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If you own an investment property and have considered solar, chances are you’ve come across a whole lot of mixed information around rebates, compliance rules and installer credentials.  It’s a jungle out there and not always clear what actually matters most.

Before all else, when it comes to landlords and solar, start off by looking for a supplier that has NETCC approval. Let’s take a look at what that actually means and why it matters:

For starters, what is NETCC

The NETCC aka The New Energy Tech Approved Seller, is a national consumer protection code designed to lift standards across the solar and battery industry. It sets expectations around honest advice, accurate system design, transparent pricing and ongoing support after installation.

Retailers don’t automatically qualify. Approval requires meeting strict criteria and ongoing compliance.

Put simply, NETCC approval means the installer is held to a higher standard and can be held accountable if something goes wrong.  Essentially limiting the prevalence of cowboys within the industry.

And Why This Is Especially Important for Landlords

Understandably, landlords approach solar differently to owner occupiers. It’s an investment decision yes but more often than not it’s for a property they don’t live in and therefor want solutions that add undeniable value to their investment ecosystem without creating headaches.

That’s where NETCC approval becomes particularly important. Many government solar rebates in Australia, particularly state-based incentives like the Queensland Solar for Renters program, require the system to be supplied and installed by a NETCC-approved retailer. For eligible landlords, this can mean access to up to $3,500 in rebates under the Solar for Renters program; support that’s only available when the right compliance boxes are ticked from the start.

Put simply, if an installer isn’t NETCC approved, there’s a risk of missing out on rebates, even if the system itself looks fine on paper.

What about Solar Rebates on Rental Properties

Rebates can make a meaningful difference to the upfront cost of solar, and for landlords, that difference can materially affect the overall return on the investment.

Working with a NETCC-approved retailer helps ensure the installation meets rebate requirements, the documentation is completed correctly, and eligibility is protected from day one. It removes a layer of risk that can otherwise sit quietly in the background until it becomes a problem.

With NETCC approval in place, landlords can move forward knowing compliance is built into the process, not patched on afterwards. That peace of mind is especially valuable when you’re making improvements to a property you may not be closely involved in day to day.

Does Solar Still Stack Up for Investment Properties?

In many cases, yes, when it’s done thoughtfully.

Solar can make a rental property more attractive to tenants, reduce vacancy periods and support long-term asset value. In a market where energy costs continue to rise, properties with solar are often viewed more favourably.

That said, rental properties need a different approach to system design. The goal isn’t always maximum self-consumption like it is for owner occupiers. Instead, it’s about balancing cost, performance and tenant benefit.

This is where experienced advice matters just as much as the hardware itself.

Who Actually Benefits, the Landlord or the Tenant?

It’s the million dollar question, and the honest answer is that it depends on how the system is set up.

In most standard residential rentals, tenants benefit directly through lower power bills, while landlords benefit indirectly through stronger rental appeal, improved retention and long-term property value.

However, in some setups, particularly where a battery is installed or where there are shared or separately metered areas, landlords can benefit more directly as well. A battery can allow excess solar energy to be stored and either used strategically or exported back to the grid under certain tariff structures. In those cases, there may be opportunities for modest returns or offset costs, depending on how the system and metering are configured.

It’s not automatic, and it’s not the same for every property, but it is an option worth understanding.

Bottom line, there’s no single right answer, which is why the most important step is working through the options before installing, not after.

What NETCC Approval Says about Suppliers

NETCC approval reflects how a business operates day to day. It’s about the advice given upfront, the systems designed, and the support provided long after installation.

For landlords, that means fewer surprises, clearer expectations and confidence that the system has been designed with the property’s long-term performance in mind.

It also means knowing that if circumstances change, the installer remains accountable. Win. Win.

So What Should Landlords Do Next?

If you’ve been considering solar for a rental property, the most important first step isn’t choosing panels or system size. It’s understanding what applies to your property.

That means knowing which rebates you’re eligible for, how solar fits into your broader investment goals, and whether the system should be designed primarily to support tenant savings, long-term property value, or a balance of both.

At First Choice Solar, we’re proud to be NETCC approved, and our role is to help landlords navigate these decisions with clear, practical advice. No pressure, no confusing lingo, just a straightforward breakdown of options, costs, rebates and likely outcomes based on your specific situation.

Sometimes the best investment decisions are simply the ones made with clarity from the start.

Chat to a friendly member of the First Choice Solar Team.