Commercial solar quotes: is the new 1 MW rebate right for your business?
We don't install solar. We help you check the numbers and get matched with vetted commercial installers when partners are onboarded.
From 1 October 2026, the federal Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme covers commercial solar up to 1 MW — about 20% off the upfront cost. For a mid-sized business with a big roof and steady daytime load, that's often what turns solar from a "maybe one day" into a clear yes.
What the rebate is worth
The support comes as Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) that discount the install upfront. The government's own worked examples (treat as estimates — STC prices float):
| System size | Indicative upfront discount | Indicative annual saving |
|---|---|---|
| 250 kW | ~$68,000–$70,000 | ~$50,000 / yr |
| 850 kW | ~$232,000 | ~$175,000 / yr |
Is your business a good fit?
Solar pays back hardest when you use most of what you generate. The strongest candidates look like this:
- Big roof or yard. Warehouses, factories, sheds, cool stores, large retail — space is the constraint that just got more valuable.
- Daytime-heavy load. Machinery, refrigeration, pumps, aircon running through daylight means most solar offsets power you'd buy at full retail rates.
- High, steady power bills. The bigger your current spend, the faster ~20% off install plus ongoing savings pays back.
- Target sectors. Manufacturing, agriculture, transport & logistics, retail — the "missing middle" this policy is built for.
How the rebate works, step by step
- Size to self-consumption. The best return comes from covering your daytime load, not just filling the roof.
- Install from 1 Oct 2026 to claim under the new 1 MW cap. Get design and quotes lined up now so you're ready.
- STCs come off upfront — your installer typically handles the certificates and applies the discount to the price.
- Mind the grid connection. Larger systems need network approval; the government has asked regulators to speed this up, but it's often the real timeline. Factor it in early.
Frequently asked questions
Getting solar at home?
Compare feed-in tariffs, usage rates and supply charges — not just the headline export rate.
About EnergyPlans
EnergyPlans is an Australian energy comparison platform. We don't sell or install solar — here we match businesses with vetted commercial installers (when partners are live) and help you sanity-check the numbers.
General information only, not financial advice. Rebate figures are government estimates and depend on system design, location and STC prices. Confirm eligibility and current values before committing.
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