The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Josh Wilon MP, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, SA Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Mining
The Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments are helping South Australians living in apartments access cheaper, cleaner energy through a $17.8 million package for shared solar and battery systems.
The Commonwealth contribution includes $8.9 million from the Community Solar Banks program to support grants covering up to 50 per cent of the cost of a shared solar and battery system, and finance through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) Household Energy Upgrades Fund for concessional loans to cover the remaining 50 per cent.
Delivered through the South Australian Government's landmark new StrataCharge program with renewable energy financier Brighte, the grants and optional loans will each be capped at $47,500 per property.
Once installed, the shared systems will help lower energy bills for households across participating properties, including owner-occupiers and tenants.
An estimated 160,000 households, or around one in every 12 South Australians, live in strata and community titled properties, where shared ownership, common infrastructure and governance arrangements can make it harder to approve, finance and share the benefits of solar and batteries.
StrataCharge will help eligible strata communities overcome these barriers, including by providing direct advice and support on choosing a system, navigating strata agreements, and managing other arrangements.
Brighte will support applicants through the process and connect them with its accredited installer network.
Strata communities can learn more about the program and start an application at www.stratacharge.sa.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"Living in an apartment shouldn't mean missing out on the benefits of cheaper, cleaner energy.
"This $17.8 million package brings together grants covering up to half the cost with zero interest finance for the remainder, helping strata communities overcome the upfront cost barrier.
"Shared solar and batteries can deliver lasting bill savings for both owner-occupiers and renters, while giving more South Australians the opportunity to take part in the energy transformation."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:
"Apartment communities have often found it harder to access solar and batteries because the costs, approvals and benefits need to be shared across the whole building.
"StrataCharge gives owners' corporations a practical pathway to install shared systems and deliver fair savings for every household in the property.
"lt's another way the Albanese Government is helping more Australians reduce their energy bills, no matter what kind of home they live in."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis:
"South Australia has led the world in rooftop solar, but not every household has had the same opportunity to share in the savings.
"For many people living in strata communities, investing in solar and batteries is out of reach because of the complexity of shared ownership, navigating approvals and equitably sharing the benefits of renewable energy.
"StrataCharge helps overcome those barriers and makes it easier to install shared solar and battery systems that deliver bill relief to households, including renters.
"Together with programs like EmpoweringSA, this program is about making sure more South Australians can lower their energy bills and take part in the renewable energy transition."
