Living in an apartment doesn't have to mean missing out on solar benefits. While it's certainly harder than slapping panels on a house roof, there are growing options for unit owners and renters in 2026. From body corporate solar to virtual power plants, here's what's available.
Body Corporate (Strata) Solar
The most direct path is a shared solar system on your building's roof. This requires body corporate approval — typically a special resolution (75% of votes). The system powers common areas (lifts, hallways, pool, garage lighting) and reduces everyone's levies. Some buildings go further with individual metering, allocating solar credits to each unit. The Victorian government's Solar Homes Program has funded embedded network solar in apartment buildings, and similar programs are expanding to other states.
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs)
VPPs let you benefit from solar without panels on your building. You sign up with a VPP provider (like Simply Energy, AGL, or Amber Electric), and they credit your account as if you had solar. The energy comes from distributed solar and battery systems elsewhere. The credits aren't as high as owning your own panels, but it's a genuine way to access solar economics from an apartment.
Community Solar Programs
Community solar (also called solar gardens or shared solar) allows multiple households to invest in a shared off-site solar installation and receive credits on their electricity bills. These programs are growing in Australia, with providers like Enova Community Energy, SolarShare, and others operating in NSW, VIC, and ACT. You typically pay a subscription fee and receive credits proportional to your share.
Renter Solar Options
Portable solar panels, balcony systems, and renter-specific programs are emerging. Queensland's new solar rebate for renters (launched 2026) covers portable solar battery kits. Some states are pushing landlord incentives to install solar on rental properties, with costs recovered through slightly higher rent. Plug-in balcony solar systems (popular in Europe) are starting to appear in Australia, though network rules around them are still evolving.
What Can You Do Now?
If you own your unit: talk to your body corporate about shared solar — the economics are increasingly compelling, especially for buildings with high common area electricity costs. If you rent: check if your state has renter solar programs, consider a VPP, or switch to a green electricity plan. Our scorecard can still estimate your solar potential — even for apartments — to help you understand what you'd save if solar becomes available to your building.