A Northcote complex has become the first to have solar installed as part of the $16 million Solar for Apartments program in Victoria.
Jointly funded by the state and federal governments, the program aims to reduce the energy bills of residents living in apartments.
The Northcote complex received $39,200 to install a solar system that will connect 14 apartments to renewable energy that is expected to save residents up to $500 a year off their energy bill.
Solar Victoria received 438 applications from owners’ corporations for 12,000KW of solar capacity, covering more than 5,000 apartments during the first round of the program.
The Victorian Government said that the apartment residents will be able to use the cheap energy generated by the sun to power their appliances, including one of the biggest energy costs – heating.
Renters will also get to access the benefits. Approximately 65 per cent of Victorian apartment residents are renters – this program will allow them to reduce their energy bills, expanding the country’s only solar rebate program for renters.
Successful applicants receive rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment, or up to $140,000 per building for up to 50 apartments.
Applications for round two of the Solar for Apartments program will open in August 2024.
Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said, “We are helping Victorians living in apartments to take control of their energy bills and reap the benefits of cheap, renewable energy by reducing upfront costs and streamlining the installation process.”
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said, “We want to make it cheaper and easier for apartment residents to install solar on their rooftop so they too can take advantage of cleaner, cheaper solar to provide cost-of-living relief.”
“In the past it’s been difficult for apartment residents to reap the benefits of cleaner, cheaper solar – this program will help overcome those barriers and power more Australian homes with renewables.”
Victorian Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous, said, “Renewables are being embraced right across the inner north. We are making sure apartment owners and renters are not left behind in the energy transition by supporting them to install solar on apartment rooftops.”
Image credit: Mariana Serdynska/Shutterstock.com.
