Landmark project sets new standard for electrification of multi-unit homes across Australia
In a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when government, council, community, and industry work together, 2 Gordon Street in Elsternwick has become the first apartment building in Victoria to integrate both rooftop solar and battery storage under the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries program.
The system, officially launched on 10 November 2025, was delivered through Round 2 of Solar Victoria’s “Solar for Apartments” program and facilitated by the Solar Savers initiative at Glen Eira City Council. Designed and installed by Specialized Solar & Electrical, the system now powers 26 apartments and common areas through 27 shared connections.
And it’s already delivering: within one week of commissioning, the system had generated just under 2,000 kWh of clean energy — with 99% consumed onsite, slashing grid reliance and validating the project’s engineering and design.
A System Built for Shared Living
This is not a typical solar install. The building features:
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Over 54 MWh of expected annual generation
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A 50 kWh shared battery, housed in the basement
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Smart, automatic shared solar technology to distribute energy fairly
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Real-time monitoring for all residents
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Strategic rooftop and basement installation for minimal impact
Each apartment receives an average of 4.9 kWh of solar per day — enough to significantly offset daytime energy usage, with surplus energy stored for evening consumption.
“This is a project that’s fair, efficient, and forward-thinking,” said Scott Degabriele, Head of Commercial at Specialized Solar & Electrical. “It empowers residents with clean energy every day, stores it, and shares it equitably. That’s real-world performance and precision design.”
The First Battery-Equipped Apartments in Victoria
What sets this project apart is its place as the first apartment building in Victoria to integrate battery storage under the Federal Battery Rebate Scheme — unlocking energy independence in a sector traditionally overlooked in the clean energy transition.
“The idea that you can only install solar on a detached home is outdated,” said Degabriele. “This project proves that apartments can lead the way — if supported with the right funding and technical expertise.”
With over 75% of residents voting to proceed, the Owners Corporation played a pivotal role in driving this project forward. Chair Peter Tregilgas championed the initiative for over 18 months, navigating grant applications, owner engagement, structural reviews, and partnership with Specialized Solar.
“The role of the Owners Committees cannot be under estimated to facilitate the engagement of owners in the process. The current legislation requires 75% of owners to commit to capital improvements on a property … that means it is important to inform all owners of the benefits of solar and the scheme. It costs nothing to commit to the property improvement. This is the trigger that will enable owners to connect to solar in a multi dwelling environment”. said Tregilgas.
He also added that “This wasn’t just about saving money, It was about showing that apartment residents can take control of their energy future — and be part of Victoria’s climate solution.”
A Showcase of Government and Council Collaboration
The official media launch featured speeches from:
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The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Climate Action and the SEC
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Deputy Mayor Cr Luca Ragni, Glen Eira City Council
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Peter Tregilgas, Chair of the Owners Corporation
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Scott Degabriele and Anthony Igmen, Specialized Solar & Electrical
- Hon Ryan Batchelor Vic Legislative Council
Minister D’Ambrosio praised the project as a model for future apartment electrification, noting the opportunity to replicate this blueprint across the state.
“Government, councils, community and industry all came together here,” said Degabriele. “And that’s exactly what’s needed to scale clean energy access across Australia’s housing stock.”
A System Designed to Last
Specialized Solar & Electrical selected premium REC Alpha Pure-RX solar panels and tailored the solution for long-term safety, efficiency, and performance. From structural engineering to switchboard upgrades and safety compliance, no detail was overlooked.
“Our standards are high — and so were the Owners Corporation’s,” said Degabriele. “They cared deeply about futureproofing their building, and that’s why this partnership worked.”
Evening Celebration with Residents
Following the media launch, residents returned that evening for a celebration and technical walk-through. Many formally activated their energy monitoring platforms and took part in rooftop and basement tours.
“This was a proud moment for the whole building,” said one resident. “We’ve gone from talking about clean energy to living it.”
Why It Matters
With apartment living on the rise, solutions like this are critical to ensuring all Victorians have access to clean, affordable energy — regardless of housing type.
The project demonstrates:
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That battery storage can work for apartments
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That technical, financial and regulatory barriers can be overcome
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That residents are willing and eager to embrace shared electrification when given the chance
As Scott Degabriele noted:
“This isn’t just a solar system. It’s a statement — that apartment communities can lead, not follow.”
More to Come
With Round 3 of Solar Victoria’s “Solar for Apartments” program now open — and applications for the Federal Battery Rebate Scheme ongoing — the hope is that this project sparks further momentum across Victoria and beyond.
The future of clean energy in our cities won’t be led by a single rooftop. It will be shared — just like the technology now powering 2 Gordon Street.
