Federal Funding Fuels Solar Innovation for Apartment LivingSam Holmes

Sometimes, the best solutions are born out of necessity. That’s exactly the case for Allume Energy, a Melbourne-based company addressing a long-standing gap in renewable energy accessibility: solar power for apartment dwellers. Thanks to a recent $3.8 million grant from the Federal Government's Industry Growth Program, Allume’s innovative SolShare technology is set to scale and redefine how we think about shared energy in Australia.
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Why Apartments Were Left in the Dark

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For years, Australia’s renewable energy boom has largely bypassed apartment dwellers. Of the 4 million+ solar installations across the country, most are on stand-alone or semi-detached homes. Meanwhile, over 2.6 million Australians—roughly 10% of the population—live in apartments, often with limited access to clean energy options.

Enter SolShare, a game-changer that allows multiple apartments in one building to share a single rooftop solar system. It works by distributing electricity across units based on demand, all seamlessly managed through smart meters. Excess energy can even flow back to the grid, earning feed-in tariff credits for residents.

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What Makes SolShare a Game-Changer?

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Here’s what sets this tech apart:

Scalability: SolShare can serve buildings with 5 to 60 apartments, making it flexible for diverse setups.
Fair Distribution: Energy is allocated based on real-time usage or pre-set shares, ensuring each resident benefits fairly.
Boosting Local Manufacturing: With the recent funding, Allume is scaling production right here in Melbourne, creating local jobs and fostering innovation.

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Why This Matters for Aussie Homes

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This isn’t just about apartment living. SolShare exemplifies how community-focused solutions can make renewable energy accessible for more Australians.

Think about it: If an apartment building can collectively save on energy bills while reducing emissions, why stop there? Imagine this model applied to townhouses, social housing, or even mixed-use developments.

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The Bigger Picture

Australia’s renewable energy transition depends on technologies like SolShare that make green energy more inclusive.

And the timing couldn’t be better:

Apartment Growth: According to the ABS, nearly 30% of new private dwellings since 2016 have been apartments.
Global Reach: Allume is already sharing solar power with 4,000 apartments across five countries, proving the scalability of its model.

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The Takeaway

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This funding marks a pivotal moment for renewable energy in Australia. It’s a reminder that the clean energy future isn’t just about sprawling solar farms or mega wind projects—it’s about practical solutions that work for people where they live, be it an apartment, a townhouse, or a stand-alone home.

As we look toward a more sustainable future, it’s innovations like SolShare that remind us: no home, big or small, should be left behind in the renewable revolution.

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Source: Federal Funding Supports Home-Grown Solar-Sharing Tech

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