Commercial Solar
Reduce energy costs, access new rebates, and go greener with tailored solar systems from small systems to 200kW (and more!).
Commercial solar helps Victorian businesses cut energy costs, improve sustainability, and take advantage of newly expanded government rebates. Whether you run a warehouse, council facility or retail site, we design systems of all sizes to meet your energy and budget needs.
Electricity prices in Australia have become a major overhead for businesses of every size. From factories and warehouses to retail stores and office buildings, daytime energy use is one of the biggest contributors to operating costs.
A well-designed commercial solar energy system allows your business to generate free electricity during peak daylight hours, reducing dependence on the grid and shielding your bottom line from future tariff increases.
Commercial solar delivers measurable, predictable returns. Many Victorian businesses are seeing payback periods as short as 3–5 years, with systems continuing to produce clean, low-cost energy for 20 years or more. Solar also adds long-term value to your premises, making it a smart asset investment rather than just a cost-saving measure.
Solar is not just about reducing bills. It’s also about energy independence, resilience, and environmental responsibility. Hedge against future electricity price rises with predictable solar generation. Demonstrate your business’s commitment to ESG targets and sustainability reporting. Leverage solar to meet internal carbon reduction targets or support corporate sustainability frameworks such as Net Zero by 2030.
We know that understanding your load profile is key. The ideal system size is one that matches your daytime consumption pattern, large enough to offset your grid use, but not so large that you export excessive unused energy.
No two commercial properties use electricity the same way. Energy demand varies by industry, hours of operation, and equipment load. That’s why a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work for business solar.
At Energy Makeovers, we start every project by analysing your load profile, your pattern of energy use throughout the day and week. This allows us to design a solar system that matches your real consumption, maximises self-use, and delivers the fastest return.
Indicative system sizes, typical annual savings and approximate roof area required.
| Business Type | Typical System Size | Typical Annual Savings | Roof Area Required (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small business/retail store | 30–50 kW | $8,000–$15,000 | 200–300 m² |
| Medium warehouse/manufacturing site | 50–100 kW | $15,000–$30,000 | 400–600 m² |
| Large industrial/logistics site | 100–200 kW+ | $30,000–$60,000+ | 800–1,200 m²+ |
Note: Figures are indicative and vary based on site conditions, local tariff rates, and available incentives.
All Hours Engineering selected Energy Makeovers to complete a solar energy system installation on their property. Read about the project here.
CHEP supports sustainability and protecting local communities & environments. Read their full solar energy system install case study, here.
As part of their electrification program Frankston Council installed a solar energy system with Energy Makeovers. Read the project case study here.
1. Roof Space & Structure
We assess your roof for available space, load-bearing capacity, and shading. For larger systems, structural certifications and wind-loading assessments are essential.
2. Electrical Infrastructure
Your switchboard, meter, and network connection all determine how much solar you can safely connect. We coordinate with your Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) to manage export limits and ensure compliance.
3. Orientation & Panel Layout
Optimal tilt and azimuth (direction) ensure maximum solar generation across the year. For flat commercial roofs, we often use east-west arrays to maximise generation throughout the day.
4. Energy Consumption Profile
If your operations run mostly during daylight hours, you’ll self-consume most of your solar energy — which delivers the best ROI.
For sites with night-time loads or seasonal fluctuations, pairing solar with battery storage can further optimise performance.
5. Scalability & Future Proofing
We design with expansion in mind — whether you plan to add EV charging, battery storage, or additional solar capacity later.
STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates)
STCs, or Small-scale Technology Certificates, are a Federal Government incentive introduced to promote the uptake of small-scale renewable energy systems. The program was initiated under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), which is a component of Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) policy. They’re ideal for smaller businesses, or smaller properties that would require a solar energy system 99kW or less.
LGCs (Large-scale Generation Certificates)
LGCs are tradable financial certificates designed to incentivise and reward the generation of renewable energy from large-scale sources, such as commercial solar panel installations. The Commonwealth Government offers LGCs as part of its renewable energy target scheme. There is no immediate rebate or subsidy accessible upon purchase. LGC incentives are earned over several years, based on the amount of energy generated in each period.
VEU (Victorian Energy Upgrades)
From 29 September 2025, the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program officially expanded to include Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Solar PV systems. You can now claim VEU incentives for eligible non-residential solar installations between 30 kW and 200 kW. These systems can now generate Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs), which can be sold or used to reduce your upfront project cost. A 200 kW system could attract an estimated $34,000 rebate. A 100 kW system could receive around $9,000 in financial benefit.
| System Size | Eligible Programs | Indicative Rebate / Certificates | Potential Combined Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 kW | VEU + STC | ≈ $4,000 (VEU) + $12,000 (STC) | ≈ $16,000 |
| 100 kW | VEU + STC | ≈ $9,000 (VEU) + $38,000 (STC) | ≈ $47,000 |
| 200 kW+ | VEU + LGC | ≈ $34,000 (VEU) + ongoing LGC revenue | ≈ $34,000+ upfront + annual LGC income |
Note: All figures are indicative, based on certificate market prices in late 2025. Actual values will vary depending on installation details, market rates, and regulatory updates.
At Energy Makeovers, we manage every stage of your commercial solar project — from feasibility and design through to installation, certification, and long-term performance monitoring.
Our process is built around accuracy, transparency, and results, ensuring every system delivers on savings and reliability.
Accredited & Trusted: As a Clean Energy Council Approved Solar Retailer, we’re independently recognised for quality, transparency and customer service.
Experience You Can Rely On: Thousands of successful installations across Victoria, from small commercial sites to large industrial systems.
End-to-End Service: Our in-house engineers, project managers, and installation teams handle every detail.
Compliance & Confidence: We manage all grid approvals, safety documentation, and certificate submissions, so your business stays compliant while saving on energy.
Proven Results: We’ve helped Victorian businesses reduce energy bills and emissions through smart, efficient solar solutions.
| Step | Process Stage | What It Involves |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Site Assessment & Feasibility | We begin by analysing your energy usage patterns, roof structure, and electrical infrastructure to determine the best solar solution for your business. |
| 2 | System Design & Engineering | Our engineers design a tailored system that optimises energy yield, ensures compliance with export limits, and meets Clean Energy Council (CEC) standards. |
| 3 | Permits & Grid Connection | We handle all necessary approvals and connection applications with your local DNSP to ensure a smooth integration with the electricity network. |
| 4 | Installation & Commissioning | CEC-accredited installers complete the project to the highest quality and safety standards. We then test and commission your system to ensure optimal performance. |
| 5 | Certificate & Rebate Management | We manage the creation and redemption of all eligible certificates — including STCs, LGCs, and VEECs — to maximise your financial incentives and reduce upfront costs. |
| 6 | Monitoring, Maintenance & Performance Guarantee | Once your system is operational, we provide remote monitoring, maintenance options, and performance guarantees for long-term peace of mind. |
Optional: Battery and energy storage integration is available for businesses seeking additional savings, backup capacity, or load management solutions.
The ideal system size depends on your daytime electricity usage, roof space, and operating hours. We analyse your load profile using interval data to design a system that maximises self-consumption and return on investment. Most commercial systems range from 30 kW to 200 kW.
Learn more in our blog: What size solar energy system does your business need?
Yes! Most Victorian businesses can now access rebates under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program for systems between 30–200 kW. You may also qualify for federal incentives such as STCs (for systems ≤100 kW) or LGCs (for systems >100 kW). We’ll help you identify and claim every available benefit.
In most cases, yes. The VEU incentive can be combined with either STCs or LGCs, depending on your system size.
For example, a 100 kW system may receive both VEU and STC rebates, while a 200 kW system can receive VEU and LGCs. Energy Makeovers manages all certificate creation and compliance on your behalf.
Most commercial solar systems achieve payback within 3 to 5 years. Actual results depend on your electricity tariff, energy usage, and incentive eligibility. After payback, systems continue to generate free, clean electricity for decades.
All components are backed by manufacturer warranties. They’re typically 25 years for panels and 10 years for inverters. Energy Makeovers also provides workmanship guarantees and system performance monitoring for ongoing assurance.
We use monitoring portals to track real-time performance and quickly identify any issues. Every system is designed for long-term reliability and maximum energy yield, with optional maintenance programs and performance guarantees.
We usually install commercial solar energy systems to be expanded or modified to as your energy demands grow with your business. We design with scalability in mind, allowing for future additions like battery storage, EV charging, or extra solar panels.
Yes. Many businesses add battery storage to improve energy independence, manage peak demand, or provide backup power. Batteries can be installed with your solar system or added later.
Commercial systems must comply with your local Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) rules. We handle all grid connection applications and design your system to meet export limits, ensuring compliance and maximised on-site energy use.
Energy Makeovers offers a range of financing solutions to suit your business needs. You can choose to purchase your system outright, lease it, or enter a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) where you pay only for the electricity your system produces. Each option has different cash flow and ownership benefits, and we’ll help you select the best structure for your business.
If your system underperforms or experiences a fault, our service team can often resolve issues remotely, but if required, we’ll dispatch a qualified technician to assess and repair the system. All warranty claims and replacement parts are handled by Energy Makeovers for a seamless customer experience.
How large a 100kW system is, how many panels and what financial incentives are available to your business. Learn more.
Here's what you need to know about LGCs, including how work and if they're worth it for your business. Read more.
Here's how STCs work and how they can benefit your business during the initial investment of a solar energy system. Read more.
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