Community solar is transforming how Australians access renewable energy, especially for those who can’t install their own rooftop systems. The federal government’s Community Solar Banks program aims to lower electricity costs for up to 25,000 households through shared solar systems, helping households who can’t install their own systems.
Who can join: Renters, apartment dwellers, homeowners with unsuitable roofs, and low-income households who previously couldn’t access solar benefits.
How Community Solar Works in Australia
Community solar operates through two main models:
Shared rooftop solar for apartments: 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. The system is installed on common property and shared among participating apartments.
Community solar farms: Australia’s first community-owned plant in Goulburn combines 1.4MW of solar with battery storage 4MWh, enough to power about 500 homes and shift energy into the evening peak. Funded by around 300 locals and grants, the co-op keeps about 80% of profits in the region.
The key difference is ownership structure. Apartment solar is managed by body corporates for building residents, while community solar farms involve individual investment shares in larger facilities.
As of March 2026, we have funded almost 140 projects to support 2,580 households, including more than 950 renters, access shared solar. These projects are expected to deliver an average annual energy bill saving of over $1,000 per household.
State-by-State Rebates and Programs
NSW: Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR)
Up to 50% of eligible products and installation costs will be covered by grant funding, with the remaining amount being a co-contribution from the owners corporation. A total of $25 million in funding is available with up to $150,000 per project.
Eligibility: NSW apartment buildings and multi-unit dwellings managed by owners corporations Application deadline: Applications close 5pm 30 March 2026 or earlier if the funds are fully allocated Expected savings: Up to $600 a year for each apartment
Victoria: Solar for Apartments Program
Under Solar Victoria’s Solar for Apartments program, eligible buildings can receive up to A$2,800 per participating household, with a maximum of A$140,000 per property.
Key requirements:
- Median capital improved residential lot value that does not exceed $950,000
- Standard eligibility covers up to 50 lots and up to 8 storeys
- Apartments with solar installed in the past 10 years are not eligible for the rebate. New systems must serve lots without a recent solar installation
Application deadline: Round 3 is open until 5pm Thursday 30 April 2026, unless the funding runs out earlier
Other States
| State | Funding | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | $3.6 million co-funding. Body corporates can apply for up to $100,000 for rooftop solar, with half as a grant and half as an interest free loan | Up to 2,100 households |
| WA | $19.9 million co-funding. $7.3 million from Australian Government and $12.6 million from Western Australian Government | Focus on remote communities |
| NT | $4.7 million funding for two shared solar schemes | 300 apartments + 700 households |
| SA | Co-funding to install shared rooftop solar and batteries to help low-income households | Low-income focus |
Who Can Join Community Solar?
Apartment dwellers: Anyone living in eligible multi-unit dwellings where the owners corporation applies for grants.
Renters: This will help residents, including renters, to reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. You don’t need to own your home.
Community solar farm investors: If you want to back community solar Australia, start by reading offer documents from local co-ops, visiting sites, and speaking with managers. Then size any position modestly within a balanced portfolio.
Households without suitable roofs: Those with shaded, north-facing, or structurally unsuitable roofs for traditional solar.
How Much Does Community Solar Cost?
Apartment solar: Your contribution depends on the building’s owners corporation decision. The owners corporation will need to contribute 50% of the total cost in NSW, while Victoria offers higher per-apartment rebates.
Community solar farms: Investment amounts vary by project. About 300 local investors funded the build alongside grants, with the co-op keeping roughly 80% of profits in the region after costs. Revenues come from selling electricity and related services.
Expected returns: An average household in an eligible multi-unit development can save up to A$500 per year, but real savings depend on system size, household usage, tariff settings, and any export limits set by the local network.
Steps to Get Started
For apartment residents:
- Check if your building meets eligibility criteria
- Speak with your strata committee or body corporate
- Start a conversation with other residents, your OC committee or Strata Manager about getting solar. If you’re renting and would like to explore options, contact your property manager or rental provider
- Get quotes from accredited installers
- Submit application before deadline
For community solar farm investment:
- Research local energy cooperatives
- Attend information sessions
- Review investment documents carefully
- Start with modest investment amounts
New Solar Sharing Options Coming in 2026
Beyond community solar, Australia is launching the Solar Sharer scheme. Under the Solar Sharer scheme – to be introduced from July 2026 in NSW, South-East Queensland and South Australia – energy retailers will be required to offer households at least three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day, when rooftop solar generation is at its peak.
Households in New South Wales, South-East Queensland and South Australia will be eligible for at least three hours of free solar electricity each day — even if they don’t have rooftop panels installed. It applies to homes with smart meters — which includes the majority of Australian households — and could expand to other parts of the country by 2027.
This complements community solar by making solar benefits accessible even without shared ownership structures.
Bottom Line
Community solar in Australia is rapidly expanding with significant government support. For apartment dwellers: Act quickly—NSW applications close March 30, 2026, and Victorian Round 3 closes April 30, 2026. With rebates up to $2,800 per household and average savings over $1,000 annually, the financial case is compelling.
For potential community solar farm investors: The Goulburn model proves viability, but approach cautiously with small initial investments. For everyone else: The July 2026 Solar Sharer scheme will provide three hours of free electricity daily in NSW, Queensland, and South Australia, making solar benefits accessible regardless of housing type.
If you’re interested in traditional solar options, check out our Are Australian Solar Panel Prices Rising in 2026? What Homeowners Need to Know About Costs and Rebate Changes for current pricing and rebate information.