Commercial solar quotes: is the new 1 MW rebate right for your business?
We don't install solar. We help you check the numbers, then hand you to Green, our solar partner, who quotes commercial installs as well as residential. One installer, not a lead auction.
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.
Want a real quote on the 1 MW rebate?
See the certificate maths for your postcode first, then hand off to Green, our solar partner, who handles commercial design, quoting and installation. Free, no obligation, and we earn a commission only if you go ahead.
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About EnergyPlans
EnergyPlans is an Australian energy comparison platform. We don't sell or install solar — we help you sanity-check the numbers, then introduce you to Green, our solar partner, who quotes commercial installs as well as residential. We earn a commission only if you go ahead.
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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