Solar Citizens welcomes more evidence that the way to cut energy bills for renters is through a combination of energy efficiency regulation and financial incentives for landlords, with the release of the How to halve renters’ energy bills report by the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA) today. [1]
This follows the release of independent economic modelling by Rennie Advisory of Solar Citizens’ tax proposal showing that accelerated depreciation for landlord investments in solar and energy efficiency upgrades for 30% of rental homes by 2030 would save renters up to $57 billion nationally on their energy bills over 20 years.
New research from Energy Consumers Australia (ECA) also shows that half of all Australians face barriers to accessing rooftop solar and battery storage, with renters being the largest cohort locked out of the clean energy transition. ECA also called for governments to “Require energy performance ratings for homes and businesses” and to “explore targeted tax incentives for landlords who invest in energy upgrades — including batteries — for their properties without increasing the total cost renters pay.” [2]
Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas said:
"Energy experts are increasingly recommending that financial incentives for property owners be combined with minimum standards for rental properties to drive improvements in rental homes and deliver huge benefits to renters and the wider community.“
“Along with other community organisations, Solar Citizens is calling for action with practical solutions backed by compelling evidence - it’s time for Federal, State and Territory governments to stop putting this in the too hard basket and act.”
“One in three Australians rent - that’s 3 million people who are locked out of the clean energy transition and two-thirds live in homes suitable for rooftop solar.
“We look forward to seeing the NSW Government act on the testimonies they are gathering in their Minimum Energy Efficiency Rental Standards (MEERS) consultation and implement comprehensive standards, as Victoria is doing with new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards to come into effect in March next year. The ACT also needs to extend its MEES beyond insulation.
“It’s unfair that renters who bear the brunt of the energy and cost-of-living crisis, with rising rents and energy bills, have the least control over their energy use because they don’t control the energy efficiency of their home or have access to rooftop solar and storage. We need to fix that,” concluded Ms Douglas.
Solar Citizens’ economic analysis of accelerated depreciation for landlords found that:
- Renters would save up to $45,000 on electricity bills from solar with battery installations and $38,000 with just solar over the 20 year life of the assets.
- Landlords would save over $6,000 on solar + battery installations and up to $3,000 on solar installations - which is a 25% saving on the capital investment.
- Coordinating this Federal incentive with state and territory-based Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards could shift this from voluntary uptake by landlords to a structured path for rental reform - modelled as 100% uptake by 2050.
Solar for Renters: Closing the Gap with Accelerated Depreciation
1] How to halve renters’ energy bills, IEEFA, 27/5/2026
2] Half of all Australians facing barriers to solar and battery revolution new report finds, ECA Media Release. 24/5/2026