Australia to legalize plug-in balcony solar for renters and apartment dwellers
Energy ministers agree to explore pathways for portable solar systems that could reach millions without roof access.
What to know
- Australian energy ministers agreed to explore legalizing plug-in solar systems ('balcony solar'), which would give millions of renters and apartment dwellers access to renewable energy for the first time.
- The portable systems plug into regular outlets without electrician installation, generate 600-800 watts, and cost up to $1,300 — significantly cheaper than rooftop solar.
- Germany leads globally with one in 10 households using balcony solar; the UK legalized it last month and New Zealand plans to follow within 12 months.
- Campaigners are demanding a firm timeline by December 2026 for nationwide legalization across all Australian states and territories.
“We want to see a firm timeline and deadline by December at the next energy ministers meeting for when plug-in solar and batteries will be available for use in every state and territory.”
Heidi Lee Douglas, CEO, Solar Citizens · ABC Australia ↗
Chris Bowen Australian Energy MinisterHeidi Lee Douglas CEO, Solar Citizens
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articlespostscomments
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Solar Citizens CEO welcomes commitment, calls for December deadline
Heidi Lee Douglas, CEO of campaign group Solar Citizens, welcomed the ministerial commitment and pushed for a firm timeline by December detailing when plug-in solar and batteries will be available in every state and territory.
“This commitment to make plug-in solar and plug-in batteries legal in Australia is great news for more than a third of Australians who rent or live in apartments, and also for low-income households…”
— Heidi Lee Douglas -
A small 5kw reverse cycle will pull 1.2kw-1.8kw on normal operation (higher on start up). If you have two TCL Solar 440 Watt panels, these are big panels, 1100mm x 1700mm. Under optimal conditions (north facing, no shading, peak summer day with mild temps), they'll max out at around 700w of usable energy for a few hours at midday. Afternoon will…
2 more of the top 3 · 9 posts in this stretch
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If you have an Aircon that can be wired into one, very good. It turns the Aircon from a treat into all day and night. If you can pair it with a battery they're great for running hungry appliances. Obviously if they can be plugged into the apartment's power it's much better. Most important but is that they're reasonably affordable (much cheaper…
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But the inverter has to have low voltage ride through, but only needs to isolate within two seconds of grid loss. There is an electrocution risk there. I had a chat with someone who is on the standards committee. Their thoughts that maybe with a specific plug type on its own circuit it could work, but it's a while away.
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background
Australian energy ministers agree to explore plug-in solar legalization — Energy ministers agreed to explore pathways for 'safe deployment' of plug-in solar and batteries across the country, potentially lifting a current ban that has prevented millions of renters and apartment dwellers from accessing the technology.
What people are saying 6 voices from 1 site · best of 9 · verbatim
- Sep 11
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Ahh yes. Unit balconies… which are synonymous with large open areas required for solar power systems.
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From the news story: "typically at a cost of up to $1,300." That's about a 11 month payback for me! It would probably run the apartment but not the garage, which has the laundry and hot water system.
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I don't know how this will pan out but if the microinverter is the only thing which is regulated you can get super cheap second hand panels (and even batteries) these days.
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It would be amazing for us. We've got a north west facing apartment that turns into a greenhouse in summer, so using solar to power the air con would be perfect.
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My cat was petrol. It went "WOOF!!" one day when I went too close with a little match.
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Germany has balcony solar. They changed the laws so that strata and landlords can't object except in very stringent conditions. Rental contracts cannot override it.