There is huge potential for small-scale solar energy generation in Australia – with more than 30% of homes now being powered by solar PV. While solar can save homeowners on their electricity bills, it raises the question: can renters benefit from solar panels too?
With high upfront costs and installation being permanently fixed to a property, Canstar Blue takes a look at whether it is possible to get solar panels as a renter in Australia. We also share some of the options available to renters when it comes to accessing greener energy sources.
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Is it possible to have solar for renters?
Solar panels for renters is certainly possible, but in the end it will come down to the landlord and what they are comfortable with having installed at the property. Some rentals may already come with rooftop solar panels, in which case, renters can start accessing solar energy straight away. However, the landlord may have an agreement in place prior to signing the lease indicating how this transaction would work.
If you find yourself renting a property that doesn’t have solar panels installed already, there are a few ways you could go about accessing solar energy at the property. This could be through installing your own system, or gaining access to portable solar panels.
Do renters have access to a solar feed-in tariff if they receive solar?
If there is solar installed at a rental property, the property should be eligible for a solar feed-in tariff (FiT). Whether or not the renter will be able to claim any credits on their bills via the FiT will depend on the arrangement they have with their landlord.
Some landlords may simply decide to leave the electricity account in the name of the tenant, allowing them to pay for their energy usage and receive any credits from exporting electricity. Other landlords, however, may decide to keep the electricity account in their name in order to keep track of the credits earned from exporting power. If this is the case, the landlord may make an agreement with their tenant similar to the following:
- The landlord pays the electricity bill on the tenant’s behalf and asks the renter to pay back the full amount, including what the credits would have subsidised. This means the renter will not benefit from the credits and the landlord can absorb the credit for their own use.
- The landlord pays the electricity bill on the tenant’s behalf and asks the renter to pay back the full amount minus the credits earnt. This way the tenant still receives a small discount.
- The landlord pays the electricity on the tenant’s behalf, absorbs the credits earnt from the solar exports and includes the electricity costs as part of the rent.
These arrangements are usually discussed prior to leasing or within the rental period, so unless otherwise specified, it is safe to assume that a renter would be receiving the credits from exporting electricity.
To see which retailers are rated best by Aussies, check out our report on Australia’s best-rated solar energy providers.
Solar plans and prices
Here are a handful of solar deals available in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. These plans are marketed towards customers with solar panels and normally come with a higher feed-in tariff than standard electricity plans. While a high FiT is great, just be sure to check it isn’t concealing higher base rates as this can make any credits received from solar void.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Can renters get rebates for solar panels?
While there are a few solar rebates on offer for homeowners across different states and territories, there doesn’t seem to be any solar rebates for renters. There may be solar concessions and schemes in the future that target renters, but for now, there are no specific rebates on offer for tenants.
Three ways renters can access solar at their property
Solar power for homeowners is pretty straightforward: they purchase a system, have it installed and start generating their own energy. Solar power for renters is more of a challenge, especially when landlords are brought into the equation. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s impossible.
If you are a renter looking to access solar energy at your property, here are three options you can consider:
1. Ask your landlord to install solar panels
Depending on the relationship you have with your landlord, this may seem like an extremely daunting option. If you are only entering a short-term contract at the property, this request may be a bit of a stretch; but if you have a long-term agreement, or a tight-knit relationship with your landlord, then it may be worth asking them to install solar panels at your home.
Your request may be more positively received if come prepared with research around the benefits of solar energy (particularly the benefits it would have to your landlord’s property), as well as details on how you would contribute financially to the installation.
Solar Analytics co-founder Stefan Jarnason offers some tips for proposing a solar installation to your landlord, including:
- Checking if your roof is suitable for solar.
- Considering your relationship with your landlord.
- Being ready for a discussion.
- Doing your homework using a bill estimator.
- Telling your landlord about the benefits for them.
- Offering to pay extra rent if the systems performs well.
To see Stefan’s extended advice for renters check out Canstar Blue’s solar for renters coverage, which includes the success story of fellow renter, Darren Burden.
2. Portable solar panels for renters
Another way renters can access solar at their residence is through the use of portable solar panels. Often used for camping, boating or caravanning, portable solar panels are smaller, compact systems that allow for self-sufficient energy generation in temporary locations. These can come in the form of mats, blankets or a smaller version of the typical tile structure seen on rooftop designs.
If installing a full-sized system isn’t a viable option while renting, you may be able to install a portable solar panel in the yard or on the window sills of the property. These portable systems will need to be connected to their own charge controller or generator to be fully functional.
There are a handful of companies that sell temporary solar panels for renters, such as Solazone, which claims to offer solar installations with removable frames that won’t damage the roof. Portable solar systems for renters may also be available from fishing and camping stores.
Although portable solar doesn’t require permanent installation, it may be worth getting permission from your landlord before setting up a portable panel system.
3. Connect to a solar garden
Joining a community solar garden, also known as a solar bank, can help renters gain access to solar energy. A solar garden is a collection of centrally-located, grid-connected solar panels which generate and export power. To join a bank or garden, residents purchase a plot within the collection. From here, the resident can receive financial credits from the energy generated by their plot within the garden.
It’s important to note that by joining a solar garden, the renter won’t always be receiving a direct source of solar energy to their home. Rather, they are contributing to the generation of solar energy for the grid as a whole. They will, however, receive bill credits for their contributions.
Some community solar gardens may be run by a collection of residents in a near-by area. If you live in an apartment building, you may even find that your complex will maintain its own solar bank as a way to access solar power.
How else can I access greener energy as a renter?
If you’re unable to access solar for renters, there are a few other ways in which you can use greener energy in your home. For example, it may be worth checking out a carbon neutral or GreenPower energy plan.
Carbon neutral energy plans offset the emissions generated from your electricity usage. This is done by purchasing carbon offset units or emission reduction certificates equivalent to your energy usage emissions.
If you opt for GreenPower, you can elect a percentage of your power usage that you would like your retailer to match with credits from a government-funded renewable energy generator. Keep in mind that adding Greenpower to your plan may come at an additional charge.
You may also find it useful to purchase energy-efficient appliances. These could help you to reduce your energy usage, as well as your carbon footprint and potentially even your energy bills.
To check out some of the greener energy options on offer in Australia, head to Canstar Blue’s energy comparison tool. You’ll be able to compare a variety of energy retailers on factors such as price and solar feed-in tariffs.
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Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: Bombermoon/Shutterstock
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