Victoria has opened round three of the Solar for Apartments program, with thousands of apartment residents to see their energy bills fall.
The joint initiative from the Allan and Albanese governments is providing 5,000 new rebates worth up to $2,800 per household, or $140,000 per apartment building, to install rooftop solar.
With a total funding pool of $32 million, the program targets apartment blocks, strata townhouses and units with common property rooftops managed by an Owners Corporation.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio launched the latest round during a visit to an inner-city apartment complex.
She said the program had already demonstrated strong uptake since its launch in February 2024. More than 3,200 households have installed panels so far, with renters accounting for around half.
“We’re making it easier for Victorians living in apartments to enjoy the benefits of free energy from the sun and save up to $500 a year on their energy bills with solar,” D’Ambrosio said.
“Around 65 percent of apartment residents are renters and we’re making sure they get the benefit of lower energy bills too.”
The rebate is designed to overcome the high upfront costs and split incentives that have historically limited solar access for apartment dwellers.
Each system is installed on the shared rooftop, with generated electricity distributed to individual apartments.
“Whether you’re in a house or an apartment, everyone should be able to take advantage of our abundant cleaner, cheaper solar energy to bust bills for good,” said Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen.
Program uptake has been strongest in inner Melbourne. Merri-bek, Port Phillip, Yarra and Darebin councils report the highest number of approved applications, reflecting their concentration of multi-dwelling buildings.
Apartment residents who secure a rebate could save up to $500 annually on power bills, while cutting emissions by reducing reliance on coal and gas-fired generation.
Federal Assistant Minister Ged Kearney said the rollout demonstrated that “all of us can play a role cutting emissions,” while Northcote MP Kat Theophanous emphasised the benefits for renters.
Northern Metropolitan MP Sheena Watts said the program reflects changing housing trends, with “more Victorians choosing to live in apartments.”
Applications for rebates under the program can be made at solar.vic.gov.au/apartments.