For Developers
About one in three Australian homes now have rooftop solar, yet apartments and other multi-dwelling units remain significantly underrepresented. With our innovative and boutique models, we're moving to fix this injustice and make renewable energy accessible to all.
Replicable models
Overcoming barriers
Fair allocation
Innovative systems
Communal Architecture
Equitable Architecture
ZECO Energy’s MDU Apartment Solar solutions are designed to optimise energy efficiency in apartment buildings and multi-dwelling units. By integrating solar power across entire complexes, developers can provide tenants with reliable, cost-effective energy while significantly reducing the building's carbon footprint.
Our technology is scalable, easy to implement, and tailored to meet the unique needs of high-density living. With ZECO Energy, developers can future-proof their projects, enhance property values, and attract eco-conscious residents seeking sustainable living options
Multi-dwelling units have traditionally faced significant barriers to solar adoption due to complexities in energy distribution, metering, and billing. The Frankston site required:
Leveraging Marshall’s intelligent benefits, ZECO Energy implemented a fully integrated solar sharing solution tailored to the site’s unique requirements. Key components included:
Marshall optimises energy allocation in real-time based on individual tenant consumption patterns. By dynamically adjusting solar generation and storage, it minimises reliance on the grid and maximises cost savings, while also providing tenants with real time usage data on their phone.
“ZECO navigated complex engineering challenges to deliver a solar solution that added real value for both me and my tenants. Their innovation and problem-solving set them apart.” – Dave, Map Developments
The One Bright Point apartment complex faced a set of challenges common to established coastal MDUs:
High electricity consumption due to near-constant air-conditioning use in a tropical climate
A completed, occupied building where solar needed to be retrofitted rather than designed in
Residents with differing levels of energy usage and willingness to participate
The need for a fair and equitable solar model rather than a single communal allocation
Network and export constraints requiring careful engineering and compliance
A requirement to minimise disruption to residents while delivering a scalable solution
Traditional communal solar architectures were not suitable for this site, as they do not adequately address equity in voluntary, retrofit scenarios.
ZECO Energy implemented its equitable MDU solar architecture, supported by Marshall Technology, to deliver a resident-focused solution tailored to the realities of the site.
Key elements included:
Installation of innovative One Bright Point boards for participating dwellings
A retrofit-friendly system design that worked within the constraints of existing infrastructure
An opt-in model allowing residents to participate voluntarily
Engineering solutions to manage export control and DNSP compliance
A scalable equitable architecture
This approach ensured that residents who opted in could directly benefit from solar energy in a way that was fair, transparent, and technically robust, without requiring a full redevelopment of the site.
High resident uptake despite participation being voluntary
Demonstrated viability of equitable solar in existing apartment buildings
Reduced reliance on grid energy for participating residents with high cooling loads
A proven alternative MDU architecture to complement ZECO’s communal solar model
An award-nominated project recognising innovation, social impact, and technical execution
Most importantly, the project validated a pathway for delivering apartment solar to residents who are often excluded due to building age, complexity, or network constraints.
“We were happy to opt in and be part of the program, and we’re very glad we did. It’s made our investment apartment more environmentally conscious, better suited to the climate up here, and has added long-term value.” – Josh, One Bright Point Apartment Owner
Empower your tenants with smart Energy Management Systems using our Australian Made Tech that monitors and displays energy use for smarter decisions. We help reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and enhance sustainability, providing a better living experience while contributing to your building’s eco-friendly goals.
Future-proof your property with ZECO Energy’s EV charging infrastructure. We install and manage state-of-the-art EV charging stations that cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles, offering convenience to tenants and increasing your property's attractiveness in the competitive market.
Ensure your building meets all regulatory standards with ZECO Energy’s comprehensive site and compliance visits. Our team conducts regular inspections to ensure all solar systems, energy management tools, and infrastructure are running efficiently and in compliance with local laws, minimising risks and maximising benefits.
