Energy efficiency, green energy, and insulation have become the primary determinants influencing homebuyers’ decision when purchasing an apartment.
Victoria government has achieved phenomenal uptake of energy-efficiency upgrades and weatherproofing/insulation through the Victoria Energy Upgrades (VEU) program.
The story remains the same in case of uptake of rebates for residential rooftop solar PV panels installation. Through Solar Homes Program, Victoria government approved $676 million in rebates for 296,116 rooftop solar PV systems installation till November 2024.
However, stark contrast exists for apartment buildings. Despite the popularity of energy-efficiency upgrades and Solar Homes Program, less than 5% of Victorian apartments and townhouses have rooftop solar systems.
Key barriers include:
- Shared rooftops and property ownership complexities
- Lack of consensus among member of owners corporation and/or between owner-investors and tenants
- The electricity bills are paid by tenants, so apartment owner-investors see no monetary benefits in solar upgrades.
- Potential switchboard and roof upgrades
- Upfront and installation costs
Solar industry stakeholders, energy consultants and apartment owners have long been advocating a strata-specific rebate program to address the low uptake of solar system installation in apartment buildings across the Victoria state.
To address these concerns, the Solar for Apartments Program was launched by Solar Victoria in February 2024.
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Solar for Apartments Program by Solar Victoria
After its launch, Solar Victoria started accepting applications for the $16 million Solar for Apartments Program on February 13, 2024. The program was formulated to provide rebates/incentives for eligible Owners Corporations (OCs) to install rooftop solar systems in apartment and townhouse buildings and save collective electricity costs.
The switchboard and roof upgrade (if required) and solar system installation is carried out by Solar Victoria accredited retailer and solar installer. The eligible Owners Corporations (OCs) can reach out to a Solar Victoria accredited solar retailer to apply for the solar rebates, as only Solar Victoria accredited retailers can submit applications on OCs’ behalf.
Moreover, an individual renter/apartment resident can’t apply for the Victoria government Solar of Apartment rebate. Only a OC can apply for the discount.
After approval of the rebate application, installation must be completed within 120 days by a Solar Victoria accredited solar installer. After completing the installation, the retailer is required to submit a payment request, tax invoice and compliance documents (STC assignment form and Energy Safe Certificate of Electrical Safety) through the solar.vic.gov.au portal.
What rebates OCs can expect?
An OC of having a minimum of 5 apartment lots and maximum 50 apartments lots is entitled to receive $2800 rebate/apartment and maximum $140,000 (50×2800) rebate can be availed. Rebates are available until 30 April 2026 (5PM), or until state funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
The discount is applied upfront on the retail price of a solar system.
This is the round 3 of $32 million Solar for Apartments Program, Solar Victoria. The last date for applying for round 2 of the program was 28 February 2025 and according to the Solar Victoria, 3200 apartments have installed solar PV system under the Solar for Apartments Program before the launch of round 3.
Which OCs & apartments are eligible?
Owners Corporations and buildings that meet the following conditions:
- Tier 3 or Tier 4 as defined in the Victoria Owners Corporations Act 2006
- An OC of 3-50 apartment lots
- A property that has completed development (not in planning/construction stage) at the time of application
- An OC that has not applied for rebate under Solar for Apartments Program before.
- An apartment or township building of 8 storeys or fewer
- An apartment building of Class 2 category (under National Construction Code) or a Class 1a (Townships)
- A residential apartment lot of having value not exceeding $950,000
- Apartment located in Victoria state
- An apartment building that have not had a solar PV system in the last ten years.
are eligible for the rebates under Solar for Apartments Program. OCs must involve the owner-occupiers and owner-investors in the decision-making.
Other eligibility conditions
The followings conditions must be met to receive rebates under the Victoria Government Solar for Apartments Program:
- The solar PV modules supply electricity to a minium 5 apartment lots and maximum 50 lots.
- The solar system have a payback period of 10 years or less.
- The solar system cost, installation and benefits is shared between the participating residents of an OC.
- The solar system connects behind the meter to a residential lot.
- The solar system is installed on parts of the roof that are common property.
- The unit has Solar Victoria’s eligible PV modules, and they are installed by a Solar Victoria approved solar retailer.
- The OC has DNSP (utility) approval if power is exported to the grid.
What entities are not eligible?
- Individual homeowners
- Victoria government agencies & local government authorities
- Educational institutions
- Not for profit organisations
- Properties on an embedded electricity network
Our Case Study
We’re excited to share an ongoing case study of a North Melbourne apartment complex taking advantage of the Solar for Apartments Program!
With a 99.88kW solar system planned, this project will provide participating apartment owners with affordable, clean energy, reducing reliance on grid electricity and cutting energy bills significantly.
Project Overview – What We’ve Done So Far:
Site assessment: Confirmed the roof is suitable for solar, identified inverter placement, and ensured sufficient switchboard capacity.
Access planning: A cherry picker (14 days) and crane lift (1 day) will be used for panel installation, with council permits secured for road closures and traffic management.
Owners Corporation engagement: The committee is reviewing the proposal, ensuring all residents understand the long-term financial and environmental benefits.
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