Solar for Apartments & Strata in Sydney

For years, solar power has been much easier for homeowners with their own roof than for people living in apartments, units or strata buildings.

But that is changing.

With the NSW Solar for Apartment Residents grant, also known as the SoAR grant, eligible apartment buildings and multi-unit dwellings in NSW can apply for funding to install shared rooftop solar systems. The program is designed to help apartment residents, including renters, access the benefits of solar energy without needing to own a standalone house or private roof.

For Sydney, this is a big opportunity. Suburbs across the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Lower North Shore, North Shore, Ryde, Parramatta, Sutherland Shire, Northern Beaches and Sydney Metro are full of apartment buildings, unit blocks and strata-managed properties with underused rooftop space.

In the Inner West Council area alone, 70.9% of dwellings are medium or high density, compared with 46% across Greater Sydney.

That means solar for apartments in Sydney is not a niche topic. It is one of the biggest untapped opportunities in the local solar market.

If you are part of an owners corporation, strata committee, strata management team or apartment building looking at solar, this guide explains what you need to know before getting started.

Yes. Many Sydney apartment buildings can install solar panels, but the process is different from installing solar on a standard house.

With a house, the roof usually belongs to one owner. With an apartment building or strata complex, the roof is usually common property. That means any solar panel installation normally needs to be reviewed and approved by the owners corporation or strata committee.

A strata solar project also needs to consider:

• Roof space
• Shading
• Metering
• Switchboard capacity
• Common property power usage
• Resident electricity usage
• How solar savings will be shared
• Who owns the system
• Who maintains the system
• Whether the building is eligible for grant funding

This is why solar for apartments needs a proper feasibility assessment before owners vote or apply for funding.

A strong apartment solar project is not just about putting panels on the roof. It is about designing a shared solar system that works safely, fairly and practically for the building.

The NSW Solar for Apartment Residents grant program provides funding to support the installation of solar panels on eligible apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings in NSW. The current program is open, with funding of up to $150,000 per project and applications closing on 4 December 2026 at 5:00 pm.

The program supports shared rooftop solar photovoltaic systems. Its purpose is to help people living in apartments and multi-unit dwellings access solar energy, lower upfront installation costs and reduce ongoing electricity costs.

For Sydney strata buildings, this can make the business case for solar much stronger.

Instead of the owners corporation funding the full system cost, eligible projects may be able to receive grant support for part of the installation.

Under the standard SoAR grant, eligible apartment buildings can apply for funding of up to 50% of eligible product and installation costs, capped at $150,000 per project.

There is also a separate SoAR Boost initiative for eligible apartment buildings in selected suburbs. SoAR Boost offers funding of up to 80% of eligible installation costs, capped at $200,000 excluding GST. Applications for SoAR Boost opened on 30 March 2026 and are listed as closing on 4 December 2026 at 5:00 pm.

This means some Sydney apartment buildings may have access to more funding than others, depending on location and eligibility.

The best first step is to check whether your building may be eligible for the standard SoAR grant or SoAR Boost, then arrange a solar feasibility assessment before progressing to quotes and strata approval.

Individual apartment owners and renters cannot apply directly.

Only the following parties can apply:

• A residential owners corporation responsible for managing a strata scheme
• A strata managing agent, if authorised by the owners corporation
• A nominated resident acting on behalf of the owners corporation, if authorised

This is important because many residents search for things like:

“Can I get solar if I live in an apartment?”
“Can renters get solar in NSW?”
“Can unit owners apply for a solar rebate?”
“Can strata install solar panels?”

The answer is: yes, apartment residents may be able to benefit from solar, but the application and approval process usually needs to go through the owners corporation or authorised strata manager.

If you live in an apartment building, the best place to start is by raising the opportunity with your strata committee or strata manager.

To be eligible for the standard SoAR grant, buildings generally need to meet a number of criteria.

The building must generally:

• Be an apartment building or multi-unit residential dwelling
• Have at least 3 residential lots and no more than 55 residential lots
• Be a completed development at the time of application
• Be located in NSW
• Be registered under the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015
• Have an active strata insurance policy
• Not have had a solar PV system installed in the last 10 years

This makes the grant especially relevant for small to mid-sized apartment buildings across Sydney, including older walk-up unit blocks, boutique strata buildings, townhouse complexes and medium-density apartments.

Buildings with suitable roof space, limited shading and an engaged strata committee are often the strongest candidates for shared solar.

Sydney has thousands of apartment buildings and strata complexes, many of which have roof space that is not being used to generate energy.

At the same time, electricity costs remain a concern for residents, owners corporations and property managers. Shared solar can help reduce electricity bills, improve building efficiency and give apartment residents access to the benefits of solar without needing a private roof.

For many Sydney apartment buildings, solar may help:

• reduce electricity costs for participating residents
• Lower common property electricity costs, depending on the system design
• Make better use of existing roof space
• Improve the building’s sustainability profile
• Support future planning for batteries and EV charging
• Increase appeal for owners, renters and buyers
• Reduce reliance on grid electricity

For owners corporations, the key is to make the proposal clear. Residents need to understand the cost, expected savings, ownership structure, maintenance requirements and how the solar benefits will be shared.

That is where a proper strata solar assessment becomes essential.

Shared solar allows electricity generated from a rooftop solar system to be distributed across participating apartments or residential lots.

The exact setup depends on the building.

Some apartment buildings may use solar sharing technology. Some may have an embedded network. Some may be able to offset common property power as part of a broader energy plan. Others may need switchboard, meter board or wiring upgrades before solar is practical.

The SoAR grant is specifically focused on shared rooftop solar systems that benefit apartment residents. Solar systems that only provide energy to common areas are not eligible under the standard grant.

That does not mean common area solar is a bad idea. It simply means it may sit outside the main SoAR funding pathway.

For strata buildings, there are usually two different conversations:

Common area solar

This may help reduce owners corporation electricity costs for shared services such as hallway lighting, car park lighting, lifts, pumps, ventilation systems, intercoms and security systems.

Shared apartment solar

This is designed to help residents access solar savings from a shared rooftop system and is the main focus of the SoAR grant.

A good solar installer should be able to explain which option is suitable for your building and whether your strata complex may be grant eligible.

No. Under the current eligible and ineligible items listed for the program, batteries and EV chargers are not eligible for SoAR grant funding.

However, this does not mean strata buildings should ignore batteries or EV charging.

Many apartment buildings are already thinking about future energy needs, including:

• EV charging infrastructur
• Solar battery storage
• Switchboard upgrades
• Meter board capacity
• Common property electrical loads
• Future resident energy demand

The best approach is to design the solar system properly now, while also understanding what may be possible in the future.

For example, a strata building may choose to install shared solar first, then plan separately for EV charging or battery storage later if the building’s electrical infrastructure can support it.

Eligible funding may cover a range of items directly related to the solar installation.

This can include:

• Solar panel
• Solar inverters
• Solar mounting equipment
• Solar power sharing devices
• Grid protection equipment
• Monitoring equipment
• Solar cabling and balance of system equipment
• Labour for installation
• Temporary safety equipment
• Structural engineering reports
• Some solar-related connection and commissioning costs

The program also allows some enabling works where they are directly required for the solar system to function safely and effectively. This may include certain meter board upgrades, wiring upgrades, communications cabling or roof works required because of the solar installation.

This is another reason a proper site assessment matters. Before a strata committee can understand the real cost of solar, the building needs to know whether any supporting electrical, access or structural works may be required.

Because apartment solar usually involves common property, the owners corporation normally needs to approve the project.

Recent NSW strata changes have also placed more focus on sustainability infrastructure. Owners corporations must consider sustainability at each annual general meeting, including common property energy and water consumption and expenditure. They must also consider costs for sustainability infrastructure, such as solar panels and electricity meters, when preparing capital works fund estimates.

For strata committees, this makes solar a practical agenda item, not just a “nice to have”.

Before moving ahead, the owners corporation should understand:

• the proposed solar system size
• estimated project cost
• expected electricity savings
• who will own the system
• who will maintain the system
• which residents or lots can access the benefit
• whether the system affects common property
• how grant funding may apply
• what electrical or access works may be needed

The clearer the proposal, the easier it is for owners to make an informed decision

The first step should be a feasibility assessment, not a formal vote.

Before asking owners to approve a solar project, the strata committee should understand whether solar is practical for the building.

A good first-stage assessment should look at:

• Available roof space
• Roof condition and orientation
• Shading from trees or nearby buildings
• Main switchboard condition
• Meter board setup
• Number of residential lots
• Common property electricity loads
• Resident usage patterns
• Inverter location
• Cable routes
• Safe roof access
• Structural requirements
• Grant eligibility
• Future battery or EV charger planning

Once this information is clear, the owners corporation can move forward with more confidence.

Strata solar is more complex than a standard residential solar installation.

Apartment buildings often have shared infrastructure, common property rules, access constraints, roof safety issues, multiple stakeholders and more complex electrical systems.

A local Sydney solar installer can help assess:

• Whether the roof is suitabl
• Whether the building is likely to qualify for grant funding
• Whether the switchboard can support solar
• How the system may be shared between residents
• What documentation may be needed
• How to explain the proposal to the strata committee
• Whether future batteries or EV charging should be considered

MPV Solar is Sydney-based and works across solar, battery and electrical solutions. That matters for apartment buildings because strata solar is not only about panels. It is also about safe electrical design, compliance, practical installation planning and long-term support.

For owners corporations and strata managers, the right installer should make the process easier to understand from the start.

The strongest candidates for apartment solar are usually buildings with:

• 3 to 55 residential lots
• Good roof space
• Minimal shading
• Safe roof access
• A suitable main switchboard
• Active strata insurance
• No solar PV system installed in the past 10 years
• An engaged strata committee
• Residents interested in reducing electricity costs
• Clear ownership and maintenance planning

This may include apartment buildings and unit blocks in suburbs such as Marrickville, Newtown, Dulwich Hill, Ashfield, Leichhardt, Balmain, Rozelle, Camperdown, Randwick, Coogee, Bondi, Chatswood, Lane Cove, Ryde, Parramatta, Cronulla, Sutherland and across wider Sydney.

If your building has roof space and a proactive strata committee, it may be worth investigating solar now.

MPV Solar helps Sydney homeowners, businesses and strata buildings make smarter solar decisions with clear advice, practical system design and professional installation.

For apartment buildings, MPV Solar can help with:

• Solar feasibility assessments
• Roof and shading reviews
• Electrical and switchboard considerations
• Shared solar system options
• Grant-ready solar quotes
• Strata committee support
• Solar panel installation
• Future battery and EV charger planning
  ongoing advice and support

The goal is not to sell a generic solar system. The goal is to design the right solar solution for the building.

Every strata complex is different. Some buildings may be excellent candidates for shared solar. Others may need electrical upgrades first. Some may be better suited to a staged approach.

MPV Solar can help your strata committee understand the options before committing to the next step.

If your Sydney apartment building is interested in solar, the process does not need to feel overwhelming.

A simple pathway looks like this:

1. Raise solar with your strata committee

Start by asking whether the building is open to exploring shared solar, the NSW SoAR grant or SoAR Boost.

2. Book a solar feasibility assessment

MPV Solar can assess the building’s roof space, electrical setup, solar potential and key installation considerations.

3. Review grant eligibility

Your strata committee or strata manager can check whether the building may be eligible for the standard SoAR grant or SoAR Boost.

4. Prepare a clear proposal

A strong proposal should explain system size, estimated costs, likely savings, grant options, approval requirements and next steps.

5. Take the proposal to owners

Once the details are clear, the owners corporation can consider the project with confidence.

6. Progress the application and installation

If approved, the project can move through the required grant, documentation, installation and commissioning stages.

If your Sydney apartment building or strata complex is considering solar, MPV Solar can help assess your roof, review your electrical setup, explain your grant options and prepare a practical solar proposal for your strata committee or owners corporation.

Talk to MPV Solar today about apartment solar, strata solar and NSW SoAR grant-ready solar systems in Sydney.