Across Australia, more and more businesses are switching to solar to cut their costs, reduce their carbon footprints, and future-proof their operations.
The financial support available through solar rebates is helping drive this surge towards solar energy.
How can you take advantage of a solar rebate for business to make solar more affordable?
We’re here to answer that question. We’ll also show you how our tailored solar solutions can help you unlock long-term savings while doing your part to contribute to a cleaner Australia.
What Is the Solar Rebate for Australian Businesses?
The federal solar rebate for businesses is available through the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). The Australian Government introduced this initiative to encourage investment in clean energy by lowering the upfront cost of installing solar systems.
Instead of receiving a direct cash rebate, your business earns Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) when you install eligible solar panels and inverters. Each STC represents a set amount of renewable energy your system is expected to generate over its lifetime.
These certificates have a market value and can be sold through your solar installer, who will apply the discount to the cost of your installation.
State-Level Solar Rebates For Business
Some state-based solar rebates for businesses are also available.
The solar rebate for businesses in NSW is currently called the Solar Battery VPP Incentive. This incentive offers up to $1,500 to small businesses that install an eligible solar battery and connect it to a Virtual Power Plant.
In South Australia, the Powering Business Grant offers eligible businesses funding of $2,500–$75,000 to purchase solar batteries and solar panels paired with a battery storage system.
Benefits of Solar Rebates for Businesses
- Upfront Cost Savings: Solar rebates reduce the initial investment needed for a system, making it easier for your business to switch to renewable energy.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: With a lower installation price and reduced reliance on the grid, your business can benefit from ongoing savings on electricity bills.
- Environmental Impact: Installing solar panels helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports your business’s commitment to sustainability, which can also enhance your brand reputation.
- Energy Independence: Generating your own clean power reduces exposure to rising energy prices and supply disruptions, giving your business more control over energy use.
- Tax Incentives: Your business may be eligible for tax deductions or depreciation benefits on solar systems, improving the overall return on investment.
Eligibility Requirements for Solar Rebates
To access the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), your business needs to install an eligible solar PV system under 100 kW in size with an annual electricity output of less than 250 MWh. The system must use approved products and be installed by a Clean Energy Council–accredited installer.
The number of Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs) your business receives depends on
- Installation date
- Geographical location
- Amount of electricity generated
- Solar battery capacity
- How you choose to create your certificates: each year, every five years, or all at once for the full deeming period upfront
For state-based solar rebates, eligibility requirements differ depending on the program. In most cases, your business must operate from a commercial premises in that state or territory, use accredited products and installers, and meet certain conditions such as business size, energy use, or co-funding contributions.
To check whether your business qualifies for federal or state rebates, head to your state or territory government’s official energy website. You can also speak with a Clean Energy Council–accredited solar installer, who can explain what incentives apply to your business and manage the rebate process for you.
How to Maximise Solar Rebate Benefits for Your Business
Choose the Right System Size
iStore’s diverse range of inverters caters to all businesses, no matter their size or energy needs.
- 10kW Hybrid Inverter Single-Phase: This inverter balances performance with affordability. It’s suited to smaller businesses such as cafés, retail shops, or small offices.
- 5kW or 6kW Hybrid Inverter 3-Phase: Either is a smart choice for medium-sized businesses with higher energy demands, like workshops or commercial kitchens, without requiring excessive investment.
- 10kW, 15kW, or 25kW Inverters 3-Phase: Reliable options for larger operations with greater power needs, including warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or bigger office spaces.
- 29kW or 40kW Inverter 3-Phase: These models deliver consistent performance across multiple facilities or businesses with heavy, round-the-clock energy usage.
Work with Certified Installers
To qualify for solar rebates, your system must be installed by a Clean Energy Council (CEC)–accredited installer using approved products. Professional installation guarantees your business meets all rebate requirements and the system is fitted safely.
Working with certified installers also saves you time and stress, as they usually handle the paperwork and certificate creation on your behalf.
Combine with Solar Batteries
Pairing solar panels with solar batteries enables your business to store excess solar power for peak demand periods, reduce grid reliance, and further boost long-term savings, while unlocking additional value from battery rebates.
iStore’s solar batteries come in stackable 5 kWh modules, letting you connect up to six modules and scale from 5 kWh to 30 kWh of storage. You can start with the storage you need now and expand over time as your business’s energy use grows.
Monitor Energy Usage
Keeping track of how your system performs is key to maximising savings and rebate value.
iStore’s WLAN dongle and smart logger give real-time insights into your business’s energy generation and consumption. By monitoring usage, you can identify patterns, optimise performance, and make sure your system is delivering the returns you expect.
FAQs
How Much Can a Business Save With Solar Rebates in Australia?
Installing solar through the Small‑Scale Renewable Energy Scheme can slash the system’s price by 25%–30%.
Are Solar Rebates Available for Small Businesses?
The current Small‑Scale Renewable Energy Scheme is the best solar rebate for small businesses. It offers discounts through Small‑Scale Technology Certificates, significantly lowering the upfront costs of installing solar systems for businesses.
Starting 1 July 2025, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program also expands to small businesses, providing around a 30% discount on eligible solar battery storage systems.
What Is the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)?
The Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme is a federal program that reduces the upfront cost of installing solar systems with a capacity of under 100 kW. When a business installs an eligible system, it earns Small-Scale Technology Certificates, which have a market value and are usually applied as an upfront discount by the installer.
How Do I Apply for a Solar Rebate for My Business?
When your business installs solar panels or batteries through a Clean Energy Council–accredited installer, the installer applies for the federal rebate on your behalf. This includes claiming Small‑Scale Technology Certificates, which appear as a discount on your quote at the point of sale.
Take Advantage of Solar Rebates for Business with iStore
With the right rebates and the right system, your business won’t just save, it will thrive. Let iStore power your path to smarter, cleaner energy.
Explore iStore’s commercial solar inverters and solar batteries today and take the first step towards energy savings and sustainability.
After browsing our range, call 1300 515 640 or complete this online form. We’ll answer your questions, give you a quote, and help organise installation.
