Solar for Property Groups & Embedded Networks

The use of solar for property groups and embedded networks offers a new way to manage energy for multi-tenant buildings, strata developments, and property portfolios. It also helps create a sustainable energy future. Solar power will help municipalities overcome some of the challenges they face with respect to multi-tenant buildings, such as shared roofs, multiple tenant obligations, and changing regulatory requirements.

The property group also faces various challenges with respect to energy allocation because of different issues associated with strata developments. For instance, property groups may not have accurate billing for their tenants' usage of shared energy. Plus, the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) exemption regulations can complicate the accuracy of billing.

Agile Energy has the expertise and experience to help property groups and embedded network operators to effectively utilize solar energy while meeting their regulatory obligations. Our solar pipeline exceeds 200MW, and we have experience with over 1,000 properties.

We have specialists in embedded network engineering, as well as leadership positions in power purchase agreements (PPAs). This expertise will allow property groups to take full advantage of solar energy.

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Why Solar Is Essential for Property Groups Today

Here’s why it’s vital to consider solar power for Property Groups & Embedded Networks:

Sustainability Expectations & Compliance Demands:

Regulatory compliance is now essential for property managers in order to be viewed positively by their investors. It also provides them with a level of comfort in the management of their properties. The implementation of a commercial solar power system allows the reinforcement of committee expectations regarding sustainability at the same time as complying to AER standards.

Rising Energy Costs & Operational Pressures:

Commercial and multi-tenant property owners are facing higher energy bills. This is further impacting their ability to effectively operate their businesses. Implementing a solar energy system in conjunction with managing multiple properties allows for the reduction of costs associated with energy. It also provides predictable long-term energy costs associated with solar. Additionally, there is an inherent cost stability of solar energy, and mitigates exposure to volatile grid prices.

How Solar for Embedded Networks Works

Solar for embedded networks helps in maximising their efficiency for efficiently serving multiple tenants.

Smart Metering, Sub-Metering & Automated Fair Billing:

Advanced metering solutions, such as sub-metering or automated (automated and manual billing options), allow solar production to be automatically billed. It’s based on energy usage, tenant profiles, and pricing agreements via Class 1 accuracy smart meters which provide 5- and 30-minute historical energy collection intervals. The Billing Engine distributes the total solar generation between tenants based on their actual usage at the time of generation. The result is a fair pricing structure for the energy produced from the solar array.

Centralised Solar Generation for Multi-Tenant Distribution:

Numerous residences or businesses can acquire energy from the same central solar array. The way loads are allocated amongst tenants is through the use of NMI Child Meters and Gateway Controllers. So, each tenant can get their proportional share of the solar output relative to their daily consumption.

EN Compliance Requirements in Australia (AER Exemptions):

Property groups that run embedded networks must navigate complex regulations, including AER Network Exemptions (Class R4/R5) and Retail Exemptions (D1/D2). This provides regulators with guidelines on how to operate compliant embedded networks. Embedded Network operators are also required to prepare reports annually. They need to develop "Hardship Policies", "Billing Transparency", Dispute Resolution procedures, and publish the conditions regarding their Exemptions. In order to assist Embedded Network Exemption applicants, Agile Energy offers assistance with compliance documentation and ongoing reporting. It helps in maintaining complete regulatory compliance.

Shared Solar Distribution & On-Site Control Systems

Controllers and gateway systems balance the amount of load across the grid, impose export limitations to protect against short-circuiting, and regulate voltage. Combined solar energy with a battery energy storage system (BESS) allows shifting of the load during peak demand. Hence, it improves the solar energy distribution across all tenants of the property.

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Solar System Options for Property Groups

Property groups may choose from various commercial solar power system options:

Ground-mount solar: Ideal for large sites or properties with limited roof capacity.
Rooftop solar: Suitable for multi-tenant properties with ample roof space.
Scalable panel/inverter setups: This is a flexible design for load growth and future expansion.

Benefits of Solar for Property Groups & Embedded Networks

Long Term ROI
Solar systems offer payback generally within 5 to 7 years.
Operating cost reduction
It leads to predictable energy costs while reducing energy bills.
Real-time reporting & tenant transparency
Accurate billing compliance and monitoring
Grid independence
Decrease dependency on the grid during peak hours

Battery Rebates & Incentives for Property Groups

Some beneficial rebates for property groups include federal STCs, state-based battery rebates, and LGCs. Both battery storage and solar systems can boost energy self-consumption while increasing system performance. Agile Energy makes sure your incentive applications meet all compliance standards.

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Custom Solar Design for Property Groups

We provide fully tailored solar designs, such as:

EN-compliant engineering for scalable battery + solar architectures.
Detailed solar energy loading profile for multi-tenant properties.
Future-ready system expansion and optimised inverter selection planning.

Cost, ROI & Long-Term Value

Comprehending upfront solar energy costs versus the ongoing savings is vital. Embedded networks can make the most of quick payback periods with incentives. Load optimisation further ensures long-term energy value and maximum ROI for property groups.

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Why Property Groups Choose Agile Energy

Agile Energy has an installed solar pipeline with over 200 MW across more than 1,000 assets. We have embedded network specialists who use high-quality equipment and provide transparent PPA quotes, and are compliant with all regulatory authority requirements. Property groups trust us to provide them with dependable, scalable, and equitable solar solutions.

Agile Energy’s Process

Our step-by-step process includes:

Property assessment to analyse load, energy profile, and roof space.
EN load modelling & engineering helps in designing a proper system for fair tenant allocation.
Installation & commissioning to complete a turnkey solar setup.
Ongoing billing support via EN billing software for accurate solar allocation.
Monitoring & maintenance to ensure optimal performance with consistent optimisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does solar reduce EN operating costs?

Solar lowers reliance on grid electricity, reducing energy purchase costs and exposure to price increases. Agile Energy helps embedded networks achieve more predictable and lower operating expenses.

What metering upgrades are needed for an EN solar system?

Most systems require smart meters, child NMIs, and gateway devices to accurately track tenant usage and solar allocation. Agile Energy assesses and upgrades metering where required.

Do EN solar systems require AER retail or network exemptions?

Yes. Most embedded networks need AER retail and/or network exemptions. Agile Energy assists with identifying the correct exemption type and compliance requirements.

How does automated billing ensure fair tenant pricing?

Automated billing allocates solar energy based on actual usage at the time of generation, ensuring transparent and fair pricing for all tenants.

Can solar connect to multiple buildings in an EN?

Yes. A centrally installed solar system can supply multiple buildings within an embedded network when designed and managed correctly by Agile Energy.

Are batteries recommended for ENs?

Batteries are optional but beneficial for reducing peak demand and increasing solar self-consumption, especially in high-usage networks.

Can older buildings and strata roofs support solar?

In many cases, yes. Agile Energy conducts structural and electrical checks to confirm suitability before installation.

What monitoring is required under AER guidelines?

Monitoring must track energy generation, consumption, and billing data to ensure transparency and compliance with AER requirements.

How does the ENM fit into the system?

The Embedded Network Manager handles metering data and billing. Agile Energy ensures the solar system integrates smoothly with the ENM for compliant operation.

Get a Custom Solar Proposal for Your Property Group

Request a free feasibility report today, including a fair billing model, smart metering review, and AER compliance guidance. Ensure your solar panels for property groups & embedded networks offer better energy efficiency at fair pricing.

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