Victorian apartment residents embracing solar energy

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio today visited Northcote to meet with residents of the first apartment building to install solar as part of the $16 million Solar for Apartments program.

The complex received $39,200 to install a solar system that will connect 14 apartments to cheap, clean, renewable energy – that will save residents up to $500 a year off their energy bill.

Solar Victoria received 438 applications from owners’ corporations for 12,000 kilowatts of solar capacity, covering more than 5,000 apartments during the first round of the program. This demonstrates the high demand from Victorians – including renters – to access cheaper, cleaner solar power, slashing their energy bills.

These apartment residents will be able to use this cheap energy generated by the sun to power their appliances, including one of the biggest energy costs, heating.

Renters will also get to access these benefits. Approximately 65 per cent of Victorian apartment residents are renters – this program will allow them to slash their energy bills, expanding the country’s only solar rebate program for renters.

Successful applicants receive rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment, or up to $140,000 per building for up to 50 apartments.

Applications for round two of the Solar for Apartments program will open in August 2024. For more information, visit solar.vic.gov.au/apartments.

Quote attributable to Minister for Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio

“We are helping Victorians living in apartments to take control of their energy bills and reap the benefits of cheap, renewable energy by reducing upfront costs and streamlining the installation process.”

Quote attributable to Commonwealth Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen

“We want to make it cheaper and easier for apartment residents to install solar on their rooftop so they too can take advantage of cleaner, cheaper solar to provide cost-of-living relief.”

"In the past it’s been difficult for apartment residents to reap the benefits of cleaner, cheaper solar- this program will help overcome those barriers and power more Australian homes with renewables.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous

“Renewables are being embraced right across the inner north. We are making sure apartment owners and renters are not left behind in the energy transition by supporting them to install solar on apartment rooftops.”