Solar power incentives, loans & rebates for small business

SHORT TEXT ON THIS PAGE: https://www.energymatters.com.au/rebates-incentives/

Current business incentives include Small-scale Technology Certificates, feed in tariffs and other forms of support. Save a bundle!

As a small business owner you’re looking to keep a lid on operational costs. However, you’re also aware of the effect your business has on the environment. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce the greenhouse gas impact of your business and save money too. Solar small business incentives from government are also available.

The best way is to install a solar panel system on your office or warehouse rooftop. Many Australian businesses are following this clean energy trend and installing solar to cut costs.

Did you know state and federal governments offer incentives and rebates to encourage uptake of solar power by businesses? We’ll take a look at these below.

PLEASE NOTE: For information on rebates, incentives and other forms of financial support for systems 20 kW capacity and larger, please see our commercial solar incentives page.


 Australia-wide Solar Subsidy Programs

1.) Small-scale Technology Certificates

Households and businesses that install eligible solar panels through an accredited solar provider receive Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

STCs have a dollar value and you can redeem these in a government-regulated market.

Energy Matters can arrange to provide a point of sale discount on the cost of your solar system if you assign your STCs to us. This saves you the hassle of registering for the market and selling the certificates yourself.

The STC system is a major financial driver behind Australia’s solar boom. However, the STC scheme is being phased out. The number of STCs issued is decreasing each year and will reach zero by 2031.

Find out how many STCs you are currently eligible for here.

2. Feed-in tariffs

A feed-in tariff is where your electricity retailer pays your business for electricity you feed into the main grid from your solar panels.

Rates and conditions vary from state to state and from retailer to retailer. Find out about feed-in tariffs in your area.

3.) Solar hot water

Hot water can be one of the most energy intensive applications in a business. By installing a solar hot water system or heat pump, you’ll not only slash your electricity bills and greenhouse gas emissions, you can receive a point of sale discount through the STC system described above.


State Government Solar Incentives

Australian Capital Territory

The Next Generation Energy Storage Program provides ACT homes and businesses with a discount to install battery storage, either as part of a brand new solar and storage system, or added to an existing solar system.

The rebate is worth $825 per kilowatt (kW) up to a maximum of 30 kW.

The ACT Government will support the installation of up to 5,000 battery storage systems in ACT homes and businesses, through a small number of selected suppliers.

To find out more and request a quote, visit (insert lead form – this goes to EverGen, SolaHart, SolarHub – if they are clients of EM).

https://www.actsmart.act.gov.au/what-can-i-do/homes/discounted-battery-storage


Solar Financing

In NSW, Victoria and South Australia, a form of financing – called Environmental Upgrade Finance – is available to small businesses looking to invest in solar and/or battery storage.

Environmental Upgrade Finance (EUF) is an agreement where a building owner borrows money for environmental building upgrades from a financier and makes the repayments through the local council rates system.

This form of finance offers attractive rates and can be over period ranging from 4-15 years. It is available through some, but not all councils, in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. The project value needs to be at least $15,000.

Benefits of Environmental Upgrade Finance include:

  • Competitive interest rates
  • Security provided by the council lowers the risk for the financier, resulting in smaller repayments over longer terms
  • No upfront capital or security required
  • Costs can be shared with tenants with their consent
  • Financing can be transferred if the property is sold

If you are interested in finding out how your small business could access this finance to help pay for a solar and/or battery storage system, get in touch with us.

https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/Business/Investment-facilitation/Sustainable-finance-for-energy-solutions/Environmental-Upgrade-Finance

PLEASE NOTE: For details of financial support available for solar panel systems 20 kW capacity and larger, please refer to commercial solar incentives information.