Pearson has installed solar panels on two of his rental properties and is about to do a third. Wills pays an extra $25 a week in rent in return for $50 saved every week on power bills. That's almost $3,000 saved per year and it has allowed him to increase his electricity usage, especially in the summer (he's even bought a spa pool and a sauna might be next; how's that for abundance!).

Pearson says the savings for tenants would be even higher if they have an EV and can reduce their fuel use.

For the landlord, the benefit it that they get to pay off the investment over time (without paying tax) and it also increases the value of his property.

While plug-in solar will be a convenient option for many renters (it's expected it will become legal this year), Pearson says it’s not going to achieve the same sorts of savings as a big system on the roof and won't be able to power high-draw appliances like hot water heat pumps or EVs.

He says it has cost him about $25,000 per property for panels and inverters (with no battery). Green loans are great - if you can get them - but access to finance is the biggest barrier, as it is for most homeowners. Energy Impact Loans through the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme will address that issue and he's hoping more landlords will follow his lead.

If you’re a landlord looking to invest in solar or a tenant hoping to reduce the cost of living, there are a couple of different ways to set up a solar for renters scheme. Check them out on the QEA site ⚡https://loom.ly/RodbSuQ

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