The Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) Grant now provides a share of $25 million in funding to install shared rooftop solar systems on eligible NSW apartment complexes.

SOLAR FOR APARTMENT RESIDENTS (SoAR) GRANT PROGRAM

This government initiative supports multi-unit residential buildings — including renters — to embrace solar energy and reduce electricity costs. Grants are limited and applications may close early once the funding pool is exhausted

SoAR supports NSW residents living in apartments or other multi-unit dwellings to install a shared rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, with the aim of giving these households access to the benefits of solar energy.

Providing funding for the transition of apartment buildings or other multi-unit dwellings to solar energy will assist NSW households, including renters, to reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions.

This initiative will benefit owners and residents through lower upfront costs for the installation of a solar PV system and ongoing cost savings from locally generated solar energy. It will also increase the uptake of solar systems across the state by reaching households previously locked out of installing solar.

This program is administered by Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Key information

  • Status: Open

  • Grant amount: Up to $150,000 per project

  • Application opened: 28 February 2025

  • Application closes: 1 December 2025, 5:00 pm

  • Completion deadline: To be finished & operational by 31 March 2026

What Is Funded:

  • Some guidelines (third-party sources) specify buildings with 3–55 units and no solar system installed in the past 10 years

  • Can fund: solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware, solar-sharing tech, installation labour, safety gear, and essential roof waterproofing only if required for the installation.

  • Enabling works (e.g. wiring, meter, waterproofing) must not exceed 10% of total project cost

What Is Not Funded:

  • Projects using third-party Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

  • Solar systems servicing only common areas

  • Battery storage systems

  • EV charging infrastructure (separate funding available)

  • Full roof waterproofing or complete building rewiring

Who Can Apply:

  • Only eligible applicants: a NSW residential owners’ corporation (OC) or a strata managing agent authorised by the OC can apply

  • Individual residents or landlords cannot apply directly

Who Cannot Apply:

  • Individual property owners

  • Government agencies

  • Private sector businesses and agencies

  • Educational institutions

  • Local councils

  • Not-for-profit organisations

  • Community and social housing providers

This is a co-funded grant:

  • Covers up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a max of $150,000 per project

Funded projects aim to:

  • Provide NSW apartment residents, including renters, with access to solar energy

  • Reduce household energy costs

  • Lower carbon emissions across the state

  • Expand solar uptake to previously underserved communities

Important Notes

  • Each application must be for a single building or project

  • Strata managers managing multiple properties must submit separate applications

  • Applicants are responsible for submitting accurate and complete applications. False or misleading information may result in disqualification under the NSW Crimes Act 1900

For support in preparing your application or exploring finance options for your co-contribution, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help apartment communities take the next step toward clean, affordable energy.