Solar For Apartment Options

SHARE

The Solshare, Apartment Solar Panel

With over 2.2 million Australians living in apartments, units or flats, it’s great to know that it’s now possible for them to access affordable solar energy solutions. This means that they too can reap the benefits of renewable energy. Australia is the world’s leader in harnessing residential solar, and with the introduction of new tech that enables multiple apartments to connect into single solar energy systems, we are likely to remain in the number one spot. This is just one of the options we’ll discuss in this article when it comes to solar for apartments.

Whether you are a developer, building manager, landlord or tenant, it pays to understand what’s available.

Let’s look at the following:

  • Option 1: Common Areas Only
  • Option 2: Individual Solar Systems
  • Option 3: Shared Solar Systems

 

How To Use Solar Energy In An Apartment Building

Option 1: Solar for Common Areas Only

When you install apartment solar panels on a shared rooftop area, energy generated can be used to power lighting and any other electrical systems like air conditioning. These can be used in common areas such as gyms, recreational settings, lobby and foyers and shared pathways.

This option is preferable if there’s extremely limited roof space or several shared areas that use more energy. It’s likely to be the only option in high-rise buildings. It’s a straightforward solution as only one meter and electricity account is linked to the system. This overall cost can then be split evenly across the apartment owners through the owners corporation or strata corporation.

 

What’s the downside of solar for common areas only?

There will be no direct benefits to the owner-occupiers and renters in the building, as the rooftop solar will not be connected to their apartments.

 

Option 2: Individual Solar Systems

When there are only a couple of residents interested in having solar for apartments or townhouses, then individual systems could be the way to go. The individual solar installations are placed on the roof and separately connected to electricity meters for individual units. If the building block is a only one or two stories tall, this option can work, as it’s likely there will be sufficient roof space to fit each apartment’s individual system panels.

 

Will I need permission to install my apartment solar system?

Yes. If you own the apartment you will need the approval of the owner’s corporation or strata corporation to install the system. This will require a motion to be passed at a meeting, which may raise questions as to why common roof space is being reserved for solar that won’t benefit all the apartments.

 

What if I’m renting – are apartment solar panels still an option?

If you are a tenant, you will need to speak with your landlord or agent to get permission to install solar panels, and in turn, it’s most likely that they will need approval from the corporation. You will also need to pay for them, or persuade your landlord to pay for them, which may be a challenge!

 

What’s the downside to individual systems?

It can be costly to install an individual system, plus there could be tension in the owners committee/strata corporation of available roof space and roof space ownership to contend with. It is with these downsides in mind that we created the SolShare – which enables shared solar for apartments.

Solar System for Apartment Buildings, Melbourne

 

Option 3: Shared Solar

With this option, a single rooftop solar installation can be shared between multiple neighbours within the same apartment building. Currently, there is only one company that has developed and offers the technology to support this new approach.

Here at Allume Energy, we are proud to offer the SolShare.

To ensure that this setup is fair for everyone, The SolShare provides the same amount of solar energy to each residence over one month but supplies it as it is required by each apartment.  Our solution also includes monitoring, so users know how much solar power and grid power they are using.

Any apartment that is metered can be connected to the SolShare. Common areas can also be powered with this system. Anyone who doesn’t want to participate can ‘opt out’.

 

How is the solar energy shared fairly and evenly?

Throughout each month, the SolShare algorithm monitors and logs the quantity of solar energy delivered to and used by each apartment. It also ensures that every dwelling connected to the system receives the same amount.

This means that even if your neighbour is using a high amount of solar energy, you will still receive the same solar benefit as them over the month.

 

What are the benefits of the SolShare system?

  • Reduce CO2 emissions to help stop climate change.
  • Cut down your electricity bills by over 30%.
  • Allow you the freedom to keep or change your electricity provider.
  • Use air-conditioning on hot and sunny days without fear of a massive electricity bill.

Solar for Apartments, Solshare

 

Which Solar Power Option is Right For You?

Advancements in solar technology have made it possible to reap the benefits of solar power for all dwelling types, including apartment buildings. Whether you want to power shared common areas, opt for an individual solar system or are ready to explore a world-first technology, we have the solution. The SolShare is easy to install, financially straight forward and an affordable process.

 

Can The SolShare Work For Your Apartment Building?

The SolShare is the world’s only hardware for solar sharing within apartment buildings. Whether you’re a developer, building manager, landlord or tenant, there are many benefits to tapping into solar energy and this world-first technology makes solar for apartments possible.

To discover if The SolShare can work for you and your complex, contact the team at Allume today!

Other articles you may find interesting:

Card image cap

22 Sep 2023

Employee perpsective: Why you should talk to your friends, family & colleagues about the upcoming Voice Referendum

This blog is written by Peter Toogood, Head of Continuous Improvement - meet more of the team here! On Saturday 14th October, Australians will have their say on the proposed...

Read more
Card image cap

10 Aug 2023

Share the Power Sydney: Electrification for Apartments Highlights

In July, we hosted Share the Power Sydney - an event designed to help government authorities electrify apartments blocks, including social housing, within their regions. With Sydney's impressive spread of...

Read more
Card image cap

09 Aug 2023

A simple way to bring solar to multi-family apartments

  As an apartment dweller who wants to embrace solar energy, the gap in renewable energy access is ever-present. The cost of living, including electricity prices, is at its highest...

Read more
Card image cap

27 Feb 2023

$10 billion for Social Housing Electrification

An example of shared rooftop solar for community housing being made possible through previous government funding         Net-Zero and how do we get there? There’s been a big...

Read more
Card image cap

07 Feb 2023

Allume Employee Highlight – Brandon Carlson

We want to highlight the amazing work of our Principal Applications Engineer for the US, Brandon Carlson, for protecting the storage mandate for new multifamily and commercial construction in California....

Read more
Card image cap

21 Dec 2022

2022 Reflections: A year of healing that has led to hope

    Wow, it’s hard to believe 2022 is almost over. As a consequence of coming out of the blocks with all guns blazing after 2 years of COVID lockdowns,...

Read more
Card image cap

19 Dec 2022

Solar Incentives – Working to Meet Net Zero With Rooftop Solar

With Net Zero by 2050 being the internationally agreed goal for mitigating global warming, we all have some serious work to do. A recent report from the International Energy Agency...

Read more
Card image cap

28 Nov 2022

Solar 101 – What You Need To Know About Rooftop Solar

  With soaring energy prices and widespread environmental impacts as a result of harmful carbon emissions, many people and corporations are exploring the power and benefits of renewable energy sources....

Read more
Card image cap

07 Nov 2022

Solar for Flats – Made Possible with the SolShare

With the combination of world events and the ever-increasing problem of climate change, it’s no wonder that property owners and building managers are looking for more sustainable ways to produce...

Read more
Card image cap

24 Oct 2022

5 Ways to Increase The EPC Rating of Your Property

  If improving the energy efficiency of your properties hasn’t been front of mind, the recent explosion in energy prices and changes to energy related legislation in the UK may...

Read more
Card image cap

19 Sep 2022

The SolShare Reaches a Huge Milestone Towards Net-Zero Flats in The UK

A huge milestone has been reached towards achieving net-zero flats in the UK. The SolShare’s ability to connect solar PV panels directly to flats is the keystone technology in the...

Read more
Card image cap

18 Aug 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act and Solar for Apartment Renters

Last week, we at Allume were at the edge of our seats as we watched the U.S. House of Representatives vote yes on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Signed into...

Read more
Card image cap

09 Aug 2022

Zero Carbon Developments – Setting a High Bar

More than 20 municipal governments in Victoria have taken a significant step forward in shaping the way new apartment property developments could be better for both residents and the environment....

Read more
Card image cap

15 Jul 2022

eFIXX Energy Interview: Can you share solar PV power between a block of flats?

At the recent Future Build Expo in London, eFIXX Energy interviewed Allume’s General Manager of Europe, Jack Taylor to learn everything there is to know about the SolShare. The 5-minute,...

Read more
Card image cap

08 Jul 2022

Solar EV Chargers for Apartments and Flats

With more and more people around the world driving Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles, governments, councils and building owners are having to find ways to implement EV chargers...

Read more
Card image cap

01 Jul 2022

Improve EPC ratings with solar for flats

Recent changes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) legislation require landlords to ensure their rental properties are up to scratch on the energy efficiency front. All properties across England, Scotland...

Read more
Card image cap

08 Jun 2022

Helping social housing residents beat the electricity price hike

  The energy crisis There’s been a lot of media coverage recently over the unprecedented turmoil in Australia’s energy markets. A combination of factors has caused the steepest increase in...

Read more
Card image cap

07 Jun 2022

Allume Energy attends the RealtechX ESG Impact Showcase

Allume Energy was privileged to be invited to the recent RealtechX ESG Impact Showcase in Melbourne. We had representatives from our Commercial, Tech and Service teams in attendance, along with...

Read more
Card image cap

02 Jun 2022

Microgrid Solutions – Why They’re Important

As our populations continue to grow, the need for energy increases, as does the cost of electricity. But there's another problem we're all too aware of - the impact greenhouse...

Read more
Card image cap

27 May 2022

Allume Energy attends New York’s Clean Fight Summit

In April we attended The Clean Fight summit and thoroughly enjoyed discussing the future of a cleaner energy New York. What is The Clean Fight? The Clean Fight is a...

Read more
Card image cap

16 May 2022

The role technological innovation plays in a clean energy transition

It was fantastic to be involved in the Energy Transition Summit in Sydney, Australia last week, which focused on the critical need to transition to sustainable energy systems, the very real...

Read more
Card image cap

21 Mar 2022

Can You Put Solar Panels On An Apartment?

People are increasingly making the switch to solar energy for their homes in Australia and being one of the sunniest locations on the planet, it makes sense. Down Under we...

Read more
Card image cap

27 Aug 2021

Why Leader as Coach will be imperative to workforces of the future

  In my last blog I shared my hope that engineers, scientists, innovators, and leaders frequently question how they use their talent and their time to make sure that they...

Read more
Card image cap

27 Apr 2021

Solving Problems that Matter

    Psychology studies have found that the human mind is wired to look for problems to solve. Regardless of your environment, age, IQ or EQ everyone is solving some...

Read more
Card image cap

13 Dec 2020

A winning formula to create a connected and diverse organisational culture

  Throughout my life, creating environments that generate connection and inclusion has always been a theme. Whether it was being the person that made the new soccer teammate feel welcome...

Read more
Card image cap

30 Aug 2020

Innovation is sexy, even if it’s not all ball pits and sleep pods

Throughout my career, I have noticed that junior development engineers always seem to be asking for opportunities to design a new circuit board or a new mechanical widget, and can...

Read more
Card image cap

26 Jul 2020

T is for Team as much as it is for Technology

When becoming a CTO for the first time I thought hard about the following questions: What are the responsibilities of a CTO? What makes a good CTO?   Some months...

Read more