Big move promises to unlock significant solar savings for renters nationwide

A new initiative has emerged with the potential to reshape access to clean energy in a time of mounting challenges and growing demand for sustainable solutions.

Aiming to support those often left out of the conversation, this plan is expected to be unveiled at an upcoming industry event, signalling a shift in how renewable options might reach more people across the country.

While details remain limited, early signs suggest it could have far-reaching implications for everyday households.


For too long, the benefits of solar energy have been a distant dream for Australia's rental population.

While homeowners have been able to take advantage of government schemes to install solar panels and home batteries, reducing their power bills and carbon footprint, renters have been left in the dark, unable to access these cost-saving measures.


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A new plan, known as 'Right to Solar', has been announced to help renters in Australia access solar power and cut electricity bills. Credit: MAXSHOT / iStock


But all that is about to change. The Greens' Right to Solar plan is a beacon of hope for the seven million renters across the nation.

Under this visionary proposal, the government would cover the upfront costs of installing solar systems on rental properties, allowing tenants to enjoy clean energy's financial and environmental benefits.

This initiative is not just about reducing power bills; it's about leveling the playing field and ensuring that every Australian can participate in the shift towards a more sustainable future.


Party leader Adam Bandt is poised to announce this response to the government's battery storage grants, which are currently out of reach for renters.

The existing $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, championed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Energy Minister Chris Bowen, offers significant savings for homeowners but does nothing for those without homes.

The Greens' plan is not only about fairness but also about practicality. Renters could request an average 80kw solar panel system, and landlords would have limited grounds to refuse.

Landlords would repay the cost over a decade or upon the transfer of property, ensuring that the investment in clean energy continues to pay dividends for years to come.

Funding for this ambitious project would come from a proposed $10 billion Snowy Hydro fund, demonstrating the Greens' commitment to a cleaner, greener Australia.

The 'Renters right to solar' initiative is a cornerstone of the party's 'Powering past coal and gas' climate and energy plan, which seeks to reduce emissions and transition the country away from fossil fuels.


Imagine the impact: households with solar panels already save up to $1100 off their power bills annually.

With the addition of a battery system, savings could soar to $2300 a year, covering up to 90 per cent of a typical family's electricity bill.

The Greens' plan opens the door for renters to enjoy these same benefits, reducing their living costs and contributing to a reduction in emissions.

As Mr Bandt puts it, 'Getting solar on your rental property will help lower your power bill while also lowering emissions.'

'The Greens’ plan to give renters the right to solar will open up government support for the almost one in three Australian households who rent.'

'Labor has already adopted our home battery plan. I hope they adopt our renters’ right to solar too.'

It's time for all political parties to recognise the importance of inclusive clean energy policies that benefit every Australian, regardless of their housing status.
Key Takeaways

  • The Greens have announced a new plan known as the 'Right to Solar' which aims to assist renters in Australia to access solar power and reduce their electricity bills.
  • Under the Greens' initiative, the government would cover the upfront costs for renters to install solar panels, an opportunity currently unavailable to the seven million renters due to existing battery storage grants primarily benefiting homeowners.
  • The Greens' proposal includes the option for renters to request an average 80kw solar panel system, which landlords would not be able to refuse without reasonable grounds.
  • The plan is part of a larger 'Powering past coal and gas' climate and energy plan and would be funded through a new $10bn Snowy Hydro fund, according to the Greens.
What are your thoughts on the Greens' Right to Solar plan? Do you believe it will make a significant difference for renters across Australia? Share your opinions and experiences with us in the comments below.
 

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So if the Landlords can pay back the cost of getting solar put onto their rental properties & pay it back over 10 years, or when the property changes titles, wouldn’t that be just the case for the landlords to put the rent up?
Sure…the renters would get cheaper electricity bills, but pay higher rental costs.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul🥸
 
So if the Landlords can pay back the cost of getting solar put onto their rental properties & pay it back over 10 years, or when the property changes titles, wouldn’t that be just the case for the landlords to put the rent up?
Sure…the renters would get cheaper electricity bills, but pay higher rental costs.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul🥸
Exactly what will happen!
 
So if the Landlords can pay back the cost of getting solar put onto their rental properties & pay it back over 10 years, or when the property changes titles, wouldn’t that be just the case for the landlords to put the rent up?
Sure…the renters would get cheaper electricity bills, but pay higher rental costs.
Robbing Peter to pay Paul🥸
If you take notice of ALL the ads for Solar nowadays, it is cheap-as-chips, to get a solar system with 22 panels (which is plenty for the average family), so to pay it back over 10 years, there is NO need to hike the price of rent up at all! In fact you would have happier tenants, who would be only to glad to stay long term if that is what you are looking for in an investment property.
 
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wonderful idea!
The grid already cannot handle the power being fed back and that is why the feed back tariff is reducing all the time..
So let’s put more panels on more homes and the grid will collapse in peak feedback times..

Another wonderful plan by the dumbass Greens!
 
Under the Green's proposal the taxpayer pays. The current government's proposal will only help those people who have the money to buy a solar battery. For the normal family paying 2/3 rds of $13000/$14000 would be out of their reach. It is a proposal for the rich, not the normal family.
 
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In reply to schurch.
That sounds good. But landlords are far too greedy now & will want their money back somehow?
Totally agree. Too many people like to blame the Govt for the outrageous rents being charged these days but I reckon it’s greedy landlords and estate agents and of course a shortage of supply. It’s a no win situation.
 
The existing $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, championed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Energy Minister Chris Bowen, offers significant savings for homeowners but does nothing for those without homes.

Or those who are owners or renters of units in apartment complexes.
 
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Totally agree. Too many people like to blame the Govt for the outrageous rents being charged these days but I reckon it’s greedy landlords and estate agents and of course a shortage of supply. It’s a no win situation.
Way back in the early 2000s property prices was hitting the roof and so was rent. Our rent at the time went up 30% in a few months and our landlord had the nerve to tell us he only jacked up the rent because others where doing it, not because he had too, he wanted too as not to be left out. Money grabbing bastards there are out there.
 
The existing $2.3 billion Cheaper Home Batteries Program, championed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate Energy Minister Chris Bowen, offers significant savings for homeowners but does nothing for those without homes.

Or those who are owners or renters of units in apartment complexes.
You can’t please all of the people all the time. Like Dutton’s petrol cut for 12months which won’t help the huge amount of people that use public transport.
 
My partner and I are pensioners, are not rich or own a McMansion but we just put paid to have a 5KW solar system installed that cost us $6,000 AFTER the rebate. We have never had a lot of money but what we have almost exclusively we worked and saved for. So, I must say the idea that we are expected to pay for solar installation yet renters will achieve that benefit without any cost to them is galling. It seems to me that the less you do for yourselves today the more is handed to you.
 
I am a renter and i would willingly pay half of the cost for my landlord as he has not raised our rent for the last 10 years on our unit if he go's along with this proposal as i had solar panels on our unit before we moved to Melbourne
 
You can’t please all of the people all the time. Like Dutton’s petrol cut for 12months which won’t help the huge amount of people that use public transport.
It will cut the cost of freight to all.
 

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