Solar for Apartments: A Complete Guide to NSW Solar Grants in 2026:
The new 2026 NSW Solar Grant program is a great opportunity for multi-unit apartment dwellers to significantly reduce the cost of installing shared solar systems on their rooftops. The initiative not only aims to reduce electricity bills but also to make homes more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Despite the many creative and technical challenges, strata committees and residents can easily participate through simple rules and financial support. These grants provide the necessary support for the installation of solar panels, inverters, and other ancillary equipment. With proper planning and professional support, this program can ensure long-term savings and sustainability for multi-unit buildings.
What Are Solar Grants for Apartments in NSW?
Solar Grants for multi-unit apartments in NSW are government-provided financial assistance that helps strata communities reduce the cost of installing shared solar systems. These strata solar programs are specifically designed to install rooftop solar panels and inverters. In addition, many residents can benefit from reduced electricity bills by using shared solar system apartments. The program not only saves money but also helps to move towards an environmentally friendly lifestyle. With proper planning and committee support, these grants can ensure long-term benefits for multi-unit buildings.
What Is the SoAR Grant?
The SoAR Grant (Solar for Apartment Residents) is a NSW Government program in Australia that funds shared rooftop solar for strata apartment buildings. It applies to buildings with 3 to 55 units.
The government covers up to 50% of solar system costs, capped at $150,000 per building. A Boost tier covers 80%, capped at $200,000, for buildings in lower-income postcodes.
Owners, corporations, or strata managing agents submit applications. The grant pays for solar panels, inverters, and smart meters, but not batteries. Applications close 30 March 2026.
How Much Money Can a Strata Building Get in Australia?
A strata building in Australia can receive anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $200,000 in government funding, depending on the state, program, and project size. For solar projects, the largest current grants are available in NSW, where eligible strata buildings can receive up to $150,000 per project under the Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) program, or up to $200,000 in selected suburbs through the SoAR Boost program. Victoria also offers rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment, capped at $140,000 per building.
Strata Building Funding in Australia
| State | Program | Maximum Funding | Funding Type | Who Can Apply |
| NSW | Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) | Up to $150,000 per building | Covers up to 50% of eligible solar installation costs | Owners, corporations, and strata managers |
| NSW (Selected Suburbs) | SoAR Boost | Up to $200,000 per building | Covers up to 80% of eligible project costs | Eligible owners’ corporations in selected suburbs |
| Victoria | Solar for Apartments Program | Up to $2,800 per apartment (maximum $140,000 per building) | Solar rebate | Owners corporations |
| Other States | Local council and state sustainability grants | Varies | Energy efficiency, EV charging, batteries, sustainability upgrades | Depends on the program |
Note*: Funding amounts and eligibility vary by state and may change over time.
Who Is Eligible for the Strata Solar Grant?
The NSW Strata Solar Grant is available to eligible residential owners corporations (body corporates) and authorised strata managing agents that manage qualifying apartment buildings or townhouse complexes in New South Wales. Individual apartment owners and tenants cannot apply directly.
Eligible Applicants
The grant is designed for residential strata communities in NSW. You may be eligible if you are:
- A residential owners corporation managing a strata scheme.
- An authorised strata managing agent applying on behalf of the owners corporation.
- A nominated resident who has written approval from the owners’ corporation to submit the application.
Eligible Buildings
Not every apartment building qualifies. Your building generally must:
- Be located in New South Wales (NSW).
- Be a residential apartment building or an eligible strata-managed townhouse complex.
- Have 3 to 55 residential lots.
- Have a shared rooftop that is common property.
- Be a completed development.
- Not have installed a shared solar PV system within the last 10 years.
Who Cannot Apply?
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Individual apartment owners.
- Renters or tenants.
- Government agencies.
- Private businesses.
- Community housing providers.
- Educational institutions and local councils.
What Does the SoAR Grant Cover — and What Doesn’t It Cover?
The Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) Grant helps eligible NSW strata buildings pay for shared rooftop solar systems. It covers part of the installation cost, but not every project expense.
What the SoAR Grant Covers
The grant can help pay for:
- Shared rooftop solar PV panels.
- Solar inverters and mounting equipment.
- Electrical installation and connection.
- Professional design, engineering, and project management.
- Labour costs for installing the solar system.
What the SoAR Grant Doesn’t Cover
The grant does not cover:
- Solar batteries.
- EV chargers.
- Roof repairs or maintenance.
- Ongoing maintenance costs.
- General building upgrades unrelated to the solar project.
- Projects that started before grant approval.
Where Do You Apply for the SoAR Grant?
You can apply for the Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) Grant through the official NSW Government grants portal. Applications must be submitted online by an eligible owners corporation or an authorised strata managing agent.
Apply Through the NSW Government
Visit the official SoAR Grant webpage on the NSW Government website. The online portal includes the application form, eligibility rules, required documents, and application deadlines. Make sure you read the program guidelines before submitting your application.
What You’ll Need
Before applying, prepare:
- Owners’ corporation approval.
- Building and strata details.
- Quotes from eligible solar installers.
- Any required supporting documents.
The SoAR Grant application is completed online through the NSW Government website. Only eligible applicants can submit an application, and all required documents must be included for assessment.
What Costs Are Covered Under the Solar Grant?
Strata grants cover a wide range of costs, making it easier to install shared solar systems in multi-unit apartments. These typically include the solar rebate for strata buildings, such as solar panels, inverters, mounting equipment, and electrical wiring or labor costs. Minor roof improvements or meter board repairs may also be covered to a limited extent if necessary. This type of assistance plays a significant role in reducing the financial burden on strata committees and residents. With proper planning and professional assistance, multi-unit apartments can achieve sustainable solar benefits in the long term.
Benefits of Solar Grant for Apartment Residents
- Reduce Electricity Costs: By using a shared solar system, multi-unit apartment residents can save significantly on their monthly electricity bills, which provides big financial benefits in the long run.
- Eco-friendly: This program helps reduce carbon emissions and makes the strata community more sustainable and environmentally conscious.
- Increase property value: Apartments with solar facilities are more attractive in the market, making them a favorite with buyers and tenants.
- Stabilize electricity costs: Shared solar systems provide a safe and reliable solution to reduce grid volatility and the impact of fluctuating electric bills.
- Increase cohesion within the strata community: Having a shared solar facility for everyone increases cooperation among members and participation in committee activities, which is beneficial in the long run, both socially and financially.
Challenges in Getting a Solar Grant for Strata
While these grants are convenient, there are still some challenges for the strata community.
- Owner Approval Required: Installing shared solar in a multi-unit building requires the support of all owners or committee approval, which can sometimes be time-consuming and complicated.
- Technical Limitations: Installing solar systems is not equally feasible in all locations due to roof types, electrical network conditions, and other infrastructure challenges.
- Complexity of the Application Process: Preparing the correct documents, completing application forms, and managing financial accounts is a difficult and time-consuming task for many committees.
- Long-term Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to ensure the durability and performance of solar systems, which can reduce savings if not managed properly.
- Budget Constraints: While grants cover a large portion of the cost, additional costs may be required for some ancillary work or technical changes.
With proper planning and professional assistance, these challenges can be easily overcome, and multi-unit apartments can enjoy the full benefits of grants.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Solar Grants
It is important to simplify the grant application process for strata communities and apartment owners. Below are step-by-step instructions:
- Check eligibility: Before applying, make sure your building has a strata title of 3–55 units and has not had a shared solar system installed in the last 10 years.
- Get Strata Committee Approval: You cannot apply without the approval of the homeowners association or strata committee, so you need to ensure the support of all members.
- Get professional quotes and advice: Get a tender-grade quotation for the project with the help of a trusted organization or professional like Strata Energy Services.
- Submit application: Submit the application form on time, including all documents, approvals, and cost estimates, to increase your chances of receiving the grant.
- Start installation: Start the approved project on time and coordinate with contractors to complete all work.
- Complete the project: The project must be completed by March 31, 2026, and ensure that the system is functioning properly.
- Maintain and Enjoy the Benefits: Regularly maintain the system after installation to reduce energy costs and sustain long-term environmental benefits.
How to apply:
Submit the application on time, including all documents, approvals, and cost estimates, to increase your chances of receiving the grant.
Apply here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/solar-for-apartment-residents-soar-grant-program
Why Professional Help Matters (SES Example)
Taking advantage of a solar grant can be a complicated process at times, so it’s crucial to get professional help. Here are the main reasons why:
- Eligibility Assistance: Professional organizations check and ensure the eligibility of your building, avoiding unnecessary hassles.
- Document and Application Management: Professionals like Strata Energy Services (SES) prepare all the documents, fill out the application forms, and obtain the necessary approvals correctly.
- Tender-Grade Quotation Creation: Creating accurate and competitive quotations for the project, ensuring the right balance between cost and quality of the system.
- Installation and Compliance Assurance: Professionals ensure that the solar panels, inverters, and other equipment are installed correctly and meet all legal and safety standards.
- Long-term benefits and savings: Even after the project is completed, professionals like SES assist with maintenance and system monitoring, so that multi-unit apartments can enjoy long-term energy savings and sustainable benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions on NSW Solar Grants
Can renters benefit from the SoAR grant?
Yes. Renters cannot apply for the grant, but they may benefit if their apartment building installs shared rooftop solar. This can help reduce electricity costs in common areas and, in some cases, lower household energy bills.
Can older buildings apply?
Yes. Older strata buildings can apply if they meet the SoAR eligibility requirements. The building must have a suitable shared roof, qualify under the program rules, and be approved by the owners’ corporation.
What happens if funding runs out early?
If all available funding is allocated, new applications may close or be placed on hold. Applying as early as possible gives your strata building the best chance of receiving a grant.
Does SoAR cover batteries?
No. The SoAR Grant only supports shared rooftop solar PV systems. It does not cover battery storage, EV chargers, roof repairs, or ongoing maintenance costs.
What Are the SoAR Grant Deadlines for 2026?
There is no fixed annual deadline. Applications remain open until the available funding is fully allocated or the NSW Government announces the program’s closing date.
How Much Can a Strata Building Save With Solar?
Savings vary by building size, electricity use, and solar system capacity. Many strata buildings can significantly reduce common area electricity costs and lower overall energy expenses over time.
