solar in a Southeast Melbourne Apartment
This contemporary 12-unit apartment building in Melbourne’s southeast, has a single owner who installed a SolShare solar system. Now every tenant has access to on-site renewable energy. It’s a renters dream!
The progressive owner of this low rise complex was eager to:
Do his part for the planet
Increase the value of his property
Reduce common area energy costs
Increase the amenity and attractiveness of the apartments to entice and retain good tenants
An Allume Energy Solshare system was installed, which essentially pipes electricity down from the building’s one large solar system, into the SolShare unit, which splits the energy according to the demand in the building at the time.
In this building, the solar electricity is distributed to each apartments and to the common area. However, the SolShare system can be set up to distribute in any way the owners wish so if some apartment owners want to opt out, they can.
What was the result?
The average savings for residents is approximately $407 per apartment per year! Additionally, SolShare has reduced the common area light and power bill by more than 27%.
“Renters are often beholden to ever-rising energy prices and the least energy efficient homes, so it’s great to see a landlord embracing innovative solutions for their tenants!” Lindsey Guest of Allume Energy told us.
Funding solar
This installation was funded by the landlord, who could see the long-term benefits of the investment.
Since this installation was completed, the Victorian Government has opened the Solar for Apartments Program. As at July 2024, the program provides grants of up to $2,800 per eligible apartment to install a solar system.
Finding the right solar solution for your building
There are a range of technologies that support the installation of either shared or individual solar systems for apartments. You can read more about Allume’s approach in their Unlock Solar publication.
For help considering what type of system might work best in your building, check out the Yarra Energy Foundation’s Guide to Solar for Apartments.
