Not Just Your Home

Rentals can't use the feed-in tariff — but they unlock powerful tax deductions. Claim the full system cost under Div 43 capital works or the ATO depreciation schedule. Either way, the government is helping you pay for it.

Solar makes your property more attractive. Tenants pay lower electricity bills, which reduces vacancy and supports premium rent. A 6.6kW system can justify $15–$25/week more in rent across most capital cities.

Key rule: you can't sign up to a solar feed-in tariff yourself if the tenant is the account holder. Structure this correctly with your property manager before installation.

Key points

• ✓Claim depreciation via ATO Schedule — immediate write-off or effective life (20 years)
• ✓$15–$25/week higher rent supported in most markets
• ✓Reduces vacancy and tenant churn
• ✓Discuss with your accountant — depreciation structure matters

Businesses are among the best solar candidates in Australia. Whether it's a warehouse, office, retail store, factory, or trade workshop — if you're operating during daylight hours, you're using power exactly when solar produces it. That means higher self-consumption and faster payback than a typical home.

Commercial systems range from 10kW for a small shopfront to 500kW+ for large industrial sites. The economics scale well — larger systems attract lower per-watt installation costs and commercial electricity tariffs (often 25–40c/kWh) make every unit of self-consumed solar worth more.

The instant asset write-off and accelerated depreciation under the ATO's tax framework can significantly reduce the effective first-year cost. The Wattage handles commercial assessments of all sizes — from a single-phase small business to a multi-site commercial portfolio.

Key points

• ✓Daytime operations = 90–100% self-consumption
• ✓Commercial tariffs 25–40c/kWh amplify savings
• ✓Instant asset write-off / accelerated depreciation available
• ✓Systems from 10kW to 500kW+ — all business sizes

Apartments and townhouse complexes can install solar on common roof areas to power lifts, lighting, pools, gyms, and corridors. The savings reduce body corporate levies for all owners.

In some states (NSW, VIC, QLD), body corporate solar can also use an embedded network to sell power directly to individual units at a discount to the grid rate — this is called an embedded network arrangement and requires an Embedded Network Manager (ENM).

Strata solar needs a 75% lot owner vote — a real hurdle worth clearing. Win it, and you unlock commercial-scale savings across every unit: 6–9 year payback, reduced levies, and an asset that adds value to every lot in the building.

Key points

• ✓Powers common areas — lifts, lighting, pool, gym
• ✓Embedded network allows selling power to units (state rules vary)
• ✓75% lot owner vote required (special resolution)
• ✓NSW: ATO ruling allows body corp to claim STCs

As of May 2024, the National Construction Code (NCC) 7-star energy efficiency requirement applies to new homes in most states. Solar isn't mandatory but is typically the most cost-effective way to meet or exceed the rating.

Pre-wiring for solar costs $800–$1,500 per dwelling during construction. Installing the full system at build time typically costs 30–40% less than a retrofit — and buyers increasingly expect panels on a new home.

For medium-density developments (townhouses, duplexes), an embedded network is often worth exploring: a single large system powers common areas and provides below-grid tariffs to buyers, differentiating your project.

Key points

• ✓NCC 7-star: solar is the cheapest compliance path in most climates
• ✓Pre-wiring at build: $800–$1,500/dwelling vs. $3,000+ retrofit
• ✓Solar adds $10,000–$20,000 perceived value at point of sale
• ✓Embedded network differentiates medium-density projects

Your street goes solar one house at a time — and the first mover sets the pace. Once you know your savings, share them. Show your neighbours exactly what they'd save. That conversation costs nothing and starts something.

Send a neighbour your GridBeater link. When they upload their bill, their analysis is based on their actual usage — but they'll already know what someone nearby saved. That context matters.

The Wattage can assess multiple properties on the same street in a single visit, which sometimes reduces mobilisation costs. If you know two or three neighbours interested, mention it when you book.

Key points

• ✓Sharing your GridBeater result takes 10 seconds
• ✓Neighbour gets their own personalised estimate
• ✓Group installs on one street can reduce costs
• ✓No referral fee — just good karma (and a greener street)