Solar Panels for Apartments and Strata Buildings in NSW

Can You Install Solar on an Apartment Building?

Yes, but it's more complex than a house. Solar on strata buildings typically works in one of three ways:

• Common property solar: Panels on the roof power common areas (lifts, lights, pool pumps). Reduces strata levies for all owners.
• Shared solar: Panels generate power that's distributed to individual units via embedded networks or virtual metering.
• Individual unit solar: Rare, but possible if you have exclusive roof access (e.g. top-floor penthouse with a terrace).

Getting Strata Approval

Under NSW strata law, installing solar on common property (the roof) requires a special resolution at a general meeting. This means at least 75% of votes must be in favour, with no more than 25% against.

Steps to get approval:

1. Get a feasibility study done - Show the committee the financial case. Include system cost, projected savings on common area electricity, and payback period.
2. Present at a committee meeting - Get informal support before the formal vote.
3. Put it to a general meeting - Special resolution required for any work on common property.
4. Engage an installer experienced with strata - Not all installers handle strata jobs. Look for ones with body corporate experience.

How Shared Solar Works in Practice

The most common setup for apartment buildings is solar on the roof powering common area electricity. A typical 30-unit apartment building might install a 20-30kW system that covers:

• Lift operation
• Common area lighting
• Car park ventilation
• Pool and spa pumps
• Garden irrigation
• Fire safety systems

This can reduce common area electricity costs by 50-70%, directly lowering strata levies for all owners.

Embedded Networks: Solar for Individual Units

Some newer buildings use embedded networks where a single electricity connection serves the whole building. In these setups, solar generation can be shared across individual units using virtual metering software.

Companies like Allume Energy (SolShare) offer technology that physically splits solar power from a single rooftop system to multiple units. This means each unit gets a share of solar generation, not just the common areas.

Costs and Savings for Strata Solar

Challenges to Be Aware Of

• Roof space competition: Air conditioning units, water tanks, and other equipment may limit available roof area.
• Structural assessment: Older buildings may need a structural engineer to confirm the roof can support panels.
• Getting 75% approval: Owners who don't live in the building (investors) may be harder to convince. Lead with the financial case.
• Metering complexity: Distributing solar to individual units requires additional hardware and ongoing management.
• Body corporate insurance: Ensure the system is covered under the building's insurance policy.

Tips for Getting Your Building On Board

1. Lead with money, not environment. Not everyone cares about carbon emissions, but everyone cares about lower levies.
2. Get multiple quotes. Show the committee you've done your homework.
3. Find a champion on the committee. Having an insider advocating for solar makes approval much more likely.
4. Address maintenance upfront. Explain that modern systems require minimal maintenance and come with 10-25 year warranties.
5. Mention the grant. Free government money is a powerful motivator.

What If Your Strata Won't Approve Solar?

If you can't get solar on your building, you still have options:

• GreenPower: Pay a small premium to your retailer for 100% renewable energy.
• Community solar: Invest in a solar farm and receive credits on your electricity bill.
• Balcony solar: Small plug-in panels (300-800W) that connect to a powerpoint. Limited output but no strata approval needed in most cases.