The Greens are announcing their renters’ right to solar policy today, which would see renters be able to install solar panels on their rental homes, with the upfront cost paid for by the government (and landlords eventually repaying, either upfront or at the sale of the home)

The Greens say there is nothing to help renters access cheaper renewable power on offer from the major parties and this policy would ensure more renters could see lower power bills as well as reducing emissions.

From the release:

The Greens’ plan would allow renters to request an average-sized solar panel system, up to 8kW, to be installed at their rental properties. Landlords would only be able to refuse on reasonable grounds, including restrictive body corporate rules, engineering challenges or local energy congestion constraints.

The solar systems and installation would be paid for through a new $10 billion fund established through the publicly-owned electricity company Snowy Hydro.

The panels will be listed as an asset on Snowy Hydro’s balance sheet with a caveat placed on
the title of the property.

Landlords could elect to pay this amount off early if they choose, otherwise Snowy Hydro will be entitled to be repaid the amount owing when the property is sold or its ownership transferred.

The interest rate would be whichever is lower between the annual change in either the Consumer
Price Index (CPI) or Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).