As the world moves towards a greener future, many businesses in South Australia are switching to renewable energy sources such as solar energy. Not only does this help the environment, but it can also save businesses money in the long run. The South Australian government offers various incentives for businesses that adopt solar energy to encourage this transition.
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South Australia - solar rebates and incentives
South Australia provides the most attractive incentives for solar and battery use. It’s a unique state with the greatest rebates for South Australians wishing to upgrade to solar South Australia.
Feed-in Tariff (FiT) in South Australia
The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) in South Australia allows solar energy system owners to receive compensation for the excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid.
Energy retailers set their own FiT rates, which are influenced by factors such as the wholesale price of electricity and market competition. As of early 2026, average FiT rates from major SA retailers range from approximately 5–8 cents per kWh, with many plans offering a higher rate for a limited daily export amount before the rate drops. Note that SA Power Networks now imposes a solar export charge during peak solar hours (10am–4pm), which affects the net value of exported energy. Businesses are encouraged to compare retailer plans carefully and prioritise self-consumption over export where possible.
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What are STCs, and how can I access them for my commercial system?
Your system will get a specialised number of STCs based on the system size you install. Each STC is equivalent to one MWh (megawatt hour). The number of STCs assigned to your system varies depending on the expected MWh of energy generated over the remaining deeming period — that is, the number of years left until the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme closes at the end of 2030. As of 2026, this means approximately 4 deeming years remain, down from 5 in prior years, and this number will continue to decrease annually. This directly reduces the number of STCs — and therefore the upfront rebate value — for systems installed later in the scheme. Example: if your system has an expected production capacity of 50 MWh over the remaining deeming life, you could be assigned 50 STCs. The market values each STC.
When buying solar panels from an authorised supplier, you receive a Small Scale Technology Certificate (STC) for a solar rebate in South Australia, reducing your solar purchase cost. The rebate amounts vary depending on the number of sunshine hours you get or the size system you choose. Federal rebates are eligible if the Clean Energy Commission and the Clean Energy Commission have approved your solar panels or inverters.
Commercial systems and Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)
As part of its Renewable Energy Target, the Australian government created Large Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) (RET). This programme aims to lower electrical sector carbon emissions and promote sustainable and renewable energy sources.
Businesses can benefit from the Large Scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) and Large Scale Generation Certificate if they are interested in installing large commercial solar systems with more than 100kW. (LGC). Businesses can purchase and sell renewable energy produced by massive solar power systems thanks to an LGC.
A solar energy system must be authorised before generating LGCs. The first requirement is that the system won’t be based on fossil fuels. The second is that the system must be larger than 100kW.
Read more about business grants, incentives and rebates:
City of Adelaide: Sustainability Incentives Scheme
Please note: The City of Adelaide Sustainability Incentives Scheme is currently closed and is scheduled to reopen on 1 July 2026. Businesses should check the City of Adelaide website for the latest application dates and funding availability before proceeding.
Residents, companies, and organisations can receive solar rebates in South Australia under the Sustainability Incentives Scheme for installing sustainable technologies in their homes or buildings.
These can include
- residential, business and commercial solar PV
- energy monitoring
- electric vehicle charging stations
- water saving devices
- home energy assessments and more.
| INCENTIVE | WHO CAN APPLY | REBATE AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|
| Business Solar PV | Small businesses Medium-sized businesses Multi-storey commercial buildings | 20% of installed cost up to $1,250 – Solar PV system 10 kW to <20 kW • 20% of installed cost up to $2,500 – Solar PV system ≥20 kW Note: residential and not-for-profit properties with systems >20 kW are eligible for a higher cap of up to $5,000. |
| Shared Solar | Residential strata building Community buildings Body corporation buildings Multi-storey commercial buildings | Shared solar is now funded as part of Climate Smart Buildings: • 75% up to $10,000 – for a business case / design for whole-building projects including shared solar (min 25% of generation shared with individual tenants, not common areas) • 50% up to $40,000 – via Climate Smart Buildings Implementation for project management & delivery of approved works |
| Energy Storage | Small businesses Medium-sized businesses Multi-storey commercial buildings Non-profits groups Community groups Sporting groups | 50% up to $1,000 Battery energy storage |
| Climate Smart Buildings | Community/ body corporation buildings Multi-storey commercial buildings | 75% up to $10,000 for innovative whole-building planning/business cases (e.g. electrification, shared solar, EV charging, resource recovery, water saving, greening, meter board upgrades). Pre-commitment required. • Separate Climate Smart Buildings Implementation rebate provides 50% up to $40,000 for delivering approved projects. |
| Appliance Electrification | Community/ body corporation buildings Small businesses Medium-sized businesses Multi-storey commercial buildings | 50% up to $10,000 Commercial replacement of gas appliance with electric or solar powered (e.g. hot water) |
| Electric Vehicle Charging Stations | Community/ body corporation buildings Small businesses Medium-sized businesses Multi-storey commercial buildings | 50% up to $250 Electric bicycle charging station 50% up to $1,000 Electric vehicle one way charging station (7 kW to <50 kW) 25% up to $2,000 Electric vehicle ‘smart’* charging station (7 kW to < 50 kW) * Smart stations include those with demand management capabilities or two-way charging capabilities |
| Switchboard Upgrades (new) | Community/body corporation buildings, small businesses, medium-sized businesses, multi-storey commercial buildings | 50% up to $5,000 – Switchboard upgrades to support electrification, solar and/or battery installation, or EV charging. Pre-commitment required. |
| Performance Ratings (new) | Community/body corporation buildings, multi-storey commercial buildings | 50% up to $5,000 – Building environmental ratings (e.g. Green Star, EarthCheck). Note: NABERS is not funded. |
| Thermal Efficient Windows or Doors (new) | Community/body corporation buildings, small businesses, medium-sized businesses, multi-storey commercial buildings | 50% up to $3,500 – Replacement of external single-glazed windows or doors with thermally efficient alternatives. Pre-commitment required. |
| Living Buildings (new) | Community/body corporation buildings, small businesses, medium-sized businesses, multi-storey commercial buildings | 50% up to $5,000 – Consultant service fees for design and installation of green wall or green roof features. Maintenance plan must be provided. Pre-commitment required. |
| Insulation (new) | Community/body corporation buildings, small businesses, medium-sized businesses, multi-storey commercial buildings | 50% up to $2,000 – Purchase and installation of insulation in an uninsulated ceiling, underfloor, or wall space. Pre-commitment required. |
Sources: Government of South Australia, City of Adelaide
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Take advantage of SA rebates
Compared to other solar panels, they offer a high price in Australia and throughout Australia. The government provides incentives for home batteries by providing a rebate for solar panels and feed-in tariffs.
There are many incentives for businesses in South Australia to adopt solar energy. These incentives can help businesses save money, increase energy independence, and contribute to a greener future. By switching to solar energy, businesses can take advantage of these benefits and help create a sustainable future.
Solar energy financing options
Understanding financing options is vital to maximising incentives and achieving a ROI. While government rebates and FiTs provide immediate financial benefits, there are several financing models that can make solar energy more accessible.
· Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Businesses can enter into PPAs to pay for solar energy generated by a solar system installed at their site without the upfront costs. This arrangement delivers predictability in energy costs while benefiting from immediate savings.
· Solar leases: Similar to PPAs, this allows businesses to host solar panels on their property and pay a fixed monthly fee. It eliminates the capital expense of buying a solar system while ensuring reduced energy bills.
· Green loans: A lot of financial institutions offer green loans specifically for renewable energy projects. They usually come with lower interest rates to make them an attractive option for funding solar installations.
These different financing avenues can help SA businesses leverage available incentives and invest in a sustainable energy future while enhancing their bottom line.
Read more about battery storage and inverters:
