Solar PV System Grants available for Apartment Residents in NSW

In February 2025, the NSW government launched the Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) Scheme. Owners’ Corporations can apply for funding to install shared solar systems on their apartment buildings, with the grants covering 50% of the cost of installation. A total of $25 million in grant funding is available, with up to $150,000 per project. This financial support is provided by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Solar for apartments adds value to homes and helps residents save on their electricity bills. Currently, less than 2% of apartment buildings in NSW have solar systems installed. With more people living in apartments, innovative grants like this enable both apartment owners and renters to take advantage of solar energy, leading to lower energy bills and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.

You can find out more information on the new grant scheme at NSW Climate and Energy Action.

Guidance on connection applications for apartment buildings using and Inverter Power Sharing Device (IPSD)

An Application for the embedded generation connection needs to be submitted via the Ausgrid Connection Application Portal at website. These additional steps must be completed when preparing the application for a system using an IPSD. 

Preparing the application 

• Ausgrid requires a statement that all the participating NMI account holders consent to being part of the collective application and that they agree to the terms of the Ausgrid Model Standing Offer Basic Connection Services – Micro Embedded Generation Connections. The applicant needs to obtain this consent prior to submitting the application on behalf of the electricity customers and keep this consent on file. The consent can be provided by an authorised representative of an owners corporation or social housing provider.  Download and complete the Inverter Power Sharing Device excel template.
• Prepare and submit an embedded generation application for the common light and power NMI based on the full system size (inverter capacity) for the installation(s) at site and notify the Ausgrid embedded generation team by adding “Inverter Power Sharing Device – Please refer for technical assessment” to the additional comments within the application. 
• If the system is >30kVA (i.e. the sum of all inverter capacities at the site exceeds 30kVA), the solar installer will also need to submit a single line diagram and control and protection schematics in line with Ausgrid’s Network Standard NS194 Secondary Systems Requirements for Embedded Generators. AS/NZS4777.1:2024 requires interface protection to be implemented for IPSD(s) with an aggregated inverter rating of >30kVA. 
• Once the application is submitted, the applicant must send the Ausgrid connection details with all information filled out to eg@ausgrid.com.au.  
• Ausgrid will issue an additional fee notification that must be accepted through the Ausgrid Connections Project Portal.
• Once the fee notification has been accepted, Ausgrid will assess the application for approval and enter the required data into Ausgrid systems and the AEMO Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Register. On approval, the applicant will receive a job number from Ausgrid within 10 business days. Ausgrid will also provide details of any further requirements regarding the installation and commissioning of the equipment at this time.
• Participating NMI account holders should be advised to discuss any metering requirements with their individual electricity retailers and meter upgrades may be required as part of the solar of installation.  The individual premises must be isolated from the IPSD/Solar system until the retailer has confirmed that the metering meets the requirements for a solar installation. 

IPSD Manufacturers may have their own additional requirements and Ausgrid recommend you discuss any IPSD proposal with the manufacturer prior to installation.