Solar power isn’t just for owner-occupied buildings anymore. With energy costs climbing and sustainability high on the agenda, commercial tenants and landlords are discovering the mutual benefits of going solar. From lowering operating expenses to boosting property value and appeal, solar for renters is fast becoming a smart, future-ready solution for both sides of the lease.
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Solar for renters: modernise your business and slash energy bills
For many commercial tenants, energy is one of the largest overheads. Installing solar can deliver immediate electricity bill savings, with some businesses saving tens of thousands of dollars annually over the life of the system. Some of Acacia Energy’s clients have reduced their annual energy bill by up to 60%.
Tenants also get the added benefit of promoting their commitment to sustainability, helping to build a greener brand image. Instead of moving to a newer, more expensive building, solar provides a chance to modernise your current premises without the stress and cost of relocation.
And you don’t have to wait until your lease ends; solar can be installed mid-lease with the landlord’s consent, allowing you to begin driving cost savings before summer.
Solar for landlords: boost asset value and tenant retention
Landlords might have concerns about agreeing to solar for renters when they’re not the one footing the energy bill. However, renewable energy assets such as solar, battery, and backup generators can provide long-term value on property assets.
Solar can enhance the attractiveness of your property to current and future tenants. A solar-powered building is more appealing to businesses that want to cut costs and meet sustainability goals. If a tenant leaves, the system either stays with the property, or it can be safely decommissioned or transferred when needed, without compromising the roof or structure. Consultants like Acacia Energy can help you plan in advance what happens to any installed systems should the tenant leave the premises, so you have full control over the future of any installed assets.
Addressing common concerns
When looking at solar for renters, some landlords worry about issues like roof integrity, legacy equipment, and the impact of installations.
Acacia Energy removes the guesswork and the risk by ensuring projects are:
- Engineered for your specific roof type, including concrete, Colourbond, galvanised and Klip Lok
- Installed only after a full structural assessment and mutual agreement
- Backed by watertight mounting solutions and a 10-year workmanship warranty
By working with a fully certified and accredited installer, a solar project becomes a low-risk, high-value upgrade that future-proofs your property for years to come.
How underutilised space can unlock passive revenue
Calculations by The Victoria Energy Policy Centre and Victoria University show Australia has enough unused commercial and industrial rooftop space to supply at least 25% of our annual electricity use.
Properties with excess roof space or underutilised land can become an avenue for passive revenue generation. By leasing roof space to private investment to install energy generation assets, you can unlock additional ongoing value on your rental property. Tenants benefit from this arrangement by receiving a flat price on their energy without needing to invest in solar themselves.
Start the solar conversation
With over a decade of experience delivering commercial solar systems ranging from 100kW to 5MW, Acacia Energy is trusted by organisations like Capral Aluminium, Costa Group, and De Bortoli Wines. Our team offers Tier 1 certified systems, sourced through long-term Australian supplier partnerships and fully compliant with Australian standards.
From engineering to ongoing support, we ensure your building receives a solution that delivers results, without compromising on quality or safety.
Whether you’re a tenant wanting to cut energy costs and carbon emissions, or a landlord seeking to futureproof your asset and attract top-tier tenants, solar for renters is a smart move.
Contact Acacia Energy today to start a conversation with your landlord or to explore providing solar for your tenants.
