Introduction and Background
The conversation opens with an introduction to Aliya Bagewadi and her role at Allume. Kerim Baran sets the stage by highlighting the unique challenges of implementing solar in multifamily housing. This chapter frames the discussion around Allume’s mission to democratize solar energy access for renters and low-income communities.

Aliya’s Journey to Allume
Aliya shares her background, discussing her passion for energy equity and her experiences working in community development and strategy consulting. She explains how her exposure to global energy poverty, particularly in India and the U.S., shaped her drive to make clean energy more accessible. Her journey eventually led her to Allume, where she saw an opportunity to merge social impact with technological innovation.

The Multifamily Solar Access Problem
Despite solar adoption growing in single-family homes, multifamily buildings remain significantly underserved, with less than 1% penetration. Aliya and Kerim discuss the “split incentive” problem, where landlords must pay for solar installations, but tenants receive the financial benefits. This chapter explores why traditional solar models fail in apartment settings and the economic disparity that prevents millions of renters from accessing solar energy.

How SolShare Works
Aliya explains SolShare, the world’s first behind-the-meter technology that distributes rooftop solar energy across multiple tenant meters in an apartment building. Instead of relying on virtual net metering or utility-controlled programs, SolShare physically directs energy to tenants’ units in real-time based on their consumption needs. This chapter details the hardware setup, software integration, and flexibility of the system in allocating solar energy.

Challenges in the Solar Market for Multifamily Units
The conversation shifts to policy and market barriers that make solar adoption difficult in rental properties. Aliya discusses the regulatory inconsistencies across U.S. states, the complex permitting and interconnection processes, and utility resistance to behind-the-meter solutions. She highlights how these hurdles slow down solar adoption in apartments but notes that Allume is actively working to overcome them through advocacy and partnerships.

Key Benefits for Tenants and Building Owners
Allume’s SolShare solution benefits both landlords and tenants, addressing the core split-incentive issue. Tenants enjoy lower electricity costs and increased energy independence, while landlords can recoup their investments through solar amenity fees or power purchase agreements (PPAs). This chapter outlines how building owners can structure these agreements to ensure both parties benefit financially.

Scaling Impact: Case Studies from the U.S. and Beyond
Aliya shares success stories from Allume’s projects in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K., as well as its expansion into the U.S. market. She highlights case studies, including a multifamily project in Orlando, Florida, where SolShare provided significant savings for renters. These real-world applications showcase how SolShare technology is changing the landscape of affordable solar for apartment buildings.

Working with Partners: Utilities, Developers, and Policy Makers
Expanding solar in multifamily buildings requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including real estate developers, utilities, and policymakers. Aliya discusses Allume’s partnerships with local solar installers, energy equity advocates, and state-level clean energy programs. This chapter also examines how utilities are adapting to distributed solar solutions and their role in enabling wider adoption.

Future Vision for Allume
Looking ahead, Aliya shares Allume’s expansion plans in the U.S. and globally, focusing on policy-driven markets with strong solar incentives. She teases upcoming product innovations that could further enhance SolShare’s capabilities, making it even more adaptable to different grid and regulatory environments. Allume is committed to its mission of scaling equitable solar solutions and bridging the energy access gap for renters worldwide.

Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
As the conversation wraps up, Aliya emphasizes the importance of making solar energy accessible to all, regardless of income or homeownership status. She calls on policymakers, real estate developers, and solar industry leaders to collaborate in solving multifamily solar access challenges. The discussion concludes with an invitation for stakeholders to learn more, engage with Allume, and drive change in their local communities.