Solar for rental properties QLD laws

The biggest barrier to solar for renters (and how QLD is fixing it)

For years, the biggest hurdle for solar on rental properties has been what’s called the “split-incentive”. Landlords pay the thousands of dollars for the solar panel installation, but the tenant is the one who saves money on their electricity bills. Understandably, this has made many landlords hesitant to invest.

To tackle this, the Queensland Government has introduced the Supercharged Solar for Renters program. This initiative directly addresses the split-incentive by providing a generous rebate to landlords, making the investment far more attractive. This helps bridge the gap, turning a cost for the landlord into a valuable property upgrade that also delivers real savings to their tenants.

Supercharged Solar for Renters program QLD eligibility

The Supercharged Solar for Renters program is the centrepiece of the government’s plan to unlock solar for tenants. While full details are expected to be finalised by the end of 2025, here’s what we know so far about eligibility.

• For Landlords: To be eligible, you must own a rental property in Queensland with a current tenancy agreement in place. This ensures the benefits flow directly to an existing tenant. The program offers a rebate of up to $3,500 for installing an eligible solar PV system.
• For Tenants: Tenants don’t apply for the rebate directly; the landlord does. However, the program is designed for your benefit, with expected savings of around $700 per year on electricity bills.
• System and Installer Requirements: The installation must be carried out by an approved, accredited installer after you’ve received conditional approval for the rebate. It’s crucial not to have the system installed before getting the green light.

This program is a significant step towards energy equity, giving renters access to the clean, affordable energy that homeowners have enjoyed for years.

Your rights and obligations: A look at the QLD tenancy agreement

When it comes to making changes to a rental property, the tenancy agreement is the most important document. Installing solar panels is considered a significant alteration, and it requires clear communication and written consent.

• Tenant’s Right to Ask: As a tenant, you have the right to request the installation of solar panels. However, you cannot install them without your landlord’s permission. The best approach is to open a positive conversation, highlighting the benefits for both parties, such as increased property value for them and lower bills for you.
• Landlord’s Right to Refuse: A landlord can refuse a request for solar panel installation. There is currently no law that compels a landlord to install solar. However, with incentives like the Supercharged Solar for Renters program, the financial argument for landlords is becoming much stronger.
• Documenting the Agreement: If a landlord agrees, the terms should be clearly outlined in the General Tenancy Agreement (Form 18a) or as a special term. This should cover who owns the system, responsibility for maintenance, and how the electricity bills and any solar feed-in tariff will be handled.

What a solar clause in a tenancy agreement should cover

A clear solar clause prevents future disputes. Whether you’re using the RTA Form 18a special terms section or an REIQ-recommended clause, it should specify:

• Ownership: Clearly state that the landlord owns the solar system.
• Maintenance and Insurance: Outline the landlord’s responsibility for repairs, maintenance, and ensuring the property’s insurance covers the solar system.
• Billing Arrangement: Detail how the electricity account will be managed. Often, the account remains in the tenant’s name, and they receive the full benefit of the solar generation and any feed-in tariffs. The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) outlines several options, but the simplest is for the tenant to manage the electricity account directly.
• No Rent Increases (Solely for Solar): While a previous trial program involved a small rent increase, consumer advocates advise against this model to ensure tenants are the true beneficiaries. The new program is designed to incentivise landlords without necessarily passing costs on.

What if the property is in a body corporate?

For apartments, townhouses, or units, another layer of approval is needed: the body corporate.

Queensland law, under the ‘ban the banners’ provisions in the Building Act 1975, is very supportive of solar installations. A body corporate cannot unreasonably refuse a request for solar panels based on aesthetics alone.

However, they can withhold consent under specific, limited conditions:

• If the installation would compromise the building’s structural integrity.
• If there isn’t enough common property roof space for every unit owner to also install a system in the future.
• For solar hot water systems, if noise from the piping would cause an unreasonable disturbance.

Lot owners wanting to install solar on a common property roof must submit an application to the body corporate. The approval process depends on the cost and complexity, but the grounds for refusal are narrow.

The process for requesting solar panels

Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord in a body corporate, a clear process makes things smoother.

• Tenant to Landlord – Do your homework: Gather information on the Supercharged Solar for Renters program to show your landlord how affordable it can be.
• Tenant to Landlord – Write a formal request: Send a polite, written request to your property manager or landlord. Outline the benefits for them (increased property value, happy tenants) and for you (lower bills).
• Tenant to Landlord – Get it in writing: If they agree, ensure all terms are added as a special clause to your tenancy agreement before any work begins.
• Landlord to Body Corporate – Review the by-laws: Check your scheme’s specific rules for improvements to common property.
• Landlord to Body Corporate – Submit an application: Formally apply to the body corporate committee for approval, including quotes and plans from an SAA-accredited installer.
• Landlord to Body Corporate – Seek an ordinary resolution if needed: Depending on the cost of the installation, a vote at a general meeting may be required.

What happens if there’s a dispute?

If you can’t reach an agreement, the RTA offers a free dispute resolution service to help tenants and landlords resolve issues. If conciliation fails, either party may be able to apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for a decision. However, open communication and understanding the clear benefits for both sides is always the best first step.

The path to solar for rental properties in Queensland is clearer than ever before. With strong government incentives and supportive laws, tenants can finally start the conversation about accessing cheaper, cleaner energy, and landlords have a compelling reason to invest in a valuable, future-proof upgrade for their properties.

If you’re a landlord considering making the switch, I can connect you with a trusted, SAA-accredited local expert who can provide a detailed quote and help you navigate the rebate process—just fill out the form below. For a quick, personalised estimate of solar costs and savings, try the free solar assistant on this page.