David contacted Allume, the company behind SolShare, a world-first solar-sharing technology specifically designed for apartments. SolShare shares energy from a single rooftop solar system  fairly  between all residents of an apartment building.  

According to Allume’s Housing Partnership Manager William Anstee, shared solar using SolShare is far more efficient than having multiple individual systems fighting for roof space. “SolShare provides clean electricity to every single unit and the common areas, and ensures everyone receives the same set amount of solar associated with their ownership. 

“Plus, it delivers higher solar self-consumption, so everyone is really getting the best bang for buck from the rooftop system.” 

On top of providing the most efficient technological solution, Allume was able to point David in the direction of an experienced SolShare installer, One Power Solar & Electricial, and a finance partner, Smart Ease.  

By using a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan, David and his fellow apartment owners could not only enjoy the SoAR rebate, they could do so without draining their sinking fund or requiring a special levy. Additionally, it meant they could bundle in other decarbonisation technologies, like solar storage, onto their payment plan – further maximising their solar consumption. 

The win 

In August 2025, the One Power Solar & Electrical team completed the installation of a 12.3kW solar PV system and a 25kWh battery storage system, integrated with SolShare technology.  

Through the collaborative efforts of Allume, Smart Ease and One Power Solar & Electrical, the owners corporation successfully applied for the SoAR rebate, resulting in a 50% discount on the solar equipment. The remaining cost of the installation will be paid through manageable monthly instalments, divided up and added as a small additional cost onto regular strata fees. 

For the apartment residents, the outcome is a significant drop in their energy bills – likely far greater than the incremental increase in their strata fees. Plus, according to research by Domain**, they could potentially see a marked increase in the value of their property now that it has been fitted with long-term energy-efficiency infrastructure. Wins across the board!

* https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/solar-for-apartment-residents-soar-grant-program  

** Domain+Insight+-+Sustainability+Report+2025.pdf

Earlier this year we announced that Smart Ease funding solutions are now available to strata companies, effectively helping apartment residents across Australia to access solar savings.  

While one in three Australian houses have solar, only 2.5% of apartment buildings do. That represents a hugely underserved market, and a considerable opportunity for solar installers.  

With Payment Plans now available to offer strata companies, Smart Ease-accredited installers will be well-positioned to capitalise on this emerging demand. 

How Smart Ease makes solar financing easy for strata companies 

One of the reasons solar uptake has been slow for apartments is the tricky issue of funding: where exactly will the money come from?  

Strata companies traditionally have a few options when it comes to paying for a solar installation: 

• Capital Works Fund (commonly known as a sinking fund) 
• Special Levy, where new funds are raised specifically for the solar install – usually proportionally to lot entitlement 

Now, with Smart Ease funding, they have a new option: a zero upfront Payment Plan that allows the project to be funded through monthly repayments. These payments can be incorporated as small additional fees on top of monthly strata rates. This eliminates the barrier of upfront costs and makes the proposition far more attractive.