Are Solar Carshades the Solution to Residential Strata’s Solar Problem?

In this blog post, we explore whether installing solar carshades may solve the complex problem of getting solar into strata, benefitting property owners, strata residents and the environment in the process.

Australia has been a world leader in residential solar following generous government incentives, but penetration is much lower in strata, despite strata consuming 7% of electricity generated nationwide.

Some of the historical challenges around high voting thresholds have been addressed by changing legislation, for instance, with the changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act in 2021, which NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said: “changed the law so that strata committees only need 50 percent of owners to agree to install clean energy infrastructure in their apartment buildings, making it drastically easier to make the switch.”

But some of the other challenges are more entrenched, including the cost to make flat roofs suitable for solar; additional costs to crane panels onto the roof and control traffic whilst this is occurring; scaffolding to protect workers at height, and the potential need to run new electrical risers through the building.

Could Australia take a cue from the French to solve this problem? France this month legislated that existing and new car parks with space for at least 80 vehicles be covered by solar panels within five years, or three years if they have more than 400 spaces. This is part of its rapid response to the energy crisis foisted on Europe by the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine and part of a push for greener energy to fight climate change.

Built as shade over parking spots, the practice is already quite commonplace in France, with Disneyland Paris installing a 17-megawatt system over its 11,200 parking spots.

The French government predicts this will generate up to 11 gigawatts of power, equivalent to the output of ten French nuclear reactors, or more than the peak demand in both Victoria and South Australia combined last year.

What is the opportunity for strata in Australia?

Whilst parts of France enjoy a sunny climate, on average, Australia has considerably more sunshine, lower-density cities, and a plethora of car parks! Data from the City of Melbourne’s Census of Land Use 2020 shows that Melbourne has over 500 car parks with more than 80 spaces and 88 with more than 400. Of these, over 40% are residential strata blocks.

Incentives like Australia's Solar rebate make solar an increasingly attractive proposition for owners and residents. With the right policies and technologies in place, Australia could continue to lead the world in solar adoption.

Is the solar tech ready yet?

Companies are already investing in bringing this tech to market. Aussie company PowerPunk manufactures solar car shades out of its base in Tuggerah, NSW. Their models start from 6m wide, producing 8.4kW, to versions over 28m wide, generating 34kW. Designed for the Aussie climate, they can be built to cyclone-resistant specifications; they are modular, simple to install, and connected like “giant lego bricks” to create broader systems.

What are the other benefits for strata residents?

As well as generating power, they can also be linked to EV charging and will, of course, shade residents’ cars simultaneously – a triple benefit.

How will solar car parks affect strata insurance?

From an insurer’s perspective, these solar car parks are a lower-risk option for strata, given that the surrounding buildings will somewhat protect them from hail and wind. Of course, the installation, maintenance and access for repair are all vastly simplified compared to the rooftop.

Are you a strata manager? Talk to your broker about Hutch’s strata insurance today.