Victoria inquiry supports solar-integrated surfaces for apartments

A Victorian parliamentary inquiry has recommended new standards and increased support for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technologies in apartment buildings. The inquiry found that conventional rooftop solar is often insufficient for high-rise buildings due to limited roof space and competition with shared amenities like air conditioning.

The report highlighted the significant potential of building façades, noting that a typical 10-story apartment tower may have eight to 10 times more exterior wall surface area than roof space. Evidence provided by ClearVue Technologies was cited in the findings, demonstrating that for a standard 75-square-metre Melbourne apartment, approximately 30 square metres of power-generating windows and balustrades could potentially meet 100 per cent of the household’s energy demand.