If you live in an apartment or unit in Victoria (VIC), you’ve probably watched homeowners cover their rooftops in solar panels while wondering why your building couldn’t do the same. Until recently, the barriers were real—shared roofs, multiple meters, and the challenge of getting an Owners Corporation to agree.
The state’s Solar for Apartments rebate is designed to change that. Worth up to $140,000 per building, it makes installing a shared solar system not just possible, but financially compelling.
The catch is that it only works if your Owners Corporation applies, and the clock is already ticking with applications closing in April 2026.
For residents, whether you own or rent, that means one thing: your next building meeting could decide whether you save hundreds each year on energy bills or continue paying more than you need to.
What VIC’s Solar for Apartments rebate means for your building
The Solar for Apartments rebate offers up to $2,800 per household and as much as $140,000 per building. For a medium-sized block that covers a significant portion of the installation costs.
In plain terms, it means the financial barrier that usually stops apartments from considering solar is much lower. Aside from the upfront discount, the benefit is that, once installed, a shared system can cut individual household bills by around $500 a year. That saving flows directly to residents!
The rebate also requires that any solar system installed have a payback period of ten years or less. That condition matters because it ensures the project will not just sit on the roof as a token green upgrade. Instead, it must deliver measurable returns within a timeframe that makes sense for households. In other words, you’re not being asked to take a leap of faith—the numbers have to stack up before approval is granted.
Who needs to take action?
Unlike solar rebates for detached homes, apartment residents cannot apply as individuals. The decision rests with the Owners Corporation. That means the rebate is only unlocked if the Owners Corporation lodges the application and approves the installation.
The key point for residents is that this isn’t just a technical upgrade, but a collective choice. A motion has to be raised, discussed, and passed, just like any other building matter. If nobody brings it to the table, the rebate goes unused. If enough owners agree, the building can access thousands of dollars in support before the April 2026 deadline.
The role of the Owners Corporation can sound like a hurdle, but it is also a safeguard. It ensures that the solar system is installed on common property, shared family, and meets the requirements of delivering a clear financial return. For apartment dwellers, that means your opportunity is tied directly to what happens in your next meeting.
Why renters should care
It is easy to assume that solar rebates are only relevant to property owners, but this program has been designed with renters in mind. Around half of the households that have taken up the Solar for Apartments rebate so far are rentals. The key is that the savings are tied to the electricity accounts in each unit, not just to the ownership of the building. Once the system is installed and configured, residents see the benefit directly through lower energy bills.
For tenants, this rebate can turn a landlord’s upgrade into real monthly savings. For landlords, it strengthens the appeal of their property in a rental market where energy costs are a growing concern. The arrangement works because the rebate requires that savings are shared fairly across the households connected to the system. That means a renter does not need to wait until they buy a home to see the advantages of solar—the opportunity to cut costs is already at their front door.
Why timing matters
The Solar for Apartments rebate is not open-ended. Applications for this round close in April 2026, and only a fixed number of rebates are available. Once the allocation is used, the funding ends, even if your building is eligible. For apartment dwellers, this makes timing critical.
Every building that applies early increases its chance of securing support, while those that wait risk missing out altogether. The process of passing a motion in an Owners Corporation can take months, especially if residents need time to review quotes or debate options. That is why bringing the rebate up at the next meeting is so important. By the time deadlines and budgets approach, many buildings may find they have left it too late.
Take the next step
The Solar for Apartments rebate is a rare chance for apartment residents to share in the savings that homeowners have long enjoyed. Whether you own or rent, the outcome depends on your building acting before the deadline. Raise it at your next Owners Corporation meeting and make sure your share of the rebate doesn’t go to waste.
Energy Matters has been in the solar industry since 2005 and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence.
Complete our quick Solar Quote Quiz to receive up to 3 FREE solar quotes from trusted local installers – it’ll only take you a few minutes and is completely obligation-free.
