Approvals Needed 
If you’re in a townhouse or top floor unit, you may be able to install solar power for your own use. However, since the roof space above you is common property you’ll need permission from the owners corporation at a general meeting, and a by-law specifying the terms and conditions on which approval is given.
You can ask for this to be put on to the agenda of the next general meeting of the owners corporation (either the AGM or an EGM). If no meeting is scheduled in a timeframe suitable to you, you can ask for an Extraordinary General Meeting to be called – but you’ll have to cover the costs of that meeting.
You’ll most likely also have to cover the costs of drawing up the necessary by-law – unless there are other interested owners who will share the cost.
We’ve made a list of things that need to be considered in a bylaw governing solar installations for personal use.
There are a number of excellent independent resources to assist you in selecting and installing a solar power (photovoltaic or PV) system:
- Guide to Installing Solar PV for Households (Clean Energy Council)
- Install Solar Power (Your Energy Savings)
- Photovoltaic systems (Your Home)
Eliminate energy wastage before adding solar - so you don't have to pay for a system bigger than you need