Unlocking Rooftop Solar for Renters in Western Sydney

Community leaders, policymakers, industry experts and local residents recently came together in Western Sydney to address a pressing question: how do we unlock rooftop solar and energy savings for renters?

Rooftop solar has been one of Australia’s most visible clean energy success stories. It has helped many households lower power bills and reduce emissions. Yet for around one-third of households, these benefits remain out of reach. Renters and people living in apartments are often locked out of the clean energy transition, despite facing rising energy costs. Many of these households are also part of multicultural communities, making this not only an energy issue, but also an issue of equity and inclusion.

The forum created an important space to bring together different voices and perspectives on this challenge. Community members shared lived experiences of the barriers they face, while industry experts and policymakers explored practical pathways forward. Discussions focused on a range of solutions, including policy reform, more accessible financing models, and ways to better utilise large rooftop spaces.

We were pleased to welcome Minister Chris Bowen, who shared insights on how governments can work with communities, industry and different levels of government to expand access to clean energy. His presence reinforced the importance of collaboration in ensuring the benefits of Australia’s energy transition are shared more fairly.

Delivered in partnership with the Multicultural Leadership Initiative and Solar Citizens, the forum highlighted both the urgency of the issue and the opportunities ahead. The message from the day was clear: a fair energy transition must include renters.

The conversation does not end here. The challenge now is to turn ideas into action and ensure that more households, regardless of tenure or housing type, can access the benefits of rooftop solar and lower energy costs.