Solar for Renters: What the Supercharged Solar for Renters Program Means in QLD
For years, rooftop solar simply wasn’t an option for most renters. If you didn’t own the roof, installing panels was usually out of the question. And without panels, there was no direct access to the savings solar can deliver.
But that’s changing.
With the Queensland Government’s Supercharged Solar for Renters program now open, solar for renters QLD is no longer just an idea — it’s a real, funded opportunity.
Whether you’re a landlord looking to improve your investment property, or a tenant hoping to reduce your electricity bills, here’s what you need to know.
Can Renters Install Solar Themselves?
In most cases, no.
Rooftop solar is a permanent structural and electrical upgrade, so it requires the property owner’s approval.
This is where the rebate comes in, shifting the focus to helping landlords make the upgrade in a way that benefits everyone.
What Is the Supercharged Solar for Renters Program?
The Supercharged Solar for Renters program opened on 12 December 2025 and provides eligible landlords with rebates of up to $3,500 to install solar on their rental properties.
The goal is simple: Lower electricity costs for tenants while improving the energy performance of Queensland rental homes.
The program is expected to support around 6,500 households, with estimated tenant savings of approximately $700 per year, depending on system size and location.
This is one of the first initiatives specifically designed to unlock solar for renters QLD, and it removes one of the biggest barriers: upfront cost for landlords.
How Tenants Benefit
For renters, the impact is immediate and practical.
When a landlord installs solar under the Supercharged Solar for Renters program, tenants benefit from lower daytime electricity costs and reduced reliance on the grid. Over a year, that can translate into significant savings.
The Queensland Government provides a solar for rentals calculator, allowing both landlords and tenants to estimate potential savings based on location, energy usage, electricity plan, and system size.
It’s a transparent way to understand the financial upside before making a decision.
Why This Makes Sense for Landlords
For property owners, installing solar has always made financial sense, but now the numbers are even stronger.
With the rebate reducing upfront investment, landlords can:
- Improve rental appeal in a competitive market
- Attract long-term, quality tenants
- Increase overall property value
- Provide a clear point of difference
- Align with sustainability and ESG objectives
Tenants are increasingly looking for energy-efficient homes. A property with rooftop solar is particularly appealing with the ever-increasing cost of living front of mind for most households.
The Queensland Government also provides a solar for rentals calculator, helping landlords and tenants estimate potential return on investment and electricity savings based on location, energy usage, electricity plan, and system size.
It’s a transparent way to assess the opportunity before moving forward.
What Can Renters Do?
If you’re a tenant hoping to take advantage of the benefits of solar for renters QLD, there are a few practical steps you can take.
- Start the conversation. Many landlords simply haven’t considered solar yet. If you’re already in a rental or about to move into a rental without solar panels, and plan to stay long term, raising the rebate program and potential tenant savings can make the discussion easier.
- If you’re looking for a rental, you can prioritise properties that already include solar. Increasingly, landlords are advertising rooftop systems as a feature, and with programs like Supercharged Solar for Renters, that trend will only grow.
- Monitor your energy use. Even without rooftop panels, smart energy habits, efficient appliances, and time-of-use awareness can significantly reduce bills. If you’re in a house with a high energy expenditure (say, with a pool), sharing this info with the landlord could be beneficial in supporting your request for solar panels.
While tenants can’t typically install rooftop systems themselves, this program creates a clear pathway for collaboration between renters and property owners.
What About Batteries?
While the Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate focuses on rooftop solar systems, battery storage is becoming part of the broader energy conversation.
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program offers eligible households a 30 percent discount on the upfront cost of installing a battery alongside solar.
For landlords, pairing solar with battery-ready design can future-proof the property. For tenants, batteries can provide additional resilience during outages, which is particularly valuable during Queensland storm seasons.
At DS Energy, we design systems that can evolve over time, incorporating premium battery solutions from trusted brands including Tesla, LG, BYD, Samsung and Sonnen.
You can find out more in our guide to solar batteries in Australia, as well as our article on whether a battery is worth it from a financial perspective.
Why Quality is Important
When installing solar on a rental property, durability and reliability matter even more. At DS Energy, we only install premium, proven equipment backed by strong manufacturer warranties. Our systems are designed for Queensland conditions: high heat, heavy rain, and storm events included.
We manage everything in-house, from system design to installation and compliance approvals. For landlords, that means clarity, accountability, and long-term performance.
Solar for renters isn’t just about panels on a roof; it’s about installing a system that will perform consistently for years, benefiting multiple tenants over time.
How DS Energy Supports Landlords and Tenants
Navigating eligibility requirements, the two-stage application process, and compliance obligations can feel complex. We can help to simplify it.
DS Energy works with Queensland landlords to:
- Assess eligibility for the Supercharged Solar for Renters rebate
- Design compliant, high-performing systems tailored specifically to the needs of the property
- Manage installation and approvals
- Provide monitoring and maintenance support
If you’re a tenant interested in discussing solar with your landlord, we can also provide clear, easy-to-understand information you can share.
For more helpful reading, you might wish to check out what to expect from a solar installation from start to finish, solar power for your home: a complete guide, and our home battery checklist.
Ready to Explore Solar for Renters in QLD?
The Supercharged Solar for Renters program has created a genuine opportunity for landlords and tenants to benefit from renewable energy together. Learn more about how to apply for the Supercharged Solar for Renters Rebate.
If you’re a property owner looking to improve your investment, or a tenant wanting to reduce your electricity costs, the team at DS Energy is ready to guide you through your options.
Contact us to book a free consultation today and discover how solar for renters can work for your property.