Living in an apartment doesn't mean you have to miss out on solar. Thanks to new changes announced in October 2026, thousands more Victorians could soon have the opportunity to enjoy cheaper electricity from their own rooftops.
If you live in an apartment, townhouse or unit in Melbourne, you've probably noticed solar panels popping up on houses all around you.
But what about people living in apartment buildings?
For years, getting solar installed on an apartment building has been a little more complicated than installing panels on a regular house.
Shared rooftops, multiple owners and installation costs have made things difficult.
Well, there's some good news!
The Victorian Government has expanded its Solar for Apartments Program, opening the door for more apartment owners and renters to benefit from rooftop solar.
And with rebates of up to $2,800 per apartment, it's an opportunity worth knowing about.
So, What's Actually Changed?
On 26 October 2026, the Victorian and Australian Governments announced an expansion of the Solar for Apartments Program.
The aim is simple: make solar more accessible for people living in apartments, units and townhouses.
There are three important changes.
1. Larger apartment buildings can now apply
Previously, the program mainly supported buildings with up to 50 apartments or lots.
Now, buildings with between 50 and 150 lots can request an exemption to be considered for the program.
Buildings taller than eight storeys can also request an exemption, provided they meet the other requirements.
This means more apartment complexes across Melbourne could potentially access solar funding.
2. The property value limit has been removed
Previously, some apartment buildings were excluded because their apartments exceeded a certain property value.
That restriction has now been removed.
So, even if your apartment is in a higher-value Melbourne suburb, your building may now qualify.
3. Solar can help power shared spaces, too
Owners corporations can now allocate up to 20% of the electricity generated by an eligible shared solar system to common areas.
Think hallway lighting, shared facilities and other electricity used throughout the building.
That could help reduce some of the running costs shared by residents.
How Much Is the Solar for Apartments Rebate?
This is probably the most exciting part.
Eligible apartment buildings can receive:
- Up to $2,800 per participating apartment
- Up to $140,000 per building
- Potential electricity bill savings of up to $500 per participating household each year
The savings figure is a government estimate, not a guarantee. Actual results depend on electricity usage, the solar system and how energy is shared.
The rebate is applied as a discount to the installation cost, helping reduce what the owners corporation needs to pay upfront.
Even with the expansion to larger buildings, the program's standard system rules generally limit an eligible solar installation to supplying between five and 50 residential lots.
Wait, How Does Solar Work in an Apartment Building?
Great question!
With a regular house, solar panels usually connect directly to that home's electrical system.
Apartment buildings are a little different because multiple households share the same roof.
There are two main ways solar can work.
Some buildings can install individual solar systems connected directly to participating ap
