Businesses in the Australian Capital Territory can now claim rebates for installing solar panels. Canberra solar installations could be eligible for rebates of up to $5,000.
These rebates are available to ACT businesses through the Actsmart Solar for Business trial program that is now under way. The eligible businesses will also receive tailored advice to help them use energy more effectively.
A dedicated solar professional can help owners compare solar quotes based on the business’s priorities, budget and needs.
Energy-saving solar panels: Are you eligible for rebate?
Businesses must tick certain boxes to be eligible for a solar rebate.
All firms must already have taken part in the Actsmart Business Energy and Water Program and put the recommended energy-saving measures into practice.
This involves an overview of water and energy-saving measures across your organisation.
Participating businesses must be ACT-based with electricity bills up to $25,000 per year and/or employ a maximum of 20 staff. Other criteria include:
- Must be independent rather than owned or controlled by government.
- Cannot be an owners corporation.
- Cannot also be used as residential premises.
Applicants must also submit a Solar Pre-Approval for Rebate Form to Actsmart before installing the solar panels.
Canberra solar installations growth: ACT beats all other states
Canberra solar installations are growing at a faster rate than any other Australian state or territory. Annual growth more than doubled last year according to Green Energy Trading (GET) data.
Uptake of commercial solar has also more than doubled, GET shows. This rose from 2.1 MW of installed capacity in 2017 to 4.4 MW in 2018.
Businesses in the ACT are also being encouraged to implement other measures to reduce use of water and energy.
The Business Energy and Water Program therefore recommends a range of smart energy devices, water meters and lighting upgrades suited to an individual business.
Understanding Solar: Join ACT solar workshop
Meanwhile, Canberra Environment Centre is hosting an Understanding Solar workshop tomorrow (June 4) from 6-8pm. This is for domestic Canberra solar installations.
Entry is free. Residents are invited to come along and discover how solar power systems and battery storage can value-add to their home.
Topics will include solar panels, solar hot water and energy-efficient appliances. You can also learn how solar batteries like Tesla Powerwall 2 and Enphase can slash your power bills.
The ACT has a Renewable Energy Target (RET) of 100 per cent by 2020. According to Climate Council figures, the ACT had already reached 46 per cent by the end of 2017.
