What 'solar for apartments' actually means
There are three distinct things people mean when they say 'solar for apartments': solar for the common areas (lifts, lobby lights, garage), solar for individual units, and solar via an embedded network. Each has different rebate eligibility.
Common-area solar
This is the most common. The strata corporation owns the system; it offsets the body-corporate electricity bill (lifts, lobby lighting, common-area power). The federal STC rebate applies to the strata corporation as the owner. Most buildings under four storeys can fit a 10–30 kW system on the roof. Typical payback: 4–5 years on the body-corporate bill.
Individual unit solar
Harder. Each unit needs its own meter, inverter, and a dedicated section of roof. Most apartment buildings can fit individual systems on a handful of penthouse units only. For the federal STC rebate, the unit owner is the eligible party.
Embedded networks
A growing model. The strata corporation installs a large rooftop system and resells the electricity to individual units via an embedded network. Tenants typically save 15–25% on retail rates; the body corporate earns a return; the federal STC rebate applies to the strata corporation. Requires a licensed embedded-network operator and AER approval.
State-specific apartment rebates
Three states have apartment-specific programs in 2026:
- VIC — Solar Homes has a dedicated apartment stream. Strata corporations can claim a larger rebate (up to $2,200) plus the standard interest-free loan.
- NSW — Empowering Homes accepts strata corporations as applicants for the interest-free battery loan.
- ACT — Sustainable Household Scheme accepts both individual unit owners and strata corporations.
Strata committee approval — the actual blocker
The technical barriers to apartment solar are easy. The political ones are not. Getting strata committee approval to install rooftop solar requires:
- A motion at the AGM (or a special general meeting) — typically a 75% majority for shared-property modifications.
- A clear business case showing payback on the body-corporate bill.
- Engagement with the building manager and at least one strata committee member championing the project.
We have a strata-specific quote template that includes the committee pitch deck. Ask your specialist for it when we get in touch.
Will the federal STC apply on my apartment system?
Yes, with two caveats. The system must be installed by a CEC-accredited installer (no change from a standalone house). And the entity that owns the system (the unit owner for individual systems, the strata corporation for common-area systems) is the rebate beneficiary. Embedded networks add a wrinkle — talk to your specialist before signing.
Common questions
Can I install solar on my apartment?
If you live in a strata building with a roof and the strata committee approves, yes. The federal STC rebate applies. The harder question is who owns the system and who benefits from the savings — typically the strata corporation does, with individual unit savings flowing through reduced strata levies.
Do apartment dwellers get a different rebate?
The federal STC rebate is identical for apartments and standalone houses. VIC has a dedicated apartment stream of the Solar Homes rebate; NSW and ACT accept strata corporations as applicants.
How do I get strata committee approval?
You need a motion at an AGM or SGM, typically a 75% majority for modifications to common property. The business case needs to show payback on the body-corporate electricity bill (lifts, lobby lighting, common-area power). Engaging the building manager and at least one strata committee member early makes this much easier.
What's an embedded network?
An embedded network is when a building installs a single large rooftop solar system and resells the electricity to individual units via internal metering. Tenants save 15–25% on retail rates; the body corporate earns a return. Requires AER approval and a licensed embedded-network operator.