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Units Missing Out on Solar's Sunny Benefits
18 Jul
Summary
- Apartment dwellers significantly trail homeowners in solar adoption.
- Shared roof space and complex rules hinder unit solar installations.
- Innovative tech like SolShare offers solutions for apartment solar.

Many Australians residing in apartments are missing out on the advantages of rooftop solar energy. Research indicates that only 6% of apartment dwellers have adopted solar, a stark contrast to the 39% of homeowners who have embraced this technology. Barriers such as shared roof access, body corporate regulations, and electricity metering complexities significantly disadvantage those living in multi-unit dwellings.
Despite these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging to democratize solar energy access. Technologies like Allume Energy's SolShare enable shared solar systems to distribute power equitably among apartments, simplifying the process. This system acts as an energy allocator, maximizing savings for all residents. While New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory offer incentives, navigating strata association decisions for common property remains a key hurdle for apartment owners.