Switching to sustainable energy solutions like solar power is not only beneficial for the environment but can also lead to significant cost savings for your business.
The initial cost of acquiring and installing a solar panel system can be a hurdle for a business owner or manager. We’ve already run through some of the options available for businesses that don’t have the initial capital available to invest in a solar system, such as Solar Loans and Solar PPAs.
So, this time, we’re going to highlight some grant options available through the Australian Federal and State governments that can assist businesses in funding their solar panel installations.
In this blog post, we will explore the different government grants available to businesses in Australia looking to switch to solar power
Are There Any Grants For Solar Panels?
Federal Grants for Solar Panels
As of 2023, there are no solar grants available for businesses through the Federal Government for the purposes of installing a solar energy system on properties. There are many State governments across Australia that are offering solar rebates and financial support.
Note – the Federal Government does offer incentives to install solar PV under the Renewable Energy Target (RET).
The SRES – systems <99.9kW – upfront incentive based on installed solar PV capacity through the creation of STCs
The L-RET – Systems >99.9kW – Incentive paid annually based on the amount of clean energy generated by a solar PV system – 1 x LGC equals 1MWh of energy generated
These are not ‘grants’, so work differently. Look out for our upcoming posts discussing these incentives,
State Grants for Solar Panels
You may have heard of the Victorian Solar Home program, offering solar rebates to existing and new build homes. Well, the good news is that Victoria also offers the Victorian Solar for Business Program.
These Victorian, State solar rebates can cover up to 50% of the cost of the rooftop solar energy system, or a maximum cost of $3,500. They also provide the option of an interest-free loan
The eligibility requirements mean the business:
- Must be in a non-residential property
- Has an individual meter
- Has not received one of these rebates before
- Installs a solar system through an approved seller (like Energy Makeovers)
- Installs a solar system with an inverter capacity size no greater than 30kW and is included on the Solar Victoria approved product list
- The person applying for the rebate must be the owner of a business that employs at least one person, not including the business owner, and less than 50 full time equivalent (FTE) employees
- Landlords cannot apply on behalf of a business, but renters are eligible if they’re the ones that apply.
“If your home is your main place of business and you meet the eligibility criteria for the residential program, you may be eligible for a Solar Homes rebate.”
The rebates are limited by caps for each release, and you can check how many are remaining for this release and more details about the rebates here.
The Federal Government has just announced that they plan to release a $1.3 billion package in 2023 that includes incentives for homes and small businesses to complete energy efficiency retrofits and ‘electrification’.
“The budget also outlined $314 million going towards a small business energy incentive to support small businesses to get off gas, become more energy efficient and lower their power bills.”
You can read more information about that here.
Can You Get A Grant for a Solar Battery?
The Victorian Solar Business Program does not extend to batteries.
As above, there are no federal grants available for businesses to invest in a solar battery for their property.
How to Apply for a Solar Energy Grant
You can follow the State Government’s eligibility requirement, check if you’re eligible, and apply here. Our solar experts for business are also available to help if you’d like to talk about your options. We’re an approved solar retailer through the program, so we can install solar energy systems for businesses and you can claim the rebate through the Victorian Government.
Simply get in touch – 1300 788 776. Or See our Solar for Commercial pages here.
Is it worth installing a solar energy system for your business?
The average payback period for a grid-connected commercial system is 7-9 years, and that’s before you include the rebate. Solar panels have an average lifespan of 25 years, so once the initial investment is paid off, it should repay itself several times over. Plus, you’d be looking at potentially two decades of reduced or zero reliance on expensive grid energy.
At Energy Makeovers we have been providing energy efficiency upgrades across Victoria for over fifteen years. We have an almost 5-star rating on Google and Product Review from hundreds of reviews and we are proud to be an Australian-run and supported business. Our Sunshine-based team are happy to talk through the energy needs of your business and see how we can help reduce your energy demands, your carbon footprint and your energy costs. You can learn more about us here.
The Highlights
Are There Any Grants For Solar Panels?
There are no federal grants for solar energy systems. If you're in Victoria, the Victorian Solar for Business Program offers up to 50% or $3,500 rebate for your solar energy system for eligible businesses.
Can You Get A Grant for a Solar Battery?
The Victorian Solar for Business Program does not extend to batteries.
How can my business apply for a Solar Energy Grant?
You can follow the State Government’s eligibility requirement, check if you’re eligible, and apply at solar.gov.vic.au
Is it worth installing a solar energy system for a business?
The average payback period for a grid-connected system is 7-9 years. The system should repay itself several times over in its lifetime.
