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Solar for Apartments Grants Victoria - Round 2 Opens!

Picture of Allume By  Allume  ·  2 minute read

Overview of the Solar for Apartments Grant

The Solar for Apartments Grant is designed to promote the adoption of solar energy in apartment buildings in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The first round, which ran from February to May, offered owners corporations (OCs) 5000 rebates of up to $2800 per apartment. Due to its success, a second round has launched, with the Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D'Ambrosio making the announcement at Allume's manufacturing facility in Melbourne. This round doubles the number of grants initially offered!

Most of the buildings approved in round one utilised Allume's solar sharing technology, SolShare, to maximise bill savings and to ensure all residents were allocated a fair share of solar every month. This is expected to continue in the second round.

Our recent Q&A webinar covers the second round in-depth - watch it here.

 

LINK TO GUIDE & OTHER BLOGS & PAGES

Key Changes in Round Two

  1. Funding Flow: Unlike the first round, where OCs had to front the costs and then get rebated, the second round allows the rebate to go directly to the installer. This reduces the financial burden on OCs, making the process smoother and more accessible.

  2. Eligibility Check: The eligibility check can now be done online, streamlining the initial steps. This change aims to make it easier for buildings to determine their eligibility for the grant.

  3. Simplified Process: The process has been refined based on feedback from the first round. This includes clearer guidelines and a more straightforward application process, ensuring that more buildings can benefit from the grant.

Tips for Securing Solar Sooner

  1. Financing Options: Explore various financing options to bridge the gap between initial costs and rebates. This can include leveraging strata managers' information or seeking third-party finance.

  2. Q&A Sessions: Engage investors and residents through Q&A sessions to educate them about the benefits of shared solar. This can help secure the necessary votes and approvals.

  3. Installer Quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple installers to find the best fit for your building. This ensures that you get competitive pricing and quality service.

  4. Meter Panel Upgrades: Ensure your meter boards are up to current electrical standards. Upgrading these can facilitate the installation of solar and other future technologies like EV chargers and batteries.

Success Stories

One notable success story is from Oli, who successfully implemented shared solar in his apartment complex. By starting his campaign early and engaging both investors and residents, he was able to secure the necessary approvals and funding. His building received $56,000 in rebates, significantly reducing the out-of-pocket costs and ensuring a quick return on investment.

Application Process for Round Two

  1. Complete Eligibility Criteria: Check your building's eligibility on the Solar for Apartments website.
  2. Request a Quote: Get a feasibility assessment and installer quotes.
  3. Secure OC Approval: Use Q&A sessions to educate and secure votes from the OC.
  4. Submit Application: Nominate a preferred installer and submit your application to secure funding.

Conclusion

The Solar for Apartments Grant offers a unique opportunity for apartment buildings to adopt solar energy with significant financial support. By understanding the changes in round two and following the provided tips, OCs can navigate the process more effectively and achieve successful solar installations.

For more detailed guidance and support, reach out to the relevant stakeholders and take advantage of the resources available through the grant program.

This blog post is based on insights shared during a recent webinar on the Solar for Apartments Grant. For further information, please refer to the official resources provided by the administering body.