Apartment Solar Panels: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Key Takeaways:

• Apartment residents can now easily access solar energy.
• Renters and landlords enjoy solar through reduced energy bills and increased property value.
• Installing solar panels can pair with energy-efficient multi-split or ducted air conditioning systems.
• State rebates (like the Solar Homes Program and the Victorian Energy Upgrades program) are available for eligible installations.
• Collaborative solar systems (shared solar) are increasingly popular in apartment complexes.
• Careful planning and approvals are essential for smooth solar installation in apartments.

Thinking about going solar in your apartment? Read on to explore the benefits of installing a solar system for your apartment building and how you can greatly save on your energy bills.

Thanks to the Solar Homes Program, it’s now more affordable than ever for both renters and apartment owners to make the switch. This initiative offers generous rebates that help cover the upfront costs of installing solar panels.

What’s more, when solar is paired with an energy-efficient reverse cycle air conditioner, the savings really start to stack up.

And it gets even better: under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, you may also be eligible for additional rebates on energy-efficient appliances. Together, these programs make upgrading your apartment for comfort and sustainability in 2025 not just smart, but surprisingly affordable.

By choosing solar energy and pairing it with energy-efficient air conditioning, you’re making a smart choice for your home, budget, and the environment.

Installing Solar Panels in Apartments

Advancements in technology and policy changes now enable solar for apartments. There are two primary ways this can happen:

• Individual installations: For apartments with adequate space, such as rooftop access/large balconies.
• Shared solar systems: Setups allowing many units within an apartment complex to share a single, larger solar system.

Why Apartment Buildings Don’t Already Have Solar Panels

Many apartment buildings were originally designed without solar panels because:

• Limited rooftop space.
• Complex ownership structures.
• Difficulty obtaining consensus within owners corporations.
• Cost concerns and unclear ROI.

Improved technology and declining costs now make apartment solar practical and increasingly popular.

Solar Installation Steps for Victorian Apartment Owners

If you’re a landlord or apartment owner looking to invest in apartment solar panels, follow these clear steps:

Step 1: Initial Feasibility Assessment

• Check roof size, orientation, and condition.
• Determine if the roof is suitable (unshaded, north-facing preferred).
• Engage a solar expert to confirm feasibility.

Step 2: Seek Owners Corporation Approval

• Gain consent from your owners corporation.
• Present clear, transparent benefits (energy savings, property value).

Step 3: Selecting Your Solar System

• Assess energy needs based on the number of apartments.
• Choose between an individual unit or shared solar installation.
• Consider pairing solar with battery storage for even greater savings.

Step 4: Access Rebates & Funding (Solar Homes Program and Victorian Energy Upgrades)

• Apply for the Solar Homes Rebate Program. This significantly reduces upfront costs, making solar panels highly affordable.
• Apply for the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program. The program offers discounts on upfront installation costs for replacing old air conditioning systems, or for installing a new unit.

Step 5: Installation and Commissioning

• Professional installation by licensed technicians.
• Full compliance with building and safety regulations.

Solar for Renters: How to Get Solar if You Don’t Own the Apartment?

Renters can also benefit significantly from solar energy. Here’s how you can approach it:

Step 1: Discuss with Your Landlord

• Present the cost-saving benefits.
• Highlight property-value enhancements for your landlord.

Step 2: Collaborative Installation

• Explore shared solar arrangements through your owners corporation.
• Consider portable or balcony solar panel options (if permitted).

Step 3: Access Available Rebates

• Work with your landlord to claim eligible solar rebates through the Solar Homes rebate program.
• Explore rental-specific rebate options available.

How Many Solar Panels Do Apartments Typically Need?

The number of solar panels for apartments depends largely on:

• Apartment size.
• Electricity usage (including air conditioning and heating needs).
• Available rooftop or balcony space.

Here’s a simplified guide:

Apartment Size	Recommended Solar Capacity	Panels Required (approx.)
1-bedroom unit	2–3 kW	5–8 panels
2-bedroom unit	3–5 kW	8–12 panels
3-bedroom unit	5–7 kW	12–18 panels

Pairing Solar with Multi-Split and Ducted Air Conditioning

One way to maximise your solar savings is to pair your apartment’s panels with efficient reverse cycle air conditioning. Systems such as multi-split or ducted air conditioning become highly economical when powered by solar. Here’s why:

• Energy savings: Solar energy significantly reduces your reliance on the grid.
• Comfort: Efficient cooling and heating without the usual energy bill spike.
• Sustainability: Reduce your carbon footprint by pairing renewable energy with efficient appliances.

The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program incentivises upgrading to energy-efficient aircon systems. They make it financially beneficial for apartment dwellers.

Where Not to Put Solar Panels

Solar panel placement should avoid the following areas:

• Shaded sections (trees, other buildings).
• North-facing roof slopes are ideal; south-facing in Australia provides lower output.
• Locations prone to falling debris or limited airflow.

Putting Solar Panels on Balconies

Small solar setups can be installed on balconies, provided:

• You have owners corporation approval.
• They’re safely secured and professionally installed.
• They comply with local council regulations.

Installing Solar on Rental Property

Installing solar panels on rental properties can enhance value and reduce vacancy rates. And, you’ll also attract environmentally conscious tenants. Here’s why:

• Tenants enjoy reduced electricity bills, increasing satisfaction.
• Landlords can set competitive rents due to the added feature of solar power.
• Property resale value often increases with installed solar infrastructure.

Cost & Savings

Here’s an example of cost vs savings for typical apartment installations:

System Size	Approximated Cost (Installed)	Solar Victoria Rebate	Annual Savings (Energy Bills)
6.6 kW	$4,700	$1,400	$700/year
10 kW	$6,150	$1,400	$1,150/year
13 kW	$7,750	$1,400	$1,600/year

These are indicative numbers. We at Gridless can provide precise assessments based on your apartment’s specific details.

Final Thoughts

Solar energy is no longer exclusive to standalone homes. Apartments can now cut electricity bills, especially when paired with efficient aircon systems.

Whether you’re an apartment owner or renter, now is the perfect time to explore your solar options. Contact Gridless today and find out exactly how much you can save with solar panels for your apartment in Victoria. We’re here to help you every step of the way. From assessing your apartment’s suitability for solar to professionally installing your system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which is cheaper to run, ducted or split?

A: For one or two rooms, split systems (or multi-splits) are cheaper. For 4–6 rooms, ducted can be as cost-effective or even better, plus it’s more convenient. If you want to know more, check out our blog comparing ducted and split systems!

Q: What size kW ducted aircon for a 4-bedroom house?

A: Usually 12–15kW depending on insulation, layout, and number of zones. We wrote a guide about the cost of installing a ducted air conditioning for a 4-bedroom house.

Q: What is the best ducted air conditioning brand in Australia?

A: The top picks are Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, or MHIAA. For value: Midea, Hisense, or Rinnai.