If you’ve been thinking about going solar, a strata tile shouldn’t dissuade you from pursuing this energy-efficient power source. Solar for strata is installing solar panels on a strata-tilted building, allowing strata residents to share the benefits of a solar panel system.
Strata-tilted buildings, whether units or townhouses, may have a tougher time getting things done due to the decision-making process. It runs smoother if the bylaws allow for solar panels.
However, if your bylaws don’t allow for this installation, you will first have to take steps to change the relevant bylaw. There’s also funding available if you’re making the upgrade after having asbestos removed.
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Strata Living At A Glance: Who Benefits From Solar?
Solar delivers benefits across the board for strata communities: Owners, tenants, and the environment.
- Residents living in the strata properties benefit from lower power bills.Â
- Homeowners and property investors benefit from an increase in property value. Additionally, investors can benefit from modernisation by attracting and retaining high-quality tenants.
- Strata Committees benefit from long-term savings and from reducing the building’s overall carbon footprint.Â
- Property managers benefit because they are seen to be actively promoting sustainability, but also contributing to modernising buildings. It makes them a more attractive option for investors.
Solar For Strata Is Gaining Momentum
Energy prices are rising, and while solar for strata does come with high initial costs to cover the system and installation, it does pay dividends in the long term.
With the rise in energy prices and residents looking for greener alternatives, solar panels are an excellent selling point for potential tenants and buyers looking for more eco-friendly homes.Â
Australia has a net-zero emissions goal, and pushing electrification over gas is a major part of achieving that goal. While the push begins in the home with replacing gas stoves and choosing an EV over a traditional car, there are plenty of other ways the government is encouraging electrification, and solar panels are part of that, with solar rebates.Â
Just as potential buyers and tenants are looking for more sustainable power sources, property investors are increasingly focused on upgrades that make their buildings stand out. In some cases, adding solar can even have a positive flow-on effect for residential strata insurance, as sustainable improvements and energy efficiencies may reduce certain risk factors over time.
Expert tip: Compare solar panel quotes with Go Solar Quotes and save up to 43%.
How Much Can You Save With Strata Solar?
The Albanese Labour Government carried out a test case on a nine-unit building in New South Wales, and each household saved $990 annually. The $50,000 installation cost was covered by the Owners’ Corporation Capital Works fund, also known as a sinking fund, and they would have been eligible for a $25,000 grant from the Solar for apartment residents fund.Â
Do You Need Approval For Strata Solar? Recent Rules And Updates
With the government’s push for electrification, there have been recent rules and changes to ease the solar installation process. For example, some states have changed the special resolution vote share to 50% rather than 75% when it’s for sustainable upgrades. Additionally, the inclusion of by-laws preventing solar panels is banned, except in the case of heritage-listed buildings.Â
Strata Committees: What You Need To Know
The Strata Committee needs to approve the move, but consult a lawyer to ensure it’s in line with your bylaws and local regulations. Additionally, if an individual owner wants solar, the Owners Corporation still needs to approve the move in line with the body corporate rules, even if it’s considered private roof space.
You may need approval from your electricity supplier to ensure, but planning approval isn’t generally necessary unless there’s additional roof work required to support the additional weight of the panels.
Strata Building Solar Setup
There are several options available for a strata solar setup, and it likely depends on your individual building. In some buildings, the best option is for each individual unit to install its own system; this is particularly useful for strata townhouses.Â
Strata units may benefit from a shared system with an embedded network to centralise generation and share billing. Alternatively, you may opt for solar to cover the common area systems to power the common area lighting, laundry services, or lifts.Â
Individual units could pursue solar on their own, but it does require permission from the body corporate. Though the voting share is lower since it is a sustainable upgrade. However, if one unit is pursuing solar, it’s wise for everyone to consider it concerning property value and kerbside aesthetics.
Strata Solar Installation
The first step is a strata committee meeting to secure the vote among owners. Once everyone is in agreement about the solar installation, you can take the next steps by assessing the feasibility of the move. Is there adequate roof space? Can the roof support the additional weight?
Can I Install Solar As A Unit Owner?
Is your solar setup moving forward with one unit owner pursuing panels, several owners, or the entire building? You’ll need to determine whether you’re setting it up as a shared system or individual systems.Â
Once you have all the relevant information, you can apply for permissions, whether it’s for planning approval or approval from your electricity supplier.Â
Installation
Finally, you can have your solar panels installed and get connected to the grid. If it’s a shared system, you’ll need to organise the billing situation for every unit.
The Approval And Installation Process
The committee should be involved from the start to ensure everyone is on board and clear about what comes next. Always search out multiple quotes to ensure you get the best deal possible, and use a reputable provider with experience installing solar panels. Go Solar Quotes makes the process easier by connecting you with local installers, suppliers, and comparing quotes.
Expert tip: Roof ownership disputes often delay solar projects. Getting legal advice early can help you navigate state rules, clarify cost responsibilities, and understand the benefits of this sustainable upgrade.
Summing Up: Is Solar Right For Your Strata?
Lower power bills, sustainable upgrades, increased property value and long-term savings are all great reasons for your strata community to consider going solar. It’s a win for residents, committees, property owners and investors alike.
