Six steps to shared solar

“If you can have solar, then you should. For (my) apartment, the consumption has gone down by about 60%, which is huge.”

- Nathan Hage, Zinc Building resident.

Over 4 million Australian households¹ and small businesses are now taking advantage of rooftop solar. Ask those homeowners, and they’ll tell you the same thing as Nathan: your energy bills could drop by up to 60%².

They might also tell you about the green benefit of reducing your CO2 emissions. A typical apartment using rooftop solar saves 1 - 2 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, which means you’re doing the same job as a small forest of 50 - 100 trees.

Or they might also speak of how solar increased the value of their apartment. Asset values of apartments with solar increase by anywhere from 2.7³ - 12%⁴.

And yet, with all the benefits of rooftop solar and with installations booming around Australia, apartment residents often assume that solar is not available to them. Despite having roof space sitting idle, solar for apartments was always considered too hard-basket; there’s the issue of shared roofspace ownership, it can be technically complicated to install, practically complicated due to the involvement of multiple decision-makers and it’s expensive.

This guide is here to dispel those misconceptions and to provide you with a road map that covers the full picture of shared solar for apartments through the six steps to shared solar:

• Step 1 - Start the conversation: Building momentum with your neighbours

• Step 2 - Obtain a solar sharing feasibility assessment: Find out how shared solar stacks up financially and physically

• Step 3 - Time to talk with the owners’ corporation: the OC facilitates the decision on shared solar

• Step 4 - Get quotes from installers: Guidance on how to find installers and what a good quote typically includes.
  

• Step 5 - Decide how to finance the project: Investigate financing options

• Step 6 - The vote: Steps to ensuring the vote will pass, and what happens next

The six steps will cover the technology and the process: every step from the first conversation you have with your neighbours to having the live system on your roof, quietly generating clean, low-cost energy.

Solar sharing is not only possible, but it is more achievable than you think.

The Problem: Why Apartment Residents Think Solar Isn’t For Them

Most of what people hear about solar has been focused on promoting installation on single family homes, which has led to the misconception that installing solar on apartments must be too hard. Most of the prevailing myths can be grouped into three main categories.

“It’s too expensive”

Installing solar that serves an entire apartment building may seem out of reach. There are unique technical challenges of shared solar as well, which impact the cost.

When considering the financing and up front costs, however, it’s also important to frame shared solar as an investment, one where costs are shared, and so are the rewards.

A fully installed solar setup typically costs between $3,500 to $4,500 per apartment. These costs also become more manageable when you consider the multiple financing options available plus government grants and incentives.

For example, one financing option utilises a budget that’s already available that is collected over time from the apartment residents. Called the capital works fund or sinking fund, there’s often enough budget available to cover the full cost of the installation.

Even if the capital works fund can’t fund the entire project and other financing is needed, the project payback period can be as little as one year considering the savings on energy bills.

And in addition to lower energy bills, other benefits include lowering your CO2 output and a property value uplift of $75,000 per unit on average.

More on the financial side of the shared solar system can be found in the section below called ‘Decide How to Finance the Project’. [Step 5 - Decide How to Finance the Project]

“I don’t own the roof, so I can’t access solar”

It’s true, you don’t own the roof. The roof space of an apartment building is referred to as ‘common property’, which means that it is owned collectively amongst all apartment owners. This just changes the equation slightly: roof ownership is not required, but a collective agreement is.

The apartment owners in your building can decide, via a vote through your Owners’ Corporation (OC), to install solar panels on the roof and then share in the benefits.

Once the decision is made, shared solar technology in the form of SolShare from Allume comes into play. It’s the technology that takes a single rooftop solar system energy divided fairly across apartments. More on SolShare in the next section.

“The Owners’ Corporation is too complicated”

Speaking of the OC, while it may seem like a black box that specialises in strange jargon, each one does have clearly set out processes for things like gaining agreement on a shared rooftop solar system, and the processes are more manageable than you would expect.

The work normally culminates in a vote amongst owners. Fortunately unanimous agreement is not required — in some cases, only 25% approval is sufficient to move forward.

Further, you’re not alone in navigating the OC. Allume has experience in guiding groups through the process, and we are available for support.

This guide covers working with the OC in more detail in this section below.

SolShare: Bringing Solar Sharing to Apartments

There is growing momentum in Australia to make solar for everyone, including the estimated 2 million people in Australia living in low to medium rise apartments. Part of this comes from government subsidy programs to promote installations, part from innovative technical solutions like SolShare.

Introducing SolShare

Created by Melbourne-based Allume [https://allumeenergy.com/au/], SolShare is an Australian-made technology that makes shared solar possible in apartment buildings. It allows a single rooftop solar PV system to be connected to all apartments and uses hardware to fairly distribute the energy throughout.

SolShare has enabled nearly 10,000 people to gain the benefits of affordable, clean solar energy, including residents of the Waterline Crescent apartment complex in Queensland. Solar was retrofitted onto an existing building to serve 18 apartments and common areas, allowing residents to save over $500 per year on their electricity bills and 37.5 tonnes of CO2. Check out the case study here [https://allumeenergy.com/au/case_studies/bulimba-queensland/]

How SolShare Enables Solar Sharing

The SolShare technology has a number of key aspects:

• It physically splits solar energy via a hardware device installed alongside the building's existing electricity meters
• It distributes energy fairly between apartments over the course of each month
• It sends energy to residents when they need it, maximising solar self-consumption across the building
• Excess solar not used by residents is exported to the grid; when residents need more than the panels produce, the grid supplies the difference — seamlessly and automatically
• Residents can monitor their system's output and savings through an app
  

SolShare Systems Outperform Individual Systems

A SolShare-enabled system is actually more efficient than a standard rooftop solar system like those found on single family homes.

In standard systems, unused solar is sent out to the grid for others to use. Your utility pays you what’s called a ‘feed-in tariff’ for giving them surplus electricity that they can then sell to other customers. Feed-in tariffs vary, but are generally low.

SolShare, however, maximises consumption which minimises electricity sent back into the grid. The brains of the system uses algorithms to route the solar energy where and when it is needed most. This increased efficiency increases the amount you save on your bills each month.

“I was actually a bit excited about opening up my new electricity bill, just to see if there were savings... It looks like I’ve saved about 50% on my electricity bills so far.”

- Alice, City West Housing, NSW

Interested in joining Alice and saving on your electricity bills, but don’t know where to start? Want to lower your carbon footprint like the residents of the Waterline Crescent apartments?

The next part of this guide is for you, where we lay out the six steps to having a shared solar system installed on your building.

The Six Steps to Shared Solar

Step 1 - Start the Conversation

A solar sharing project is a community project, and starting a conversation with your neighbours is the key to success. Engaging with other residents and building support will result in momentum that will make the following steps easier, as you

• Find allies who can assist in the process
• Build support that can help translate into success when the project goes to a vote
• Identify people within your community who may have knowledge and experience that can assist

“You may be pleasantly surprised how many people actually want to be using solar and enjoy the benefits of it. Once you actually get started, the process really sort of takes care of itself."

- Jakob, Geelong, VIC

Getting Started - Who To Approach First

Start simple by identifying one or two likely allies before going wider. If your first two contacts aren’t obvious, think about:

• Who in the building cares about energy costs?
• Has anyone mentioned sustainability?
• Who is already on the OC and may be able to provide some guidance on how it works?
• Is there a neighbourhood chat group that you could post to and query who is interested in solar energy?
• Does your building have a public notice board where you could invite people interested in solar to get in touch?

Starting small with an informal group of three or four people is all you need to get moving, and a group of any size is far more effective and persuasive and effective than a lone voice.

How to Frame the Conversations

Your neighbours are likely a wide variety of people who have different interests and differing levels of knowledge about solar energy. So make sure that you have a variety of messages to cater to those who value different things.

The financial case is strong, so lead with it. Shared solar can reduce energy bills by up to 60% on average. Solar also raises property values by an average of $75,000 per unit.

The figures do vary by state and building specifics, so some start by requesting a desktop feasibility assessment from Allume – refer to the section below [Step 2 - Obtain a Solar Sharing Feasibility Assessment] for more details on the feasibility assessment. By telling us a few details about your building, we can tell you roughly how much your system will cost and how much you'll save each month. Some people share this document with their neighbours and with the OC as a starting point.

Some find the environmental benefits are the more compelling reason to transition to solar, so have some information on hand about the potential CO2 reduction.

Ultimately, you are looking for supporters of all sorts - some who will simply give you their vote (we’ll get to that, in Step 6 [Step 6 - The Vote]), others who are willing to take a more active role.

In all of your discussions, outline the benefits and the challenges, things like the extensive time it will take to go from building a team to having those first panels installed, and getting the project approved via vote. Honesty and transparency build trust.

Rallying Support (and preparing for pushback)

Not everyone you approach will be a supporter from the start. Some like to do their own research. Allume’s website has a number of case studies [https://allumeenergy.com/au/case-studies/] that provide more information on successful projects from around Australia.

Others will push back - don’t worry, this is normal. The most common myths about solar were dispelled earlier in this guide (See The Problem: Why Apartment Residents Think Solar Isn’t For Them [The Problem: Why Apartment Residents Think Solar Isn’t For Them]) so have those facts at hand to help.

Step 2 - Obtain a Solar Sharing Feasibility Assessment

Soon after starting to discuss solar with your neighbours to build support, there’s a key question to address: how does rooftop solar stack up, both financially and physically? This is where the generalities meet the reality of installing solar on your apartment building.

A feasibility assessment answers both questions. It also gives you evidence you need to have a credible discussion with the OC – that’s the next step [Step 3 - Time to Talk to The Owners’ Corporation]. The hard numbers it will provide are more persuasive than enthusiasm.

The best part? Allume can do most of the hard work for you. Before we get there, it’s important to understand a bit more about feasibility assessments.

What’s Included in a Feasibility Assessment?

A typical shared solar feasibility assessment covers the following:

• Roof size, orientation, and structural suitability
• Shading from neighbouring buildings, rooftop plant, or other obstructions
• The building's current energy consumption across common areas and individual units
• Recommended system size and expected output
• Projected savings per apartment and for the building overall
• Estimated installation costs, which will vary by system size and building complexity

Let Allume Be Your Guide

Allume provides free, no-obligation feasibility assessments. When you are ready to get started, let us know via our website [https://allumeenergy.com/au/contact-us/] and we’ll be in touch.

Step 3 - Time to Talk to the Owners’ Corporation

Working with the OC is more straightforward than most people expect.

The OC is Your Ally

First, it’s important to note that the OC is a resource, not a gatekeeper. An early conversation will clarify the OC’s processes and build goodwill – both real advantages for your prospects.

They can advise on

• procedural requirements,
• help arrange for a special meeting if required,
• get a vote on the agenda,
• and ensure the proposal is correctly formatted for the meeting.

How the OC Works

The OC is your building's formal decision-making body for resident owners. In smaller buildings, all owners are members; in larger buildings (over 10 units), it's usually an elected committee.

OC involvement is required because shared solar involves common property, engaging an installer, and funding decisions — all of which need formal approval, typically by vote. Funding options are covered in the Step 5 [Step 5 - Decide How to Finance the Project].

The vote on a resolution to install solar passes with a certain percentage of votes. The percentage differs depending on your state of residence. Sometimes it can be as low as a simple majority (over 50%) of votes in favour, which is the case in New South Wales. Your OC will have the exact figure for your location. [Sidebar: reference to the blog post How to get your strata to vote for solar (state-by-state guide) https://news.allumeenergy.com/latest-news/how-to-get-your-strata-to-vote-for-solar-state-by-state-guide#State-by-state]

Preparing for the Meeting

This initial discussion with the OC may be an informal one to get the ball rolling, but there is some preparation you can do to ensure the meeting is productive.

Presenting the Feasibility Assessment is a great way to start. Hard numbers are persuasive and help to frame the decision about installing shared solar as one with financial benefits as well as environmental.

Come with a list of questions about the governance structure and decision-making process of the OC. Discuss the meeting schedule to see when a vote on shared solar would fit, or if a special meeting would need to be scheduled. And don’t be afraid to ask what concerns the OC may have about the proposal. Addressing the concerns of other residents is a great way to generate support.

Get Allume in the Room

One of the best ways to have a productive meeting is to have Allume in the room. We can help present the Feasibility Assessment and also lead a Q&A session. We’ve helped unlock the installation of solar for apartments around Australia, and would be happy to make our expertise available to your meeting. Here’s where to go when you’re ready to book: [https://meetings.hubspot.com/elizabeth-eacott/allume-qa?__hstc=170611199.740863d4c3f5dde0f3e2bd00081b3226.1770856137387.1772157370067.1772180505799.7&__hssc=170611199.2.1772180505799&__hsfp=203f3d2c73958f52b8d719c23c372422&uuid=3b04beee-357e-4510-b513-a0f13094574f]

“I first came across Allume about five years ago and have been following their work ever since. They’ve always been incredibly informative and supportive as our apartment block planned to install solar. Their team is generous with their time, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping multi-owner properties go solar.”

- Esther Stuart

Step 4 - Get Quotes From Installers

The feasibility assessment paints a compelling picture of the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy, however to help lock in the financing plan and get closer to sharing solar, you’ll want to talk to installers and get some quotes.

Cost is the most common reason projects stall, and the level of detail provided by installer quotes will help to ease any worries the OC may have.

Finding Installers

If you’ve already been working with Allume, we can introduce you to two to three accredited SolShare installers that we’ve worked with in the past and can vouch for the quality of their work and competitive pricing. We receive no incentive for these referrals.

You can seek out your own quotes as well. Online reviews can be used as a guide and a way to narrow down the pool. Comparison sites like Solar Quotes [https://www.solarquotes.com.au/] that vet installers and provide recommendations are also useful resources.

Aim for procuring two to three quotes total, from installers that have been trained to install SolShare and who are accredited by Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) [https://saaustralia.com.au/], the Australian Government’s accreditation scheme operator. This will ensure the installer uses industry best practices.

Once you’ve been in contact, installers will inspect your building and use market pricing for labour and materials to generate their pricing.

Evaluating Quotes

Once you have the quotes, compare them on scope, experience and approach as well as the price. Always read the exclusions and assumptions, as they help you to understand where risks lie and where the quotes differ.

Remember that the cheapest option is not always the best. Experience on your type of project, quality and reputation are important.

What a quote for an apartment solar system should include

There are a number of things that robust installation quotes should include in addition to a total price. They are:

• System size, panel specifications, and inverter type
• SolShare unit/s (the hardware that enables fair energy sharing)
• Any meter board or switchboard upgrade works — these must be included in the scope, not excluded or missing
• Connection, commissioning, and testing
• Timeline and site management approach during installation
• Warranty terms across panels, inverter, SolShare hardware, and workmanship
• Exclusions and assumptions

Take a proactive approach and request this information from the installer before they generate the quote.

Step 5 - Decide How to Finance the Project

So how are we going to pay for solar? Cost is often the biggest hesitation, but there are several financing options available to help spread the load. Since these options are coordinated through the OC, having a working knowledge of them will make your conversations with fellow residents and at OC meetings much more effective.

Keep in mind that not only is the financing method important, but so is the timing. Grants release funds in stages. Installers have payment terms. You’ll need to plan so that you have the cash on hand when you need to spend it.

[sidebar: Financing options are covered in greater detail in Allume’s blog “How to pay for solar in your apartment building” [https://news.allumeenergy.com/latest-news/how-to-pay-for-shared-solar-in-your-apartment-building]

First is the option where everyone chips in, the special levy.

The Special Levy

A special levy is a one-off fee that the OC can raise to cover expenses like urgent repairs or major upgrades like shared solar. In this case, the cost of the shared solar would be split amongst the residents, either equally or based on lot entitlements, meaning those with larger apartments would pay more.

The split is something that should be agreed upon with the OC and made clear during the vote process.

Using the Building’s Capital Works Fund

Also called a sinking fund, the capital works fund is money from residents that has been collected over time and has been saved for maintenance or projects.

The residents of your building can agree to pay for the shared solar system via the capital works fund. The capital works fund can also be tapped in combination with a special levy, which reduces out of pocket expense for residents.

Strata Financing

It’s also possible for the OC to take out a loan to pay for shared solar. Some lenders offer strata financing products specifically for OCs funding capital improvements.

In this scenario, apartment residents then pay back the loan over time via increases to their regular levy payments. Strata financing can also be used in combination with the other funding methods. Repayments can be structured to be offset by the energy savings the building generates.

Government Grants and Incentives

Federal, State, and local governments offer a variety of financial assistance to support people in reducing their energy costs. This includes incentives targeted at rooftop solar for apartments.

The grant programs are changing all the time, so to find the most current programs, Energy.gov.au/rebates [https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates] is a great place to start your search.

The Federal Government provides rebates on solar that reduce the upfront installation cost through small-scale technology certificates (STCs). Apartment solar is eligible, and your installer can help organise the STCs. More information is available at the Clean Energy Regulator [https://cer.gov.au/schemes/renewable-energy-target/small-scale-renewable-energy-scheme/small-scale-technology-certificates] website.

[Sidebar] Need More Backup?

Sometimes real examples are just the proof points you need. The Allume website includes case studies for multiple solar sharing projects from all across Australia. The savings noted are real and measurable. You can access them here [https://allumeenergy.com/au/case-studies/]

Step 6 - The Vote

The groundwork is done. Now it comes to a meeting of the OC and the official vote.

Keep in mind going in the voting rules that were discussed in Step 3 [Step 3 - Time to Talk to The Owners’ Corporation]. Depending on what state you live in, the resolution to install solar could pass with just a few engaged owners voting in favour.

“From the initial consultation with Will to the installation and certification of our 33 kW system, Allume was extremely helpful and guided us at each step. [Allume] attended our Special General Meeting to advise those attending the meeting about the solar and by doing that helped us pass the Special Resolution required.” - Luke Macartney

Setting the Vote Up for Success

Information and transparency is key to a successful vote. If there are things that some residents do not understand about the solar proposal, they will either make assumptions or become skeptical.

Address this risk early by circulating a clear, plain-English summary to all residents before the meeting. The summary could cover:

• Information about the system and SolShare
• Total cost
• Cost per unit
• Projected savings
• Installer credentials
• Project timeline

Having all the details of the proposal in hand, and being able to see the benefits, will make it easy for them to vote yes.

Once the Vote Passes

Congratulations! The hardest part of the process is done. But there is still work to be done before you start enjoying shared solar.

The next steps include engaging with the chosen installer and completing any grant applications that form part of the financing package. Once a schedule is locked in with the installer, this information can be passed on to the other residents so that they know what to expect in terms of access, noise, and any temporary disruptions.

Start thinking about ways you and your neighbours can maximise solar savings through things like using your appliances during peak solar times – that and four other tips are available on Allume’s website. [https://news.allumeenergy.com/latest-news/5-tips-for-maximising-solar-savings-for-apartments-and-units]

Allume also has post-installation FAQs that are available here [link].

If the Vote Doesn't Pass

A failed vote is possible, though if you’ve followed the six steps, this is rare. Treat it as a setback, not an endpoint. The most important thing you can do is understand why – what drove the ‘no’ votes, and then address those concerns.

This may mean having conversations with individual owners, it also may mean adjusting and updating some details about the proposal. Once this is done, make plans through the OC to retable the proposal at a future meeting.

Bring Solar Sharing to Your Apartment

Solar energy for apartment residents is not only possible — it's more achievable than most people think. The six steps in this guide are the roadmap: the same one Nathan Hage used to cut his consumption by around 60%, that Alice used to save around 50% on her electricity bills, and that Jackie and Rod from the Folia Apartments in Victoria followed to the point where they now enjoy genuine energy independence.

When you're ready to find out what shared solar looks like for your building, Allume offers a free, no-obligation feasibility assessment. Request yours here. [https://allumeenergy.com/au/contact-us/]