- Australian startup SolarCloud has launched a cloud-based model that virtualises rooftop solar ownership, allowing consumers to buy shares of existing commercial solar capacity without installation, strata approval, or physical infrastructure.
The sharing-economy model turns commercial rooftop systems worldwide into distributed, portable clean energy assets for households previously excluded from the solar transition. The company currently offers 24,877 SolarCloud panels for sale to Australian consumers.
Customers can buy one or more panels, starting at AUD 139 ($91) each, and monitor generation 24/7 via SolarCloud’s online platform. Credits are applied directly to any Australian energy bill and remain transferable if users move or switch energy providers.
SolarCloud CEO John Kennedy said that despite record rooftop solar uptake in Australia, more than 2.4 million people are unable to participate because they rent, live in apartments, or have unsuitable roofs.
“So, access has long felt like a privilege reserved for homeowners and those with higher incomes. After nearly a decade of development, gaining the correct energy and financial licenses, and happy test customers, we now bring you SolarCloud,” Kennedy said. “It’s a more accessible model that finally gives everyone a way to tap into cheaper, cleaner energy, with no roof required.
Author: Ev Foley
This article was originally published in pv magazine and is republished with permission.
