Reducing electricity costs is one of the biggest priorities for Australian businesses. Whether you’re planning a new commercial solar installation, adding commercial battery storage, or upgrading an existing system, government incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of your investment.
Several Federal, state, and territory programs are available to encourage businesses to invest in renewable energy. These include Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), battery incentives, grants, and financing programs. Available incentives vary depending on your location, system size, and the type of technology being installed.
Recent changes have made commercial renewable energy more accessible than ever. From 1 October 2026, eligible commercial solar systems up to 1 megawatt (MW) can access Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), expanding the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) from its previous 100 kW limit. This change is expected to reduce the upfront cost of many commercial solar projects by around 20%.
If your business is considering commercial solar or battery storage, understanding the available incentives is the first step towards maximising your return on investment.
Did you know?
Australian businesses may be eligible for Federal and state government incentives that reduce the upfront cost of commercial solar and battery storage. Available programs vary by system size, technology, and location, and may include Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), state battery incentives, grants, and financing programs.
On this page
Commercial renewable energy incentives explained
Government incentives are designed to encourage businesses to invest in renewable energy technologies by reducing upfront installation costs or improving long-term project economics.
Depending on your location and project, incentives may include:
- Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
- State and territory battery incentive programs.
- Government grants.
- Low-interest finance programs.
- Industry-specific funding opportunities.
Some incentives are available nationally, while others are only offered in certain states or territories.
Energy Matters is here to guide you every step of the way. Energy Matters is one of Australia’s most trusted solar quoting services, thanks to our high customer satisfaction and industry recommendations. Our team of solar experts can help you get up to 3 FREE solar quotes from pre-qualified and vetted solar firms in your area.
Federal commercial solar incentives
The Australian Government offers financial incentives through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
The scheme reduces the upfront cost of eligible renewable energy systems by allowing Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) to be created when a system is installed.
Rather than claiming these certificates themselves, most businesses assign them to their installer in exchange for an immediate discount on the purchase price.
The value of the discount depends on several factors, including:
- System size.
- Installation location.
- Installation date.
- The market value of STCs.
Because STCs are generally applied upfront, businesses benefit immediately through lower installation costs rather than waiting to receive a rebate after installation.
Expanded STC eligibility for commercial solar systems
One of the most significant changes to Australia’s commercial solar market was announced in August 2026.
From 1 October 2026, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme expands to include eligible commercial solar systems up to 1 MW, increasing the previous eligibility limit of 100 kW.
This expansion is expected to reduce installation costs for many commercial, industrial, agricultural, and community organisations by around 20%, making larger rooftop solar projects substantially more affordable.
The expanded eligibility particularly benefits organisations with large roof areas, including:
- Manufacturing facilities.
- Warehouses.
- Shopping centres.
- Farms.
- Schools.
- Hospitals.
- Commercial office buildings.
- Community facilities.
Previously, businesses installing systems larger than 100 kW generally relied on the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET), which involved Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs). The expanded SRES provides a simpler and more accessible pathway for many medium-sized commercial installations.
Federal battery incentives
Eligible businesses may also benefit from the Australian Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries Program through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.
The program provides Small-scale Technology Certificates for eligible battery systems, reducing the upfront cost of installing approved battery storage. The value of the incentive varies depending on battery size and installation date, with certificate values gradually reducing over time as battery prices continue to fall.
Commercial businesses considering battery storage should discuss eligibility with their installer, as system design, battery capacity, and program requirements may affect the available incentive.
Read more about battery storage and inverters:
Commercial energy incentives by state and territory
Federal incentives provide the main source of support for commercial solar and eligible battery systems across Australia. However, state and territory governments also offer certificate schemes, rebates, grants, finance, and advisory programs.
Not every jurisdiction provides a direct commercial solar or battery rebate. Some focus instead on energy efficiency, EV charging, electrification, or project-specific funding.
Businesses should confirm that a program is open before committing to equipment or signing an installation contract. Many incentives cannot be claimed retrospectively.
New South Wales commercial energy incentives
New South Wales offers Australia’s broadest collection of state-based commercial energy incentives.
Support is available through certificate schemes, battery activities, EV fleet funding, public charging grants, and energy-efficiency upgrades.
Energy Savings Scheme
The NSW Energy Savings Scheme provides financial incentives for businesses that install eligible energy-efficient equipment or replace inefficient systems.
Eligible activities may include:
- Commercial air conditioning.
- Commercial heat pump water heaters.
- Refrigeration and chilling equipment.
- Motors and pumps.
- Lighting upgrades.
- Industrial process improvements.
- Other approved energy-saving projects.
Incentives are generally delivered as an upfront discount through an Accredited Certificate Provider. The scheme’s current rules took effect on 1 July 2026.
Peak Demand Reduction Scheme
The Peak Demand Reduction Scheme supports activities that reduce electricity demand during summer peak periods.
Eligible technologies and activities can include batteries, virtual power plant participation, air conditioning, pool pumps, and other approved demand-reduction measures.
The scheme creates Peak Reduction Certificates, which help fund discounts offered through approved providers.
BESS3, BESS4, and BESS5 battery incentives
From 1 September 2026, new PDRS activities expand support for battery energy storage across apartments, commercial businesses, and larger industrial facilities.
- BESS3 applies to eligible apartment and shared residential battery installations.
- BESS4 supports eligible small to medium commercial battery systems.
- BESS5 supports larger commercial and industrial battery projects.
Businesses should confirm the final technical requirements, approved equipment, metering arrangements, and certificate calculation with an accredited provider.
EV fleets incentive
The NSW EV fleets incentive helps eligible businesses transition fleet vehicles to battery electric vehicles and install smart charging infrastructure.
Available support depends on vehicle type and charging equipment. Under the kick-start funding pathway, eligible charging support can include:
- Up to $3,000 for certain AC charging ports.
- Up to 50% of eligible costs for some DC chargers.
- Maximum support of up to $30,000 or $60,000 per port for eligible vehicle and charger categories.
The exact incentive depends on the vehicles, charger output, and project configuration.
Public fast-charging grants
NSW has also offered co-funding for public fast-charging stations. The latest announced round provided $39 million to address charging blackspots and encourage private investment.
These grants target publicly accessible infrastructure rather than ordinary workplace chargers. Applicants must meet location, access, equipment, and operational requirements.
Destination charging grants
Previous NSW destination charging rounds supported chargers at regional businesses, visitor destinations, accommodation venues, and tourism sites.
The latest identified round closed on 28 March 2025. It funded up to 80% of eligible installation costs, capped at $200,000 per site. Businesses should check for future rounds before relying on this support.
Victorian commercial energy incentives
Victoria’s main ongoing business incentive is the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
There is currently no broad Victorian Government rebate specifically covering standard commercial solar or battery installations. Businesses can still access applicable Federal incentives.
Victorian Energy Upgrades
Victorian Energy Upgrades provides discounts for eligible energy-efficient products and services installed in businesses and non-residential buildings.
Available commercial activities can include:
- Commercial and industrial lighting.
- Reverse-cycle air conditioning.
- Heat pump hot water systems.
- Cold rooms and refrigeration.
- High-efficiency motors.
- Commercial and industrial solar panel activities.
- Custom energy-efficiency upgrades.
Discounts are funded through Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates and generally arranged through an accredited provider.
The Victorian Government estimates eligible upgrades can save small businesses up to $500 annually. Larger businesses may save substantially more, depending on the project.
EV charging programs
Victoria has previously funded public and destination charging infrastructure through programs such as Destination Charging Across Victoria.
These programs helped establish chargers at regional towns, tourist destinations, and high-use locations. They are not a standing rebate for every Victorian business.
Businesses planning workplace or public charging should check for new grant rounds, local council programs, and network requirements.
Queensland commercial energy incentives
Queensland businesses can access Federal solar and battery incentives. However, the state currently offers limited direct rebates for ordinary commercial solar or battery systems.
ecoBiz
The ecoBiz program provides free support for eligible Queensland businesses seeking to reduce energy, water, and waste costs.
Support can include:
- One-to-one coaching.
- Site assessments.
- Benchmarking.
- Practical efficiency recommendations.
- Guidance when considering business solar.
The program is advisory rather than a cash rebate. It can still help businesses identify worthwhile projects before investing.
EV charging infrastructure support
Queensland previously offered an Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Co-Fund Scheme to encourage private investment in public charging.
That funding round is closed. The state has continued developing its public fast-charging network through government and private investment.
Businesses should check for future rounds, regional funding, or industry-specific programs before purchasing public charging equipment.
South Australian commercial energy incentives
South Australia supports commercial energy upgrades through grants, certificate-style efficiency incentives, and business sustainability programs.
Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme
The Retailer Energy Productivity Scheme helps South Australian households and businesses reduce energy consumption and costs.
Incentives may be available through energy retailers and activity providers for approved energy-efficiency upgrades.
Available activities and discounts can change. Businesses should contact participating providers to confirm what support is available in 2026.
Small Business Sustainability Support Program
The Small Business Sustainability Support Program helps eligible businesses improve sustainability, reduce emissions, and lower operating costs.
It focuses on advice, planning, and capability development rather than providing a universal solar or battery rebate.
Sustainability and circular economy grants
Green Industries SA periodically offers funding for projects that improve resource efficiency or support a circular economy.
These grants may cover eligible sustainability projects, but standard solar, battery, or EV charger installations will not automatically qualify.
EV charging support
The South Australian Government provided $12.35 million towards the statewide RAA charging network.
This investment supports public infrastructure but does not operate as a general workplace EV charger rebate.
Tasmanian commercial energy incentives
Tasmania has offered finance and support for small business energy upgrades. However, several well-known programs have now closed or entered wind-down arrangements.
EV and transport grants
Tasmania has previously delivered programs including ChargeSmart Grants and small business transport initiatives.
These programs have generally operated through fixed funding rounds. Businesses should check whether a current round is open before planning an application.
Western Australian commercial energy incentives
Western Australia offers targeted funding for EV charging and larger clean energy projects.
Standard commercial solar and battery systems primarily rely on Federal incentives.
Clean Energy Future Fund
The Clean Energy Future Fund supports innovative projects that reduce emissions and demonstrate clean energy technologies.
Round 4 offered grants between $100,000 and $4 million, covering up to 25% of eligible project costs. Applications closed on 20 April 2026.
This fund suits larger or innovative projects. It is not a standard rebate for an ordinary rooftop solar installation.
Commercial connection reforms
Western Australia is also considering reforms to simplify connections for business solar and battery systems up to 1 MW.
Proposed changes include streamlined data requirements and clearer pathways for larger distributed energy systems. These reforms may reduce administrative barriers, but they are not direct financial incentives.
Australian Capital Territory commercial energy incentives
The ACT offers one of Australia’s clearest ongoing business sustainability programs.
Sustainable Business Program
The ACT Sustainable Business Program provides rebates and advice for eligible businesses. Eligible ACT businesses may receive:
- Rebates of up to $10,000 for approved energy and water efficiency upgrades.
- Rebates of up to $3,000 towards eligible EV charging equipment.
Businesses must usually contribute towards the project cost and complete the required program process.
The program can support broader building efficiency and electrification improvements. Businesses should confirm whether their proposed solar, battery, appliance, or charging project is an eligible activity.
Sustainable Household Scheme for community groups
The ACT Sustainable Household Scheme primarily supports households. However, eligible community groups may access low-interest loans between $2,000 and $20,000 for approved energy-efficiency products.
This is not a general commercial business loan. It may apply to eligible community organisations and facilities.
EV-related support
ACT policies have previously included discounted registration and finance support for zero-emissions vehicles.
Some measures apply to households or community organisations rather than businesses. Eligibility should be checked carefully before publishing a dollar value or promising support.
Northern Territory commercial energy incentives
The Northern Territory has offered direct battery and EV charger grants to eligible businesses.
Home and Business Battery Scheme
Eligible Northern Territory homeowners and businesses may access support towards an approved battery or combined solar and battery system under the Home and Business Battery Scheme.
The identified program information provides a grant of $400 per kilowatt-hour of usable battery capacity, capped at $12,000.
Equipment and installation requirements apply, including approved battery products. Businesses should confirm that funding remains available before entering a contract.
EV registration and stamp duty concessions
The Northern Territory has provided registration and stamp duty concessions for eligible electric vehicles.
These vehicle incentives may assist businesses replacing fleet vehicles, but they do not directly reduce the cost of solar panels or batteries.
Businesses should confirm current vehicle price limits, eligibility rules, and concession periods before purchasing.
Local council and industry-specific incentives
Some commercial energy incentives are delivered through councils, regional authorities, electricity networks, or industry-specific funding programs.
Opportunities may include:
- Sustainability grants.
- Environmental upgrade finance.
- Regional development funding.
- Agricultural energy-efficiency grants.
- Tourism EV charging grants.
- Community energy funding.
- Building electrification support.
- Circular economy grants.
These programs are often temporary and geographically restricted.
Businesses should search their local council, state grants portal, business.gov.au, and relevant industry bodies before finalising a project.
Other commercial clean energy funding options
Government rebates are not the only way to reduce the upfront cost of commercial energy upgrades.
Clean Energy Finance Corporation finance
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation works with banks, asset finance providers, and other partners to support eligible clean energy investments.
Available finance may support:
- Commercial solar.
- Battery storage.
- Electric vehicles.
- Charging infrastructure.
- Energy-efficient equipment.
- Building upgrades.
- Agricultural technologies.
The CEFC does not generally provide a simple rebate directly to each business. Finance is commonly delivered through participating lenders or investment programs.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency funding
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency supports projects that advance renewable energy technologies or demonstrate innovative applications.
ARENA funding is generally suited to larger, innovative, replicable, or first-of-a-kind projects.
A standard commercial rooftop solar installation will not usually qualify simply because it reduces emissions.
Environmental upgrade finance
Environmental upgrade finance may help eligible building owners fund solar, batteries, electrification, water efficiency, and other sustainability improvements.
Repayments are collected through council rates or a similar property-based mechanism.
Availability depends on the state and participating council.
Can businesses combine multiple incentives?
Businesses may sometimes combine Federal and state incentives, provided each program allows it.
For example, a project may potentially use:
- STCs for eligible solar.
- STCs for an eligible battery.
- A state battery incentive.
- An EV charger grant.
- Energy-efficiency certificates.
- Commercial finance.
However, double-dipping rules can prevent multiple programs from rewarding the same equipment or energy saving.
Businesses should disclose all proposed funding sources and obtain written confirmation before approving the project.
How to apply for a commercial solar or battery incentive
The application process varies between schemes.
A business will generally need to:
- Review the official eligibility rules.
- Collect electricity bills and interval data.
- Obtain a site-specific system design.
- Confirm approved equipment requirements.
- Engage an accredited installer or program provider.
- Secure approval before installation, where required.
- Retain invoices, certificates, photographs, and commissioning records.
- Complete any post-installation verification.
Do not assume an incentive can be claimed after installation. Many programs require approval before equipment is ordered, installed, or paid for.
Frequently asked questions
Are commercial solar rebates available in every Australian state?
Eligible commercial solar systems can access Federal STCs regardless of state or territory. Additional state support varies. Some jurisdictions provide direct grants, while others focus on energy efficiency, EV charging, finance, or temporary funding rounds.
What is the main commercial solar incentive in Australia?
The Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme is the main national incentive for eligible commercial solar installations. It creates STCs that are commonly assigned to the installer for an upfront system discount.
Are there commercial battery rebates in Australia?
Eligible smaller commercial batteries may access Federal battery STCs. NSW and the Northern Territory also offer targeted battery support, subject to current rules. Other jurisdictions may provide grants or finance through limited funding rounds.
Are workplace EV chargers eligible for rebates?
Workplace EV charger support varies by location. NSW, Western Australia, the ACT, and the Northern Territory have offered business charging incentives. Some rounds have closed, so businesses must check current availability.
Can a business receive both solar and battery incentives?
Potentially. Solar and batteries may qualify under separate activities. State support may also be combined where program rules permit. The installer or accredited provider should confirm all stacking and double dipping restrictions.
Do businesses apply for STCs themselves?
Most businesses assign their STCs to the installer or an approved certificate trader. The certificate value then appears as an upfront discount in the installation quote.
Can large commercial solar systems receive STCs?
Under the announced SRES expansion, eligible commercial solar systems up to 1 MW will be able to receive STCs once the new arrangements commence and the final regulations take effect.
Are grants guaranteed?
No. Grant programs are often competitive, capped, or delivered through limited funding rounds. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not always guarantee funding.
Should a business wait for a new rebate?
Not necessarily. Waiting may delay energy savings, and future programs are never guaranteed. Businesses should compare the value of any possible incentive against the cost of postponing the project.
Key takeaways
- Federal STCs provide the main commercial solar incentive across Australia.
- Eligible batteries may also receive support through the SRES.
- NSW offers extensive battery, energy-efficiency, peak-demand, and EV fleet incentives.
- Victoria supports businesses primarily through Victorian Energy Upgrades.
- South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory have offered significant programs through limited rounds.
- The ACT Sustainable Business Program provides ongoing support for eligible efficiency and EV charging projects.
- Queensland currently focuses more heavily on advice and project-specific funding than universal rebates.
- Businesses should confirm program availability before signing a contract.
