rebates & Funding

Government incentives can slash costs, but you’ll need to:

• Check eligibility – Only some states and territories offer apartment solar funding.
• Apply early – Some rebates are first-come, first-served and have limited funding.
• Align approvals with funding deadlines – Some rebates require strata approval before you can apply.

Step #5: Installation & Ongoing Management

Once everything is approved, the installer will handle the installation — usually within a few days. After that:

• Ensure fair energy distribution – If it’s a shared system, all units should benefit.
• Monitor system performance – Most setups include an online portal or app.
• Plan for maintenance – Work with strata to keep the system running smoothly.

Why Landlords Should Back Solar for Strata: What Property Investors Get From It

For owner-occupiers, the benefits of saving on electricity in their apartment are apparent. However, some landlords in the strata committee might not see the benefit for them. Here are some good arguments to convince them:

Financial Benefits of Solar On An Investment Property

There are several financial benefits for landlords who install solar panels on their rental property.

1. Two-thirds of renters are willing to pay more rent for a home with solar. By charging more in rent, you could pay off the solar system. As long as the higher rent is less than the tenant’s electricity savings, this is a win-win for both renter and landlord.
2. Solar increases the property’s value. Units with energy-efficient features like solar sold for an average premium of 11.7% (~$70,000).
3. Landlords can claim depreciation on solar installations, offsetting taxable income.

For a full breakdown of these financial benefits, check out our Landlord’s Guide to Solar ROI.

Solar Lowers Strata Operating Costs (Common Area Electricity)

A shared solar system can slash electricity bills for common areas (hallways, elevators, security lighting). Lower common area electricity costs = lower strata fees for all owners.

Participation in SolShare Is Flexible

Even if a landlord has their doubts about the investment value of solar, they do not have to buy into the shared system if it’s distributed by a SolShare. If they do one day want solar, they can join in later.

Conclusion: Apartment Solar Is Achievable

While installing solar in an apartment building comes with challenges, solutions like individual systems, shared solar, and innovative technologies like SolShare make it easier. With available government incentives and the right planning, apartment residents and landlords can also benefit from lower energy bills, increased property value, and a more sustainable future.

If you’re ready to explore solar options for your building, start by getting strata on board, assessing feasibility, and applying for available rebates. Once all those aspects have been taken care of, we can get you in touch with expert solar installers.