“Landlords support rebates for solar and electric upgrades for renters”
A conference hosted by the Owners Corporation Network highlighted the plight of millions of Australians living in apartments who are missing out on the advantages of renewable energy. The event emphasised the need for financial assistance to enable these individuals to embrace green energy solutions. Suggestions included providing landlords with increased tax incentives to enhance renewable energy options for tenants and establishing an advisory body in Australia to support the adoption of energy-saving measures.
Disparity in Solar Power Access
Independent federal MP Allegra Spender addressed the online conference, pointing out the significant gap in solar power adoption between households in freestanding homes and those in apartment complexes. Despite Australia’s high rate of solar power usage, a large portion of households, especially renters and apartment dwellers, are unable to benefit from this renewable energy source. Spender, representing the Wentworth electorate in Sydney, intends to advocate for policy changes to bridge this divide. She proposed measures such as accelerated depreciation for landlords investing in energy-efficient appliances and the establishment of a national advisory service to assist apartment owners in navigating solar power installation.
Financial Assistance for Apartment Owners
Owners Corporation Network chair Fred Tuckwell highlighted the need for financial support for apartment owners and residents to level the playing field with those in standalone homes. Apartment residents often face higher costs for installing energy-saving technologies like solar panels, heat pumps, water heaters, insulation, and household batteries. Tuckwell stressed the disparity in costs, citing examples such as the expense of electric vehicle chargers. While standalone homeowners pay around $2000, apartment owners must cover the same amount for connection to the building’s infrastructure, along with additional costs through the owners’ corporation. Tuckwell proposed various forms of financial assistance, including rebates, grants, or low-interest loans to facilitate initial feasibility studies for apartment buildings.
A recent report by Solar Citizens revealed that households could collectively save $9.3 billion annually on electricity bills by installing solar panels on residential roofs, equating to an average saving of $1390 per home. The federal government has also introduced financial support for energy-efficient products through the Future Made in Australia Act and initiatives like the Solar SunShot program aimed at boosting solar panel production within the country.
