Solar to Power Communal Spaces: How Solar Panels Transform Australian Communities

Solar to Power Communal Spaces: How Solar Panels Transform Australian Communities

Powering a Better Tomorrow

Across Australia, communities are reimagining how shared spaces are powered. At the forefront of this movement is Altogether.  We integrate community solar panels, water systems, and data systems to deliver cleaner, smarter, and locally sustainable services.

By making solar panels for community buildings more accessible and efficient, Altogether helps households, developers, and residents share in the benefits of renewable energy,  driving stronger communities and a brighter planet.

What Are Community Solar Panels?

Community solar panels refer to solar installations that power multiple users from a single shared system. Instead of every apartment or business installing individual rooftop units, the community accesses renewable electricity through an embedded energy network, making clean power affordable and inclusive.​

This approach simplifies infrastructure, lowers costs, and ensures that even apartment dwellers or tenants without rooftops can enjoy solar-sourced energy. Billing is managed through Altogether’s digital systems for transparency and ease.

How Do Solar Panels Help the Community?

Community solar empowers neighbourhoods by combining sustainability with savings.

Our systems:

• Cut emissions by replacing grid electricity with local renewable generation.

• Lower energy costs through collective consumption and smart load balancing.

• Offer communities autonomy over their energy mix and usage.

• Support local jobs and economic reinvestment in sustainable development.​

At Altogether, community solar isn’t just an energy upgrade; it’s an investment in resilience and shared progress.

Our Solar-Powered Communities

Altogether supplies utility services to more than 500 communities, providing tailored clean energy solutions to residential precincts, mixed-use developments, and lifestyle resorts across Australia.

The Orchards by Sekisui House, Sydney

This master-planned community in northwest Sydney is home to an integrated community solar system and embedded network designed by Altogether Group. Solar energy powers shared amenities such as pools and wellness centres, cutting carbon emissions while improving energy efficiency. The result is cleaner power, lower costs, and enhanced lifestyle comfort for residents.

Seachange Lifestyle Resort, Toowoomba

This community-centric solar initiative integrates rooftop solar arrays with battery storage, enabling energy sharing and increased self-sufficiency. Residents benefit from shared solar power while contributing to the broader vision of local, renewable generation within lifestyle communities.

Why Embedded Networks Matter

Every Altogether solar project operates within an embedded network, a system that connects multiple residents or buildings to one primary energy supply.

Advantages include:

• Lower collective tariffs through bulk energy procurement.

• Smart distribution that maximises local solar usage.

• Compatibility with battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

• Centralised billing, maintenance, and compliance management handled by Altogether.​

The embedded model empowers communities to embrace renewable power at scale while maintaining reliability and convenience.

Beyond Solar: A Holistic Sustainability Approach

Altogether’s mission extends beyond electricity. We integrate solar energy with recycled water systems, EV charging, and real-time data solutions to create circular, zero-waste communities.

From high-rise developments to suburban estates, every service is designed to help customers reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing the livability of shared spaces.

The Social and Environmental Impact

The shift toward community solar supports social equity by allowing everyone, regardless of income or ownership status, to participate in the renewable energy transition. It reduces bills, fosters collective responsibility, and enhances energy literacy among residents.

Environmentally, the projects contribute to net-zero emissions goals by tapping into Australia’s vast solar potential while minimising pressure on the national grid.

The Future of Solar-Powered Communities

Altogether continues to innovate with scalable, smart energy systems integrated into every new development. The rise of solar panels for community buildings, combined with storage, EV, and digital monitoring, marks a transformative step in sustainable urban living.​

By backing community-led sustainability, Altogether ensures that shared solar energy isn’t just a clean choice, it’s the new standard for living better, together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is community solar, and how does it work?

Community solar allows multiple households or buildings to share the benefits of a single solar energy system. Altogether’s embedded networks distribute this shared power internally, making clean energy accessible to everyone on-site without needing their own rooftop panels.

2. How can my apartment building or community join Altogether’s solar program?

Check if Altogether services your area by entering your postcode on our website. Developers and strata managers can contact Altogether early in the planning phase to integrate solar-ready infrastructure and secure long-term savings.

3. What are the benefits of community solar for residents?

Residents enjoy lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and consistent performance with locally generated electricity. Billing is simplified through Altogether’s digital customer portal, with live energy data and transparent tariffs.

4. Does Altogether manage the compliance and regulatory aspects?

Yes. Altogether operates under a Water Industry Competition Act (WICA) licence issued by the NSW Minister for Water, authorising it to deliver utilities in compliance with IPART and EWON standards.

5. Can community solar power electric vehicles?

Absolutely. Altogether integrates solar energy and EV charging in its developments, allowing communities to use solar power for both residential and transportation needs, reducing total energy costs and emissions further.

6. How can residents get help or support?

Residents can access assistance through Altogether’s Help Centre or contact the Customer Service team for account, billing, or maintenance inquiries. The support team is available via the 1300 803 803 number or the online Help Hub.