With thousands of Victorians investing in rooftop solar to save on their energy bills, the State Government has announced that it will extend the application period for its $16 million Solar for Apartments program until 31 May, after experiencing high levels of demand.
Since applications opened on 13 February, 143 apartment buildings housing 2,477 apartments have applied for the program, with many more expressing interest – extending the application period will give those apartment residents yet to submit an application more time – ensuring they don’t miss out on the first round of grants.
Successful applicants will receive rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment, or up to $140,000 per building for up to 50 apartments to install solar panels on their rooftop – helping them slash their energy bills, upgrade apartments, and reduce emissions.
The program will deliver up to 5,000 solar PV system rebates for Victorians living in apartment buildings and by installing a shared solar system, apartment residents can save up to $500 a year on their power bill.
The program is available to low to mid-size apartment buildings up to eight storeys with between 5 to 50 apartments.
The take up of solar on apartments has been much lower due to the complexity and costs, and Solar for Apartments is helping fix this by reducing upfront costs and streamlining the installation process.
To be eligible for funding, the building must also not be a retirement village, commercial building or owned by a local council, property developer or community housing organisation.
Solar Victoria has worked closely with industry, local government, and strata community representatives to develop the program so that apartment households can reap the benefits of solar.
Ms D’Ambrosio said, “We have seen huge interest from apartment residents – that’s why we have extended applications for the program, to give more Victorians the chance to go solar and slash their power bills.”
Member for Southern Metropolitan Region, Ryan Batchelor, said, “It’s been difficult for apartment residents to reap the benefits of solar – this program is helping remove those barriers and power more Victorian homes with cheap and clean renewables.”
