By Elsa Evers of Electrify 2515

Do you live in an apartment or strata building? Over 8% of us living in the 2515 postcode do. Yet so far, apartments represent only 2% of applications to the Electrify 2515 Community Pilot. Of the 174 apartment blocks in the postcode, only 25 have solar. This is hardly surprising. Getting access to solar, EV charging, or certain appliances can be tricky due to space or access restrictions or strata rules. 

The good news is, new laws and initiatives will make it easier to get access to solar and the benefits of home electrification. 

New strata laws encourage sustainability 

From 1 July 2025, NSW strata buildings must comply annually with new sustainability obligations. These include removing “anti‑sustainability” by‑laws⁠ – for example, bans on solar panels, EV chargers, heat‑pump air‑con. Further, strata and body corporate committees must formally review common-area energy consumption and factor sustainability infrastructure into capital works plans. This should unlock some common circular strata committee battles.

50% off solar for apartment residents

The NSW government is offering grants that cover up to 50% of the cost of installing shared solar systems on apartment buildings. The Solar for Apartment Residents program offers SolShare, a technology that enables sharing of rooftop solar electricity among residents in apartment buildings. With applications closing December 1, 2025, apartment residents should encourage their owners’ corporation or strata manager to apply soon. 

Battery and EV charging solutions for apartments 

One of the common barriers to apartment blocks installing EV chargers is the inequity of everyone sharing the cost of electricity for one or two EV owners. A company called Alchemy Charge is addressing this problem with their Smart Point chargers, where EV owners are billed via a QR code. Another option is to install EV chargers in the visitor parking bays with maximum time limits to ensure charging can be shared. 

As more people inevitably get EVs, the next step is for the body corporate to complete an EV Charging Feasibility Assessment by engaging a consultant to assess the building, measure power availability and put together a plan for the owners on the possible options and costs for installing EV Chargers.

The recent law changes in NSW should mean strata are amenable to this, and come up with a future-proof solution that people are happy with. 

Electrify 2515 Community Pilot

The next stage of the pilot is due to start soon and there is still room for more apartments and strata buildings to get involved. What’s more, if you do use the above tips to install solar, you should definitely consider replacing any old gas appliances with efficient, electric ones to soak up the free solar energy beaming down from your roof. Pilot participants can access subsidies of up to $1500 off electric hot water heaters, induction cooktops and reverse air-con.

Want to learn more? Join a webinar on electrification for apartment residents on 15 August to discover how to benefit from the energy transition. Go to www.electrify2515.org/news/webinar-electrifying-apartments