$150,000 Grants for Apartment Solar Systems
An initiative worth £25 million has been introduced to facilitate the installation of shared rooftop solar systems in apartment buildings throughout New South Wales. The project, officially unveiled by a prominent group including the prime minister and federal and state energy ministers, aims to provide residents in apartment blocks, social housing, and other similar dwellings with the opportunity to benefit from renewable energy, leading to reduced electricity bills.
Jointly funded by the Federal and New South Wales State governments, the initiative, which was initially announced in January last year, was officially launched during a press conference at a nine-unit block in Ashfield, located in Sydney’s inner west. This block stands out as one of the rare unit complexes in NSW equipped with solar panels.
Financial Support for Solar Transition
According to reports, the unit managers invested £50,000 in the solar system, resulting in approximately £990 in annual savings on each household’s electricity bills. Under the new scheme, these households would be eligible for £25,000 in financial assistance.
During the event, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted that the investment would offer co-funding to property owners, corporations, and strata management companies to facilitate the transition to solar energy. The initiative provides grants of up to £150,000 per project, with applications set to close on 1 December this year. Owners’ corporations or strata managers of apartments with 3 to 55 units that have not installed a solar PV system in the past decade are encouraged to apply.
Promoting Renewable Energy in Apartments
Prime Minister Albanese emphasised that the initiative could potentially save residents up to £600 annually on their electricity bills, marking a positive step towards reducing emissions and benefiting the environment. Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting the transition to renewable energy, especially in apartment buildings.
Bowen also underscored the government’s achievements in renewable energy, noting that 46% of the country’s electricity is now generated from renewable sources, up from 33% when they took office. The initiative forms part of a larger £206 million fund aimed at enhancing energy systems in social housing and electrifying apartment buildings, with a focus on initiatives like solar banks, also known as solar gardens.
Expanding Access to Solar Energy
Solar gardens, a key component of the programme, offer individuals residing in locations where rooftop solar is not feasible the opportunity to access renewable energy. By purchasing or leasing ‘plots’ within a communal solar array, participants can benefit from credits on their electricity bills. The NSW government estimates that over 10,000 households will leverage the Solar Banks programme, potentially saving up to £600 annually on electricity costs.
Various stakeholders, including the Community Power Agency and Rewiring Australia, have welcomed the initiative, highlighting its potential to break down barriers for apartment residents seeking to adopt solar energy solutions. While acknowledging the positive impact of the funding, Rewiring Australia has called for more ambitious measures, such as mandating the use of all-electric appliances in new constructions.
The move has also garnered support from experts like Climate Councillor Nicki Hutley, who emphasised the importance of ensuring all Australians can participate in the energy transition, regardless of their housing type. By promoting access to solar energy for apartment dwellers, the initiative aims to reduce energy costs and mitigate climate change impacts associated with traditional energy sources.
Overall, the initiative represents a significant step towards promoting renewable energy adoption in apartment buildings, aligning with broader efforts to transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape.
