FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2025
Let the sunshine in: $25 million rooftop solar plan will get more Aussie apartments running on renewable power
A $25 MILLION INITIATIVE for shared rooftop solar systems to be delivered by the Federal and New South Wales governments will unlock the benefits of affordable, clean and reliable solar power for more apartment residents in the state, including many renters.
Expanding the success of rooftop solar to Australia’s apartment dwellers is a key opportunity identified in the Climate Council’s Seize the Sun report, which highlights how enabling more solar systems for apartments can unlock access for households currently missing out—like the many Aussies renting their homes.
Climate Councillor and economist, Nicki Hutley, said: “Australians are seeking reprieve from high energy bills and rising costs of living. This initiative can level the playing field for apartment dwellers, ensuring they are able to access low-cost and abundant solar just like those who own houses.
“No one should be locked out from accessing energy-saving solutions simply because they live in an apartment. This initiative will finally support more New South Wales apartment residents, including renters, to benefit from bill-busting solar.
“If we go further and ensure all new buildings have rooftop solar, more renters and apartment residents will gain access to solar over time and that benefits us all—by lowering bills and cutting dangerous climate pollution from coal and gas altogether.”
Climate Councillor and energy expert, Greg Bourne, said: “Around half of Australian apartment residents live in buildings less than four storeys high—prime space to install rooftop solar and reap the benefits of lower energy bills. Besides powering your home, this can also power shared facilities like elevators, pools, and laundries.
“States like Victoria already have similar programs available to people living in apartments, and it’s great to see New South Wales—which is home to nearly half of Australia’s apartments—joining this growing push.
“Putting rooftop solar on millions more Aussie homes, businesses and public buildings, and investing in ways to share the benefits of solar among more people, can lower people’s bills, cuts climate pollution and creates a modern and more robust grid. By adding battery storage as well, buildings can soak up any excess solar energy while the sun is shining, and access reliable, affordable and clean power 24/7.”
Stephanie Bashir, CEO of Nexa Advisory also welcomed the announcement by the NSW Government, and said: “Accelerating the take up of solar PV is the way to make the energy transition happen. Australians love rooftop solar and we lead the world in installations. They love the control over their electricity bills and supply.
“This is a real solution, putting the power in the people’s hands supports the transition in a way that provides secure, reliable and affordable power for everyone. This is a great step and it needs to be followed with a coordinated national energy strategy. A key part of that strategy would be applying national targets and incentives and removing some of the barriers to solar and batteries for all types of households and businesses.”
ENDS
For interviews with Greg Bourne and Nicki Hutley please contact the Climate Council media team on 0485 863 063, [email protected].
For interviews with Stephanie Bashir please contact Laura Corrigan on 0423 690 152, [email protected]
About us:
The Climate Council is Australia’s leading community-funded climate change communications organisation. We provide authoritative, expert and evidence-based advice on climate change to journalists, policymakers, and the wider Australian community. For further information, go to: climatecouncil.org.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.