Solar rebate saves $75K for Vic apartment residents

A Solahart Eastern Ranges large-scale PV solution has allowed the residents of Anderson Street, Templestowe, to future-proof against rising energy bills and save on upfront costs as part of Solar Victoria’s Solar for Apartments rebate program.

Since launching in February 2024, this Australian–Victorian Government joint initiative has helped more than 3200 families living in multi-unit dwellings install rooftop solar.

“The Solar for Apartments program has been transformative in ensuring all Victorians can access the benefits of renewable energy, regardless of whether they rent, own, or what type of home they live in,” said Solahart Eastern Ranges General Manager Mark Baker. “We’re proud to have worked with Solar Victoria and Enphase to complete this significant project under the scheme that will significantly lower energy bills for residents for many years to come.”

Clearing the path to affordable energy

Templestowe apartment owner Pauline Parris noticed her power costs consistently rising and wanted to find a solution to combat this.

“Aware that our energy rates were increasing each year, we had to find a way to take back control and gain some independence. Owning an apartment with shared roof space meant that installing solar was always going to be a community effort, but we knew we were not the only residents here experiencing bill shock,” Parris said.

After learning about the Solar for Apartments program, 27 unit owners opted into the scheme, with a further 12 opting into a separate shared system. With the committee on board, the job was put out to tender.

“Reviewing proposals from different solar companies, we wanted to go with a local, trusted provider that offered long-term warranties and a comprehensive system that would meet the varying energy needs of different units,” Parris said.

“Solahart Eastern Ranges was the clear choice. With the brand’s 70-year rich history and premium product offering, the team was able to develop a bespoke solution that offered flexibility and the opportunity to expand in the future.”

A custom solution designed for multi-unit living

Finding a system that suits an apartment complex is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and, according to Baker, can present unique technical challenges.

“It’s certainly not as simple as installing a generic system. This project required seamless integration with the existing building infrastructure and electrical system. We also needed a multifaceted solution to address factors, such as the building type, roof structure and varying needs of the residents in the design,” Baker said.

The 27 owners participating in the Solar Victoria scheme could choose to install two, three or four 480 W Solahart SunCell Commercial Panels. The remaining 12 owners can opt into a shared 5 kW Solar Community Board supported by 11 panels.

Solahart Eastern Ranges at the Templestowe apartment block. Image: Supplied

Underpinning the project is the Enphase microinverter solar system, which enables panel-level optimisation and monitoring, allowing residents and building managers to track energy production and consumption per apartment in real time.

“We chose Enphase’s technology as it was important to ensure the architecture would match the requirements of two, three and four-bedroom dwellings, offering superior performance and reliability,” Baker said.

Driving collective energy savings through solar innovation

Thanks to the Solar for Apartments program, the Templestowe apartment block saved $75,600 on the installation costs across the 27 participating units.

These residents are also set to enjoy generous annual cost savings on their energy bills of approximately:

• Two panels (960 W system): $320 per annum.
• Three panels (1.44 kW system): $480 per annum.
• Four panels (1.92 kW system): $640 per annum.
   

The 12 apartments outside the Solar Victoria scheme, powered by the shared 5 kW Solar Community Board, are set to see $2380 in savings in the first year, with a proposed three-year return on investment.

“We are delighted to now experience firsthand the cost-saving and environmental benefits of solar power, something that, as an apartment owner, we were initially unsure was possible. Solahart Eastern Ranges was with us through every stage of the project, providing expert knowledge and support to ensure each resident had the best system for their property,” Parris said.

The Victorian Solar for Apartments scheme has recently been extended — residents now have until 30 June 2027 to tap into additional rebates to support their renewable energy transition.

Top image caption: Solahart panels installed at Templestowe. Image: Supplied