How the NSW SoAR grant delivers ROI for apartment communities

Australia stands at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, with a bold vision to make solar technology part of everyday life. One program helping to make this happen is the NSW Solar for Apartments Residents (SoAR) grant – designed to bring the benefits of solar power to multi-unit dwellings, a group historically left behind in the solar revolution.

Opening the door to solar for apartments

The SoAR program helps to tackle a long-standing challenge: while rooftop solar is now common for standalone homes, apartment residents face significant barriers such as technical complexity, shared ownership, and decision-making processes. The program provides clear pathways, tailored incentives and technical solutions for strata communities to enjoy both the financial and environmental benefits of solar power.

Empowering communities to go solar – a spotlight on the Newcastle and Hunter region

In the Newcastle and the Hunter region, progress toward a clean energy future is moving fast with major infrastructure investments being announced and coming online at a rapid pace (such as the Waratah Super Battery). The Bright & Duggan Hunter (B&D), team, have been actively engaging and supporting clients to take advantage of the SoAR program, with many already applying and some successfully approved.

This grant enables schemes to install solar benefitting individual apartment occupiers, using revolutionary solar sharing systems. The return on investment of the program after the grant is significant, with a payback period of approximately 2-3 years in some cases.

Acting quickly for our clients

When the SoAR program was announced in February 2025, expressions of interest opened immediately. Our B&D team moved fast, reviewing our portfolio of schemes in the Hunter region and, identifying those that met the criteria – being schemes 3-55 lots, residential and no existing shared solar system.

We found around 40 eligible schemes. With client consent, we registered their interest in the scheme and commenced a feasibility study via solar companies.

Once we had a feasibility, our managers engaged with the committee to confirm further interest and appoint a ‘champion’ to lead the project.

From these, 12 submitted applications. Others were interested but had higher priority projects (such as remedial works) and retained feasibility study for future use.

Educating and engaging communities

A key barrier to participation is lack of understanding about the feasibility, costs and benefits of solar in multi-dwelling settings. The B&D teams address this through:

• Webinars and in-person information sessions explaining the SoAR program and government rebates in simple terms.
• Clear guides and infographics tailored for owners’ corporations.
• Real life case studies to illustrate financial and environmental outcomes.
• Q&A sessions and workshops with solar consultants and engineers to address resident concerns.

Building consensus in diverse communities

Apartment communities are diverse, with varying owner and tenant interests. To help reach agreement, we:

• Hosted open community forums for honest discussion among owners, tenants, and committee members.
• Used transparent voting processes and offering neutral third-party facilitation to ensure all voices are heard.
• Presenting clear financial projections that showing payback periods, estimated savings, and property value benefits through solar installation.

These strategies turned what could have been difficult meetings into productive, solution focused discussions.

Delivering tailored solutions with trusted experts

No two apartments are the same, and their solar needs aren’t either. We partnered with specialists such as Sustainability Now and Wattblock to deliver:

• High-quality, customised solar installations for individual building
• Expert advice on system design, grid connection, and energy monitoring solutions.
• Access to exclusive government pilot programs and subsidies
• Detailed site assessments to evaluate roof space, sunlight exposure, and electrical infrastructure.
• Custom solar system designs that can serve both common areas and individual units, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits.
• Full grant application support and guidance navigating regulatory requirements unique to strata properties.

Early results and measurable impact

Our work with clients has already created measurable benefits, including:

• Lower energy bills for common area and individual units
• Tenant access to solar savings, making properties more attractive and potentially increasing rental returns
• Increased property values and stronger interest from sustainability minded buyers and tenants.
• Greater community spirit, as residents unite around shared sustainability goals.
• Growing interest in green initiatives, such as battery storage and electric vehicle charging.

We look forward to sharing specific case studies in time.

Challenges along the way

While progress has been strong, challenges we address include:

• Managing fair cost/benefit sharing in mixed use buildings (e.g. commercial owners/occupants cannot participate in the scheme
• Adapting to fast changing government regulations and incentive programs schemes
• Addressing technical limitations in older buildings with less compatible infrastructure.

We’ve overcome these hurdles through proactive communication, adaptability and close collaboration with committees, learning valuable lessons that will help us support even more schemes in the future.

Looking ahead

Beyond immediate cost savings and environmental gains, the SoAR program represents a step change in how apartment communities can participate in Australia’s clean energy future.

The work by Bright & Duggan Hunter shows that with the right mix of education, engagement and expert support, even complex strata environments can successfully adopt renewable energy.

We’re proud to be leading this change, making solar energy accessible, affordable and achievable for apartment living, on building at a time.

Interested in bringing solar to your apartment community?

Contact your local strata manager to explore your eligibility for the SoAR grant and receive expert guidance every step of the way.

Alternatively talk to the Bright & Duggan team today:

1800 675 444 | talktous@bright-duggan.com.au