“Huge interest:” Victoria extends size and reach of Solar for Apartments program

The Victorian government announced on Monday that it was extending its hugely popular $16 million Solar for Apartments program until 31 May.

Applications for the Solar for Apartments program opened in the middle of February, backed by the federal and Victorian Labor governments to the tune of $16 million.

The program aimed to help around 5,000 apartment owners and renters to install rooftop solar, with successful applications able to receive rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment, or up to $140,000 per building for up to 50 apartments to install solar systems.

The program is available to low- to mid-size apartment buildings up to eight storeys with between 5 to 50 apartments.

Victoria’s minister for energy and resources Lily D’Ambrosio announced on Monday that, following high demand during round one of the program the application period would be extended until 31 May.

“We have 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,” said D’Ambrosio.

According to the government, since applications opened on February 13, a total of 143 apartment buildings housing 2,477 apartments have applied for the program – with many more expressing interest.

It is hoped that by installing a shared solar system, the program will help to deliver apartment residents savings of up to $500 a year on their power bill.

Uptake of solar on apartments has been much lower than for standalone residential homes due to the complexity and costs associated with installing solar on an apartment building and sharing out the savings to residents.

The Solar for Apartments program has been designed to fix these issues by reducing upfront costs and streamlining the installation process.

“It’s been difficult for apartment residents to reap the benefits solar – this program is helping remove those barriers and power more Victorian homes with cheap and clean renewables,” added Ryan Batchelor, Member for Southern Metropolitan Region.