How does SolShare work?

SolShare dynamically shares solar electricity across apartment units, maximising the use of generated solar energy and minimising the need to feed excess power back to the grid.

Do all tenancies need to take part in the shared solar system?

No, while all tenancies typically enjoy the benefits of solar, your building may choose to allocate solar to only a subset of all tenancies.

Can a tenant opt in at a later date?

Yes, residents can opt in later, but they might be required to contribute to the Strata Fund upon doing so.

How does the SolShare distribute the solar generation amongst the tenancies?

SolShare uses an algorithm to monitor available solar power and the energy needs of each unit to distribute power efficiently and fairly.

Can I send some of my unused solar to my neighbours so they get energy cheaper?

Yes, the system’s algorithm automatically allocates unused solar to other tenants who need it most at any given time, ensuring everyone benefits.

How do we know if it’s distributing the solar correctly?

The algorithm keeps a history of usage and allocations to ensure correct and fair distribution of solar power.

Is there a monitoring portal that shows how much solar is generated and allocated to each tenancy?

Yes, tenants can access the SolCentre monitoring portal to view their solar allocation. Additional access for whole building monitoring is available to building or strata managers and your solar installer.

Can other tenants see my electricity usage?

No, other tenants cannot see your personal electricity usage.

What do the lines on the SolCentre graph mean?

SolCentre shows how energy flows in and out of your apartment over time. Each line represents something slightly different:

• Solar consumed: The solar energy you actually used in your apartment.
• Energy demand: Your apartment’s total electricity use, from all sources (solar + grid).
• Solar delivered: The amount of solar energy the SolShare system allocated to your apartment.
• Solar exported: Any allocated solar you didn’t use, which was sent back to the grid. You may be eligible for a feed-in tariff for this exported energy, depending on your electricity retailer.

Why do I get little or no solar towards the end of the month?

SolShare works on a monthly allocation basis. Each apartment is set to receive a fair share of solar over the course of a calendar month.

If your apartment used more than its share earlier in the month, SolShare may prioritise other apartments later on to keep things balanced. Over the full month, everyone still receives their agreed allocation.

Why does the solar delivered peak when my energy use peaks?

That’s SolShare doing exactly what it’s designed to do.

SolShare responds to real-time energy use in your apartment and delivers solar when you need it most. This helps maximise on-site solar use and reduce how much electricity you need to buy from the grid – saving you money.

Can I see data for common areas (lights and power)?

Yes, if you’re authorised. To request access, send us a copy of an electricity bill for the common light and power meter that shows your name. Once confirmed, we can enable access to that data in SolCentre.

Can I download my SolCentre data?

At the moment, data downloads aren’t available directly in SolCentre.

If you need a copy of your data, your building or asset manager can request it on your behalf.

Is there a SolCentre app?

No, to save you downloading an app and constant updates, SolCentre is accessed through a web browser at solcentre.allumeenergy.com.

Tip: You can add SolCentre to your phone’s home screen so it works like an app. Most devices offer an “Add to Home Screen” option in the browser menu.

Why do I see solar exported when solar delivered is lower than my energy demand?

SolCentre shows data in one-hour blocks, made up of shorter five-minute intervals.

Within an hour, your energy use can change a lot. You might export solar during some five-minute periods and use grid power during others. When this is averaged over the hour, it can look like both things happened at once – even though they occurred at different times.

Example: For the first 30 minutes, you might have 1kWh of Solar Delivered but 0kWh Energy Demand (resulting in 1kWh of Solar Exported). In the next 30 minutes, you might have 0kWh Solar Delivered but 2kWh of Energy Demand. Resulting in a larger hourly average Energy Demand (2kWh) than the Solar Delivered (1kWh), but the hour still contained Solar Exported.

I’m seeing electricity use at night when there’s no solar. What could that be?

SolShare only manages how solar is shared – it doesn’t control or change how electricity is used in your apartment.

Any electricity use you see at night is coming from appliances or systems in your home. If something looks unusual, your electricity retailer is the best place to start.

Who owns the shared solar system?

The owner’s corporation or body corporate typically owns the shared solar system.

Will I receive a Feed-in Tariff (FIT) for any unused solar?

You’re eligible for a FIT if you have a bi-directional smart meter and a tariff agreement with your electricity retailer that includes FIT.

Who do we pay for the shared solar system?

Payments for the shared solar system are made to the solar installer, who handles installation and post-installation support.

How does the building pay for the shared solar system?

The building can finance the solar system through various means such as sinking funds, levies, financing or grants.

Does installation of a shared solar system require entry into my apartment?

No, all installation work is performed in common areas like roofs and electrical rooms.

Can we install batteries with a shared solar system?

Yes, batteries can be integrated to store excess solar power for later use. Consult your solar installer for the best options.

What is the expected life of the system?

Most components have a lifespan of 10 to 25 years, with the SolShare expected to exceed its 10-year product warranty period.

Can I choose to be with the retailer of my choice?

Yes, each tenant retains the freedom to choose their own electricity retailer.

All the residents are looking at getting their own EV, how does the SolShare work in this scenario?

The SolShare system can allocate solar energy to EV chargers just like any other appliance within your apartment.

Can I charge my EV with my solar allocation?

Yes, your EV charger can use your solar allocation, supplemented by grid electricity if needed.

Can I connect an EV to my apartment?

An EV charger can be installed in your apartment, subject to approval by the building’s management for high-power chargers.