Join the campaign to legalise Plug-In Solar in Australia
Plug-in Solar became legally available in Great Britain on Thursday 27 August and earlier that month the New Zealand government announced it aims to legalise Plug-In Solar within 12 months.
All it takes to make Plug-In Solar legal in Australia is for Energy Ministers to direct their State and Territory regulators to change out-dated rules and regulations - just as they did in the UK.
Why we need to Unlock Solar for Renters
One third of Australians rent their homes and the vast majority miss out on cheap, clean rooftop solar and storage. Whilst Solar Citizens supports the new Solar Sharer “3 hours of free power” initiative, we are also calling for for the federal government to build on this with a dedicated Solar for Renters policy, tied to state-based minimum energy efficiency standards, to overcome the split incentive dilemma that locks millions of renters - one third of our homes - out of solar savings.
Our goal: Government policies by 2028 to unlock solar on 1/3 of rental homes by 2030
Together, we can unlock solar for renters and give every Australian a fair go in the clean energy transition.
Sign our petition to Unlock Clean Energy for Renters
Watch our CEO explain the 3 policy solutions to Unlock Solar for Renters
All levels of government working together can apply these solutions:
1) Federal: Accelerated Depreciation for Landlords who install solar, batteries and energy efficient appliances (the 'carrot')
2) State/Territory: Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (the 'stick')
3) All levels: Unlock solar on large commercial, industrial and public roofs - creating Urban Renewable Energy Zones to supply solar power to neighbouring renters and apartments
WATCH THE WEBINAR to find out how together we can Unlock Solar for Renters.
- Solar Citizens CEO Heidi Lee Douglas shares the findings and recommendations of our 'Unlock Solar for Renters' Polis Conversation report
- Multicultural Leadership Initiative CEO Rathana Chea on the importance of energy equity to share cost of living savings and reduce emissions
- Smart Energy Council A/CEO, David McElrea on new technology solutions to save energy costs for renters
- Renters and landlords share their experiences
Read and download our 'Unlock Solar for Renters' Polis Conversation report
Annie is calling for government action
Annie Loo lives in Perth, Western Australia. Despite the state’s abundant sunshine, Annie has never been able to install solar because she doesn’t own her home. After a decade of renting and faced with rising living costs and energy bills, she often feels frustrated at being unable to access the financial and environmental benefits of rooftop solar. She’s calling for more government funding and programs that make solar and other energy upgrades accessible to renters—so everyone, not just homeowners, can cut bills and benefit from clean energy.
After a decade of renting and faced with rising living costs and energy bills, she often feels frustrated at being unable to access the financial and environmental benefits of rooftop solar. She’s calling for more government funding and programs that make solar and other energy upgrades accessible to renters—so everyone, not just homeowners, can cut bills and benefit from clean energy.