Solar apartments: State opens offer of up to $100,000 to install shared rooftop PV

The ACT has launched its Solar for Apartments Program, offering up to $100,000 in grant funds and interest free finance to install rooftop solar at apartment complexes in the nation’s capital.

The scheme, which opened to applications in November of last year, will award funding to eligible bodies corporate, up to $50,000 as a grant and the other $50,000 a repayable, zero-interest loan through Brighte.

The program, which is co-funded by the territory and federal governments, is expected to help more than 2,100 households by providing a 35 per cent reduction in energy bills for those living in apartments.

The federal funds come from the Albanese government’s “solar banks” component of its Powering Australia Plan, which promised to cover 50% of the capital costs to get rooftop solar onto those households effectively “locked out” of the market – including renters and apartment dwellers.

For the ACT government, the incentives for solar apartments are part of an $80 million boost for the Sustainable Household Scheme in the 2023-24 ACT budget.

Much of the cost of shared solar systems comes down to extra technology and installation measures – necessary to share the energy generated by the panels between the apartment residents.

There are technologies to do this – including from highly successful Australian company Allume Energy, which in 2019 allowed 52 low-income households in an apartment block to share solar and storage – but the costs and logistics can be prohibitive.

“As well as allowing more Canberrans living in apartment complexes to enjoy cheaper, cleaner energy, the Solar for Apartments Program also supports our commitment to transitioning to a cleaner and more reliable energy mix,” said Andrew Barr, Canberra’s chief minister and minister for climate action.

“This program supports the ACT government’s commitment to being a global leader in climate action and reducing emissions to net zero by 2045.”

The ACT’s Sustainable Household Scheme has already serviced over 22,000 applications for financial assistance in improving a household’s energy efficiency.

Eligible homeowners can borrow up to $15,000 for up to 10 years to help with the cost of purchasing everything from electric stove tops, reverse cycle systems, hot water heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, and electric vehicles.