Solar for Apartment Residents Grant Program (SoAR)

Purpose and Program Overview

The Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) Grant Program is a New South Wales Government initiative. It helps apartment and multi-unit dwelling communities access the benefits of solar energy. This is done through the installation of shared rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The grant aims to overcome barriers that prevent many apartment residents, including renters, from using solar power. It funds up to 50% of the costs of solar installation projects. Owners corporations or strata managers manage these projects.

The program has a total funding pool of $25 million. The SoAR program helps decrease energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for residents. This initiative supports NSW’s commitment to sustainable energy adoption, energy bill reduction, and climate action. It increases the uptake of solar energy across residential complexes, especially where past solar installations have been limited. The program is administered by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

By supporting renewable energy adoption in multi-unit dwellings, SoAR helps the clean energy industry. It also supports businesses in solar technology supply and installation. This contributes to the growth of the green economy in NSW. The grant is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Community Solar Banks Program and the NSW Government.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $150,000 per project, covering 50% of total project costs. The 50% rebate is calculated on the total system cost after Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) have been applied and excludes GST.
• Application open: 28 February 2025.
• Application close: 1 December 2025 at 5:00 PM, or until funding is fully allocated.
• Eligible industries/business types: Owners corporations or strata managers managing eligible apartment buildings or multi-unit dwellings with 3–55 units.
• Co-contributions: Yes, 50% co-contribution required from applicants.
• Location/state/territory applicability: New South Wales only.

Priority Sectors

The SoAR grant is open to a broad range of residential apartment sectors within New South Wales. It targets explicitly multi-unit residential properties that have not installed a solar PV system in the past 10 years. This addresses the renewable energy needs of diverse apartment communities, including owner-occupied, rental, and mixed-tenure buildings.

Funding Scope

• Minimum and maximum amounts per project: No strict minimum; up to $150,000 maximum per project.
• Categories/streams: Funding supports the installation of shared rooftop solar PV systems. It also covers the associated metering infrastructure needed to distribute solar energy to all residential lots proportionally.
• Project timeline: Projects must be completed and operational by 31 March 2026.
• Grant payment: Funding is paid in three instalments: 20% upon signing the funding agreement, 40% when 50% of solar panels are installed, and 40% upon completion and final reporting.

Grant Amount in Total

A total funding pool of $25 million is allocated for the program.

Eligibility Criteria

• Owners corporation or strata manager of an eligible apartment or multi-unit dwelling building in NSW.
• The building must have 3 to 55 residential units.
• The building must not have had a solar PV system installed in the last 10 years.
• Must be registered with a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Must have appropriate compliance and governance capacity.
• Ability to provide a 50% co-funding contribution to the total project cost.
• Capacity to complete the installation and commissioning of the shared solar system by 31 March 2026.
• Must comply with all relevant NSW building and electrical regulations and approvals.
• The solar system must be designed to export an average of no more than 30% of the electricity produced each year.
• The project must have a payback period of 10 years or less.
• The owners’ corporation must pass a sustainability infrastructure resolution. This resolution must confirm proportionate cost and benefit sharing among all residents.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Design, purchase, and installation of shared solar PV systems on apartment building rooftops.
• Metering board upgrades and installation of solar gateways or splitter systems for energy distribution and monitoring.
• Electrical system upgrades are necessary to enable the safe integration of solar installations.
• Associated project management and technical consultancy related to installation and commissioning.
• Roof waterproofing is only required where required due to the solar installation.
• Enabling works (meter board upgrades, wiring, waterproofing) cannot exceed 10% of the total project cost.

Assessment Process

This is a competitive, first-come, first-served funding allocation. Funds are available until the program funds are exhausted. Applications are assessed for eligibility and compliance with program guidelines.

The assessment is a two-stage process:

1. Stage One: Expression of Interest (EOI) to check eligibility.
2. Stage Two: Full Application upon invitation, requiring supporting documents like quotes from accredited solar installers and proof of owners’ corporation authorisation.

Priority is given to projects that show clear benefits in energy savings, greenhouse gas reduction, and fair distribution of solar benefits to residents. Value for money and readiness to complete projects by the deadline are key considerations. A score of 5 out of 10 or greater is required in all criteria for approval.

Recent Program Updates

Applications opened on 28 February 2025. Funding is available until 1 December 2025, or until fully allocated. The SoAR program aligns with the Australian Government’s Solar Banks Scheme and NSW’s Consumer Energy Strategy. Both aim to expand access to renewable energy. Strong interest and applications are expected given rising energy costs and the growing number of apartment residents in NSW.

Application Tips

• Confirm eligibility early. This includes building size and previous solar installation history.
• Prepare comprehensive project budgets. Include all installation and upgrade costs. Ensure the quoted cost is after STC discount and excludes GST.
• Gather necessary documentation. This includes owners corporation approval, strata manager agreements, and quotes from accredited solar installers.
• Engage with experienced solar providers knowledgeable about multi-unit dwelling installations and metering requirements.
• Submit applications promptly to secure funding before the allocation is exhausted. The program operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Plan for project completion by March 2026. Ensure compliance with all technical standards.
• Ensure the project demonstrates a payback period within 10 years.
• Confirm the owners’ corporation has passed a sustainability infrastructure resolution. This must show equitable sharing of costs and benefits among residents.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We offer initial assessments to review your corporation or strata’s eligibility and assist with application preparation to align your project with the grant’s objectives. Additional resources and application forms are available on the NSW Government and business.gov.au websites.