This week, Allume’s Chief Technology Officer, Kristy Battista, welcomed the Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio at our local manufacturing facility, SRX Global, in Dandenong in Melbourne, to announce the second round of the Victorian Solar for Apartments program.
During the press conference, the Minister announced that the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments have invested an additional $16 million for the second round of the Solar for Apartments program, following unprecedented uptake in the first round.
The first round of the Solar for Apartments program, launched in February 2024, had overwhelming uptake from Victorians seeking cost-of-living relief – hundreds of apartment buildings have already been approved across metropolitan Melbourne.
The Minister also took the opportunity to celebrate home-grown renewable technology innovation; "Allume’s technology is designed and manufactured here in Victoria and it’s great to see programs like this help local businesses grow."
Round 2 offers another 5,000 rebates to subsidise the upfront cost of installing solar on apartments, saving Victorians up to $500 a year on their energy bills.
“Australians have one of the highest rates of residential rooftop solar generation in the world, but until recently, apartment residents have been excluded from accessing it," explained Kristy during the announcement.
"That’s why Allume developed SolShare. With an unprecedented number of enquiries in round 1, we’re excited to extend our technology to more people struggling with the cost of energy."
22% of Victorians live in apartments, many of whom are struggling with the cost of energy. This second (and likely final) round will extend eligibility criteria to ensure more people can access the grant, opening eligibility to residents living in townhouses and units.
Round 2 closes on Friday, 6 December 2024, or until all rebates are exhausted – get started with a Solar Assessment for your building here!