Smart Energy Council Welcomes Queensland Government’s Reopening of Solar for Renters Program

The Smart Energy Council has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to reopen the Supercharged Solar for Renters program, a move expected to provide thousands of rental households with access to solar energy savings.

The government has committed $26.3 million to the initiative, enabling an estimated 6,500 rental households to benefit from reduced power bills through rooftop solar installations.

David McElrea, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Smart Energy Council, said renters often face the greatest barriers in accessing bill-saving solar systems. He noted that the program’s relaunch represents an important step in providing cost-of-living relief to households that typically depend on government support to adopt renewable energy solutions.

McElrea described the reopening—originally introduced under the previous government—as a positive development led by Treasurer Jarrod Janetzki. He also referred to Premier David Crisafulli’s election commitment to maintain the program for four years, adding that the Council hopes the initiative will expand to include renters living in apartments, who are currently excluded.

He further noted that the scheme positions Queensland alongside Victoria and New South Wales as leading states for renters seeking to reduce electricity bills through solar adoption, saying it sets an example for other jurisdictions.

The Smart Energy Council also expressed support for a robust inspection framework for installations under the scheme, emphasizing the need to uphold high industry standards.