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Build Australia ·

Apartment solar sharing technology wins 2026 Australian Good Design Award of the Year

Melbourne-based Allume Energy's SolShare, a technology that lets apartment residents share rooftop solar power, has won the 2026 Australian Good Design Award of the Year.

What is SolShare and will apartment solar sharing create more work for electricians?

Electricians and solar installers may see more demand for shared solar in apartment buildings, a market that has been hard to serve. Builders and strata projects may also start specifying it.

Key takeaways

  • Allume Energy's SolShare won the 2026 Australian Good Design Award of the Year.
  • SolShare lets apartment residents share power from a rooftop solar system.
  • Allume Energy is based in Melbourne.
  • Apartment solar sharing may open a new market for solar installers and electricians.
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Victoria expands scheme to subsidise ceiling insulation installations

The Victorian government has expanded the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program to include upfront discounts on ceiling insulation. The government says households could save more than AU$400 a year on power bills.

Why it matters: Insulation installers, builders and carpenters in Victoria may see more demand as upfront discounts make ceiling insulation cheaper for households. Accredited providers should check the VEU requirements.

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Electrical Connection ·

ENA welcomes draft rule for 14,000 EV chargers

Energy Networks Australia has welcomed a draft rule from the Australian Energy Market Commission. The rule supports the Federal Government's $40 million program to accelerate EV charger rollout, with a target of 14,000 chargers.

Why it matters: Electricians may see more EV charger installation and grid-connection work as the rollout expands. The draft rule could also change connection requirements and approvals for chargers.

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Fair Work Ombudsman News ·

More than $470,000 in penalties imposed, as finance broking operator sanctioned for third time

The Fair Work Ombudsman won $478,880 in court penalties against two Melbourne companies and their manager. The conduct included systematic exploitation of migrant workers and adverse action. The finance broking operator has now been sanctioned three times.

Why it matters: The case is in finance broking, not the trades, so it has little direct impact. Trade employers who hire migrant workers can still see the Fair Work Ombudsman's enforcement and the penalties for repeat breaches.

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