The commercial solar system installed on a multi-unit apartment building in Ashfield, NSW shows how advanced solar technology can improve energy use in multi-residential properties. With rising electricity costs and a growing focus on sustainability, this project illustrates how shared solar solutions provide both financial and environmental benefits to apartment residents.
The building uses high-efficiency AIKO Neostar solar panels, a Sungrow 3-phase inverter, and SolShare technology to share the solar power fairly among all apartments and common areas like lifts and lighting. This ensures that every resident receives a fair portion of solar energy without the need for individual systems.
The installation was carefully designed to fit the building’s tile roof, with panels optimally positioned to capture maximum sunlight. Safe rooftop access was provided using a scissor lift, and accurate metering and energy monitoring allow residents and building managers to track system performance in real time.
This project highlights the growing potential of shared solar systems for apartments, making renewable energy accessible even in complex multi-unit buildings. Residents benefit from lower electricity bills, reduced dependence on the grid, and a smaller carbon footprint, all while supporting a more sustainable future.
For apartment buildings interested in clean energy, this Ashfield project is a prime example of how smart solar solutions can combine efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value for both residents and property managers.
Project Overview
Property Type – The project was completed on a 6-unit apartment building with shared common areas, including lighting, lifts, and other communal facilities, making it ideal for a shared solar solution.
System Size – The solar system has a total capacity of 20.9 kW, designed to meet the energy needs of both individual apartment units and the building’s shared spaces. This ensures maximum utilisation of solar energy and reduces dependence on the grid.
Solar Panels – The installation includes 44 × AIKO Energy Neostar 2P 475W panels, known for their high efficiency and durability. These panels capture sunlight effectively, providing reliable energy production even during cloudy days, and are built to last for years with minimal maintenance.
Inverter – The system uses a Sungrow SG20RT 3-phase inverter, which efficiently converts the DC power generated by the solar panels into AC power for the building. The 3-phase setup ensures stable energy delivery across all units and supports the building’s varying energy demands.
Energy Management – A SolShare energy management system is integrated to intelligently distribute solar electricity to all six apartments and the common areas. This ensures that each unit receives a fair share of solar energy while optimising overall energy usage for the building.
Roof Type – The solar panels are mounted on a tile roof, with careful placement and design to capture maximum sunlight while ensuring safety.
Installation Equipment – The installation team used a scissor lift to safely access the rooftop, allowing precise panel placement and secure mounting. All equipment and procedures were selected to prioritise safety and efficiency throughout the project.
Apartment living comes with its own set of energy challenges. Unlike standalone houses, multi-unit buildings share rooftops, meters, and electrical systems, making traditional solar installations complicated or even impossible. For many apartment residents, this has resulted in limited access to clean, affordable energy, until now.
Residents benefit from –
Lower Energy Bills – Solar power generated from the building’s rooftop offsets the electricity residents would normally draw from the grid. This means households can see real savings every month, reducing overall energy expenses and giving residents more predictable utility costs.
Optimised Energy Use – The system intelligently distributes solar energy where it’s needed most, maximising the building’s self-consumption. By using as much solar power onsite as possible, residents enjoy efficient energy use while the building operates more sustainably.
Reduced Dependence on the Grid – Shared solar reduces the building’s reliance on grid electricity. During peak usage times, residents benefit from a more stable energy supply, and the building is less affected by rising electricity prices.
Fair and Transparent Energy Sharing – With SolShare technology, energy is distributed proportionally across all apartments and common facilities, such as lifts, lighting, and communal areas. This creates a fair, transparent, and easily understandable energy allocation system, so every resident receives their fair share of renewable power.
Environmental Benefits – By generating clean, renewable energy onsite, the building significantly lowers its carbon footprint. Residents contribute to a greener, more sustainable future while enjoying reliable and efficient energy solutions.
The installation includes 44 x high-efficiency AIKO Neostar 2P 475W solar panels, designed to maximise sunlight absorption and deliver consistent performance throughout the day. Even during changing weather conditions, these panels maintain strong output, ensuring reliable energy generation for the entire building.
The electricity produced by the panels is directed to the Sungrow SG20RT 3-phase inverter, which plays a crucial role in converting the DC power generated by the solar array into usable AC power. The 3-phase configuration is particularly important for multi-unit apartment buildings, as it allows for balanced energy distribution and stable voltage across all units and shared facilities.
The system is highly effective for apartment living due to the integration of the SolShare energy management system. Unlike traditional solar setups that serve a single meter, SolShare intelligently allocates solar power across all six apartments and common areas in real time. The system monitors overall generation and distributes energy proportionally, helping to maximise solar self-consumption within the building.
This smart allocation reduces reliance on grid electricity, improves overall energy efficiency, and ensures that the available solar power is used where it is needed most. With accurate metering and real-time performance monitoring, residents and building managers gain full visibility into energy production and usage patterns.This allows for better energy management, encourages responsible consumption, and improves long-term savings for everyone in the building.
Together, the high-performance panels, 3-phase inverter, and intelligent energy-sharing technology create a fully integrated solar solution designed specifically for multi-residential properties.
High-Performance AIKO Neostar 2P 475W Solar Panels –
This apartment solar system uses 44 high-efficiency AIKO Neostar 2P 475W solar panels, designed to deliver strong and reliable energy for many years. These panels are built with advanced N-Type ABC technology, which removes visible grid lines from the front. This allows the panel to absorb more sunlight and generate more power, while also giving it a sleek all-black appearance.
One major advantage is their low performance loss over time. In the first year, output drops by less than 1%, and after that only about 0.35% per year. They also come with a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty, offering long-term peace of mind.
With a low temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C, these panels perform better in hot NSW summers. They also handle partial shading well, resist micro-cracks, and include a durable black aluminium frame with an IP68-rated junction box for weather protection.
Overall, these panels help the building generate more power, lower electricity bills, and ensure consistent solar performance for decades.
Sungrow SG20RT 20kW Three-Phase Solar Inverter –
The Sungrow SG20RT 20kW Three-Phase Solar Inverter is a reliable and smart choice for Australian homes and businesses. It helps your solar panels produce more energy safely and efficiently. Waterproof, dustproof, and corrosion-resistant, it’s built to last in Australian conditions. With built-in WiFi, you can monitor your system in real-time on your phone, while the app makes installation and setup easy. Its dual-MPPT design maximizes energy from panels facing different directions, and the built-in safety features protect your system. Lightweight, expandable, and backed by a 10-year warranty, it delivers efficient solar power.
SolShare – Shared Solar for Apartment Buildings –
SolShare is an innovative, Australian-made technology that allows a single rooftop solar system to power multiple apartments. Instead of each unit needing its own panels, SolShare splits the solar energy from one system and distributes it fairly across all apartments and common areas.
Each SolShare unit is installed near the building’s electricity meter board and works with any solar system. Using a smart, dynamic sharing algorithm, it determines where and when energy is sent, ensuring everyone receives the right amount, either equally or based on apartment size.
Residents and building managers can monitor energy through the SolCentre portal, tracking usage, solar allocation, and surplus exports. Compatible with buildings from 5 to 60 units, SolShare increases on-site solar consumption by 40–50% and reduces grid electricity use by up to 40%. With a user-friendly commissioning app and smart monitoring, SolShare makes shared solar simple, fair, and efficient.
RK Solar & Consulting Services is a leading provider of commercial and multi-unit apartment solar systems across NSW. With 16 years of experience in designing and installing solar solutions for both residential and commercial properties, we specialise in creating systems that are efficient, cost-effective, and built to last.
Our approach combines advanced technology, expert system design, and careful long-term planning to ensure every solar installation delivers maximum benefits. From selecting high-efficiency panels and reliable inverters to integrating intelligent energy-sharing systems like SolShare, we tailor each project to the specific needs of the building and its residents.
For owners and managers of multi-unit apartment buildings, RK Solar provides a smooth and efficient installation process. Our team handles everything from site assessment and system design to installation, metering, and monitoring, ensuring the building achieves optimal energy performance without disrupting residents.
With RK Solar, property owners and residents can enjoy –
Maximum energy savings through smart solar generation and fair energy sharing
Reliable, stable power supply across all units and shared areas
Reduced electricity bills and lower dependence on the grid
Support for sustainability goals by lowering carbon emissions
Long-term system performance with durable, high-quality solar equipment
Whether it’s a multi-unit apartment complex or a commercial property, RK Solar provides customised solar solutions designed to meet the unique energy needs of each building. Our goal is to make renewable energy accessible and beneficial for all residents while helping property owners achieve long-term value.
Take the first step towards clean, cost-effective energy for your apartment building or multi-residential property. RK Solar can help you implement shared solar solutions that lower electricity bills, increase energy efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Get in touch today to discuss your project, receive a personalised quote, or learn more about how shared solar systems can work for your property.
Call US – (02) 9659 1034
Visit – rksolar.com.au
Email – info@rksolar.net
Start saving on energy bills while supporting sustainability, let RK Solar bring smart, efficient solar solutions to your apartment building today.
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