Thousands of Victorian apartment residents are gaining access to rooftop solar, as a government-backed rebate program expands to support multi-unit developments and address long-standing barriers to adoption.
Jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth governments, the Solar for Apartments Program has already distributed more than $5.7 million in rebates since opening in February 2024. The funding has supported over 141 multi-unit developments, covering more than 2650 apartment households, with nearly half occupied by renters.
The program targets a segment of the market that has historically lagged behind detached housing. Higher upfront costs, alongside complex ownership structures and approval processes, have limited solar uptake in apartment buildings. By reducing capital costs and simplifying participation, the initiative is positioning shared rooftop systems as a viable pathway to expand distributed energy across higher-density housing.
Rebates of up to $2800 per apartment, capped at $140,000 per property, are now available until 30 June 2027, or until funding is exhausted. The rebate is applied by an authorised retailer as an upfront discount, lowering installation costs for participating buildings.
Eligible properties include apartment buildings, strata townhouses and units under the control of an Owners Corporation, with access to a shared rooftop. Buildings must typically be no more than eight storeys, contain between five and 50 occupiable lots, and meet classification requirements under the National Construction Code. Owners Corporations must also fall within defined tiers under the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (VIC), and cannot have previously received funding under the program.
System design requirements further reinforce the program’s focus on equitable outcomes. Solar photovolatic systems must supply power directly to residential lots behind the meter, typically serving between five and 50 dwellings, while demonstrating a payback period of 10 years or less. Installations must also ensure that cost savings are shared fairly among participating residents, including renters.
According to the Solar for Apartments program, Victorian households in participating developments can save up to $500 per year on energy bills, offering a meaningful reduction in cost-of-living pressures. This is particularly significant in the apartment sector, where around 65 per cent of residents are renters and have traditionally been excluded from rooftop solar benefits.
Solar Victoria continues to work with industry, local councils and strata stakeholders to design the Solar for Apartments program, aiming to streamline approvals and improve accessibility for building owners and residents.
Stan Krpan, Chief Executive Officer at Solar Victoria, shared that strong demand for solar among apartment dwellers/renters drove the decision to extend the Solar for Apartments program application window.
“We’ve seen huge interest from apartment residents. That’s why we have extended applications for the program, to give more Victorians the chance to go solar and slash their power bills,” Krpan said.
“We’re making it easier for Victorians living in apartments to benefit from free energy from the sun and save up to $500 a year, including renters who have traditionally missed out on rooftop solar.”
For more information about the Solar for Apartments program, visit the Solar Victoria website.
