NSW Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) Grant
As of February 28th, 2025 the Australian and New South Wales (NSW) Governments have launched the NSW Solar for Apartment Residents Grant, providing $25 million in funding to help apartment buildings and multi-unit dwellings install shared solar systems.
Residential owners corporations can now apply for up to $150,000 per project, covering 50% of the total cost of a new shared solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This initiative aims to help apartment residents, including renters, lower their energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Applications are open now, but funding is limited—so strata committees should act fast!
We expect there to be funding for around 500 strata buildings and its first in best dressed. We’re happy to help you get your application in today and support you through the next steps.
Key Information
- Applications: Open Now
- Deadline: 5 PM, December 1, 2025, or earlier if funds are fully allocated
- Funding Available: Up to $150,000 per project
- Government Contribution: 50% of total project costs
- Administered By: NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Talk to an experienced Solar Choice consultant about options for your Strata Building
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply?
Only the following entities can apply for the grant:
- Owners corporations responsible for managing a strata scheme under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.
- Strata managing agents authorized by the owners corporation to submit an application.
Note: Individual apartment residents cannot apply directly but can encourage their owners corporation or strata management to apply.
Eligible Buildings
To qualify for the grant, the building must:
- Be an apartment building or multi-unit residential dwelling.
- Be a completed development at the time of application.
- Not have had a solar PV system installed in the last 10 years.
- Be located in NSW.
- Be registered under the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015.
- Have active strata insurance.
What the Grant Covers
The grant provides funding for the following solar installation costs:
- Solar panels
- Solar inverters
- Solar mounting systems
- Solar sharing technology
- Labour costs for installation
- Safety equipment
- Essential meter board upgrades (only if required for system functionality)
- Wiring upgrades for solar connection
- Roof waterproofing (only if necessary due to solar installation)
Application Process
The application process consists of two stages:
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI to determine eligibility.
Stage 2: Full Application
Once eligibility is confirmed, submit a full application, including:
- 3 Quotes for the solar PV installation.
- A sustainability infrastructure resolution passed at a strata meeting, confirming the decision to install shared solar and the agreement to share costs and benefits among residents.
Assessment Criteria:
- The payback period for the shared solar system must be within 10 years.
- The project must demonstrate cost-effectiveness and value for money.
- A reasonable cost compared to similar projects.
- A clear plan for implementation.
- The owners corporation must demonstrate capacity and capability to complete the project.
Grant Payment Schedule
Grant funding is released in three stages:
- 20% upon signing the funding agreement.
- 40% once 50% of solar panels are installed.
- 40% upon completion and final reporting.
Financial Contribution Requirement
The owners corporation must contribute 50% of the total project cost. This grant will not cover:
- The cost of replacing an existing system.
- Ongoing maintenance costs.
How to Apply
Owners corporations and strata managers can apply now by visiting the official NSW Government website and following these steps:
- Review the grant guidelines: Read the Guidelines or contact Solar Choice to seek advice on suitability of your building
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to determine eligibility.
- Gather required documents, including quotes for installation.
- Pass a sustainability infrastructure resolution at a strata meeting.
- Complete and submit a full application before December 1, 2025.
Explore Your Apartment Solar Options – No Obligations
Background of the Solar Banks Program
The Solar Banks (aka solar garden) program is part of the NSW Grant Solar for Apartments initiative. Similar solar incentives were introduced in ACT and VIC under the Solar Banks Program. This initiative is a response to the growing need for renewable energy sources in urban settings, where apartment living is prevalent, and access to solar energy has historically been limited.
Final Thoughts
The NSW Solar for Apartment Residents Grant is a significant opportunity for apartment owners and strata committees to install shared solar systems, benefiting both residents and the environment. With up to $150,000 in funding per project, this program makes solar energy more accessible and affordable for multi-unit dwellings across NSW.
Solar Choice can assist you in navigating the application process, assessing feasibility, and securing the best solar installation solutions for your strata building.
Get Started Today!
Click below to speak with a Solar Choice consultant and explore your building’s eligibility for the NSW Solar for Apartment Residents Grant.
Talk to an experienced Solar Choice consultant about options for your Strata Building
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the Solar for Apartment Residents Grant cover?
How much funding is available?
Which locations are eligible?
Who can apply for the grant?
What is the application process?
How is the grant assessed?
When do applications close?
Does the owners corporation need to contribute funding?
How is the funding paid?
Will the grant cover ongoing maintenance costs?
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