Solar
Apartment Solar: Breaking the Strata Lock
Living in an apartment used to mean missing out on solar savings. In 2026, 'Solar Banks' and energy sharing technology are changing the game.
For decades, 30% of Australians living in apartments were locked out of the solar revolution. Roof space was "common property", and splitting the energy bill was a logistical nightmare. Enter the "Solar Bank" and Allume technology.
How It Works
New hardware, like the Allume SolShare, allows a single rooftop solar system to split power dynamically between multiple apartments. It monitors who is using power and directs the solar energy to them in real-time. No more dedicated panels for specific units.
Government Rebates for Strata
The Federal "Solar Banks" initiative is now in full swing, offering rebates of up to 50% for strata bodies to install shared solar and batteries. If you are on a strata committee, this is your golden ticket to lower levies and happier tenants.
The Rental Benefit
Even renters are benefiting. Landlords can install these systems and offer "solar included" leases, charging a premium that is still cheaper than a standard grid electricity bill. It is a rare win-win in the property market.
Getting It Through Your Strata Committee
Installing shared solar on common property generally requires a special resolution at a general meeting — in NSW, that's typically a 75% majority under the strata schemes reforms, though the exact threshold varies by state. The good news is that Solar Banks rebates specifically target this cost barrier: with up to 50% of the system cost covered, the case you need to put to fellow owners is often simply "half-price now, lower levies and lower bills for everyone from here on." Funding is usually drawn from the building's capital works fund, so it's worth raising early enough to be budgeted into the next annual capital works plan rather than requested as a surprise special levy.
What Renters Can Actually Ask For
If you rent rather than own, you can't apply for Solar Banks funding yourself, but you can raise it with your property manager or landlord as a value-adding upgrade — "solar included" leases are becoming a genuine selling point in a competitive rental market, not just a cost. One thing to check carefully if you're offered a "solar included" lease: confirm the embedded network operator (the entity that resells the building's shared power to tenants) is charging a rate genuinely below the standard grid price, since some embedded networks have historically charged tenants more than an open-market retailer would, which defeats the purpose entirely.
Checklist for Action
- Audit your current bills: Gather your last 12 months of statements for Solar.
- Compare the market: Use SaveNest's comparison tools to identify the top 3 cheapest providers in your area.
- Check for loyalty taxes: Call your current provider and ask them to match the best offer you found online.
- Verify concessions: Ensure you are receiving all state and federal rebates you are entitled to.
- Set a reminder: Mark your calendar for a 6-month review to ensures you stay on the best plan.
- Share the savings: Tell a friend or family member how much you saved to help them avoid the 'lazy tax' too.
Related Guides
Ready to see how much you could save?
Compare Electricity Plans →
