Apartment and multi-unit dwellings in NSW have often been left behind when it comes to rooftop solar systems. Shared roofs, multiple owners, renters and common areas all make the logistics more complex. That’s where the SoAR Grant comes in — helping bring shared solar systems into strata-communities. Let’s break down who can apply, which buildings qualify, and how the grant process works for your owners corporation or strata manager.
The SoAR Grant is specifically designed for multi-unit residential buildings. But not just anyone: the eligible applicant must be one of the following:
- A residential owners corporation (i.e., the body corporate responsible for the strata scheme under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015) in NSW.
- Or a strata managing agent, acting on behalf of such an owners corporation.
Individual apartment owners cannot apply in their own name — the building’s owners corporation needs to lead the application.
This structure ensures that the shared benefit of a rooftop solar system is organized through the collective/co-owners framework rather than individual units.
Not every strata or apartment block qualifies. Here are the key building eligibility criteria:
- The building must be a residential apartment building (or other multi-unit residential dwelling) in NSW.
- It must have at least 3 residential lots, and not more than 55 residential lots.
- The building must be completed (i.e., existing, not just proposed) at time of application.
- It must not have had a solar PV system installed in the past 10 years.
- Must be registered under the Strata Schemes Development Act / have correct strata registration.
- Owners corporation must have active strata insurance policy.
If a building meets these core criteria, then it’s in the running for the grant.
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