About the grants
The Solar for apartment residents grants will fund new shared solar photovoltaic (PV) system installations on eligible apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings in NSW.
A total of $25 million in funding is available with up to $150,000 per project.
Funding is available for apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings across NSW.
The following products and services are covered under this grant:
- solar panels
- solar inverters
- solar mounting
- solar sharing technology
- labour for solar installation
- safety equipment
- essential meter board upgrade where there is clear evidence that it is required for the solar system to function effectively
- wiring upgrade for solar connection purposes only
- roof waterproofing only where required due to the solar installation.
The Australian Government is funding this grant and it is being administered by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The SoAR program only funds solar PV installations on buildings managed by a residential owner’s corporation under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.
The program is focussed on buildings managed under a strata scheme with an active Owners Corporation, because they have clearly defined frameworks for shared ownership, decision-making and common area maintenance, as outlined in the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. This ensures the installation of the solar system on common property benefits all owners within the strata scheme. This requirement was set by the Australian Government who funds this program.
The total system cost quoted in your application must be the amount after the STC discount has been applied.
This means the 50% rebate is calculated on the total cost of the solar PV system after STCs have been applied.
SoAR will not fund any interest payments for solar PV installation costs. If you wish to take up a financed option for solar PV installation, you are required to pay for any interest payments from your strata capital works fund. The total system cost quoted in your application must be the upfront cost, not the financed cost that includes interest repayments.
The total system cost quoted in your application should exclude GST.
The Solar for Apartment Residents grant program is designed to target medium density residential developments with 3 to 55 units. This is because it is generally challenging to generate enough energy from a solar PV system on a larger apartment complex to make payback period economical and achieve economies of scale.
Therefore, the 3–55 residential lot range ensures the grant supports the majority of strata scheme residents without excessive installation expenses.
Applying
To be eligible to apply for this grant you must be either:
- a residential owners corporation responsible for the management of a strata scheme under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015
- a strata managing agent as outlined in the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, if authorised to do so by the owners corporation.
The grant has 2 stages for applicants:
- Stage 1 – submit an expression of interest to check eligibility
- Stage 2 – submit a full application based on quotes for installation of a suitable shared solar PV system. You will need to pass a sustainability infrastructure resolution at a strata meeting prior to submitting the application for stage 2.
You may wish to obtain independent advice from a solar consultant or a solar feasibility assessment to help the owners corporation and residents understand the benefits, including the payback period, of a shared solar PV system.
Your application will be assessed against the following criteria as a pass or fail:
- the payback period for the shared solar PV system is within 10 years, this is the time it takes for you to save as much money on your energy bill as you paid for the initial solar PV system
- a sustainability infrastructure resolution has been passed and it has been agreed that the costs and benefits of the solar PV system will be shared proportionately with all residents.
A numerical scoring system will be used to evaluate applications against the following criteria:
- demonstrated project effectiveness to deliver the grant’s objectives, including how the benefits of the system will be shared and distributed proportionately
- the project is value for money and a reasonable cost (compared to similar projects)
- the method proposed to undertake the work is sound
- capacity and capability of the applicant to undertake the proposed project.
A score of 5 out of 10 or greater is required against each criterion for the application to be funded.
Applications are open now and close at 5 pm 1 December 2025 or earlier if the funds are fully allocated.
Yes, the owners corporation will need to contribute 50% of the total cost.
Grant funding will be paid in 3 instalments:
- 20% once the funding agreement for the project is signed by both parties
- 40% when the project is at 50% of solar panels installed
- 40% when the installation is completed and final reporting provided.
No, the grant will cover 50% of the cost of purchasing and installing the shared solar PV system. It will not pay for replacement of an existing system or ongoing maintenance.
If you can’t complete the installation before March 2026, let us know early so we can discuss your options. Email us at [email protected].
Getting help
For any enquiries about the grant, email us at [email protected].
Apply for the grants
Owners corporations can apply now for funding to install shared solar systems on your apartment building. The grants will cover 50% of the cost, which will add value to homes and help residents save on their electricity bills.