Incentives and Rebates
Save even more with federal and state incentives
There are a number of federal and state government incentives and rebates available to Australian business owners for clean and energy efficient solutions such as solar and LED lighting. The incentives and rebates help to reduce the cost of solar PV systems or LED lighting upgrades.
Federal and State rebates
Businesses may be able to access business solar incentives and rebates at a federal and state level, depending on the state your site is, or sites are, in and the size of your commercial solar system.
Cherry Energy Solutions are the experts on incentives and rebates available and we are here to help you get the best return on your commercial solar investment. Find out how much your business can save on energy with our online solar calculator or give us a call today on 1300 570 886 to discuss your eligibility for the Federal Stimulus Package, VEECs, STCs, LGCs or other subsidies available.
Businesses have access to a number of solar incentives at a federal and state level. The business solar incentives and rebates that are relevant to your business depend on the size of your commercial solar system.
The Federal Government Stimulus Package allows businesses to write-off assets, such as solar and/or LED lighting, that have been purchased and installed by 30 June 2023. Australian businesses with a turnover of up to $5 billion per year are eligible for the asset write-off.
This incentive helps businesses to save money with renewable and energy efficiency solutions while contributing to a cleaner environment. Solutions can be cash flow positive with various finance options.
*Subject to terms and conditions. Please speak with your financial advisor or accountant.
Australian businesses interested in installing a solar PV system under 100kW may be eligible for STCs. These certificates are a type of federal government solar rebate generated under the Small Scale Renewable Energy Scheme. One certificate is equal to a one-megawatt hour of eligible renewable electricity generated.
STCs are allocated as an upfront rebate off the cost of your solar PV system. Businesses will receive a certain number of STCs based on the installation date, the amount of electricity generated and the geographic location of the system.
For solar PV systems over 100kW, LGCs can be generated. LGCs are part of the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target scheme available for for commercial businesses installing large-scale solar.
LGCs are a source of ongoing revenue for businesses and can be sold by a nominated person at a negotiated price between the buyer and seller. Rebates are provided each year up until 2030 when this scheme will end.
Victoria
At a federal level, Victorian businesses may be eligible for the Federal Government Stimulus Package. This package allows businesses to write-off* 100% of solar assets or LED lighting upgrades that have been purchased and installed by 30 June 2023. Victorian businesses are required to follow the guidelines stipulated by the federal government.
*Subject to terms and conditions. Please speak with your financial advisor or accountant.
Applications for the Victorian Government’s Agriculture Energy Investment Plan (AEIP) are open until 15 December 2021. Agricultural businesses and farmers may benefit from the on-farm business solar grants, which provide up to $30 million of support to the agricultural sector. The AEIP will help farmers and agricultural businesses reduce ongoing energy costs, thereby boosting competitiveness and protecting local jobs.
System Size
Small-scale technology certificates (STCs)
STCs are used to reduce the cost of purchasing and installing a Victorian commercial solar PV system under 100kW. The number of STCs a solar system is eligible for is determined by several factors.
Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs)
Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) are run at the state level under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme. VEECs are legal certificates available through Cherry Energy Solutions to businesses that upgrade their old lighting, including aged LED lights, or install a 200kW+ solar system.
The Victorian Government aims to distribute 5.4 million VEECs across the state over the next several years.
Large-scale generation certificates (LGCs)
Until 2030, Victorian commercial businesses interested in installing solar PV systems over 100kW may be eligible to claim LGCs annually through the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target scheme.
VEECs + Asset Write-Off
Victorian businesses that invest in a 200kW, 500kW or bigger solar PV system, may be eligible to utilise a combination of incentives or rebates, including VEECs and the federal government’s asset write-off scheme. This will help businesses maximise return on investments, reduce the pay back period and contribute to a greener Victoria. At Cherry Energy Solutions, we are experts at helping you determine what combination of commercial business solar grants, incentives or rebates you are eligible for.
New South Wales
Businesses across New South Wales may be eligible for ESCs under the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS). ESCs are financial incentives that encourage businesses to implement energy savings activities using LED lighting.
To be eligible for ESCs, a business must have its energy reduction activities approved by Accredited Certificate Providers. Each certificate represents the saving of one megawatt-hour of electricity. ESCs are purchased by electricity retailers and offer a higher return on investment for businesses.
At a federal level, businesses in New South Wales are eligible for the Federal Government Stimulus Package. This package allows businesses to write-off* 100% of solar and/or LED lighting assets that have been purchased and installed by 30 June 2023. New South Wales businesses are required to follow the guidelines stipulated by the federal government.
*Subject to terms and conditions. Please speak with your financial advisor or accountant.
System Size
Small-scale technology certificates (STCs)
STCs are used to reduce the cost of purchasing and installing commercial solar PV systems in New South Wales under 100kW. The number of STCs a business receives is determined by several factors.
Large-scale generation certificates (LGCs)
New South Wales businesses may be eligible to claim LGCs annually (up until 2030) through the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target scheme if installing a solar PV system over 100kW.
Businesses can reduce overall energy costs and carbon emissions by producing their own renewable energy and receive a yearly rebate until this scheme ends.
Queensland
Federal Government Stimulus Package
At a federal level, Queensland businesses are eligible for the Federal Government Stimulus Package. This package allows businesses to write-off* 100% of solar assets that have been purchased and installed by 30 June 2023. Queensland businesses are required to follow the guidelines stipulated by the federal government.
*Subject to terms and conditions. Please speak with your financial advisor or accountant.
Small-scale technology certificates (STCs)
STCs are a commercial solar rebate available for Queensland businesses that install a solar PV system under 100kW. STCs can be used as an upfront discount on the cost of the system and the number of STCs a business receives is determined by several factors.
Large-scale generation certificates (LGCs)
Queensland businesses may be eligible for LGCs from the federal government’s Renewable Energy Target scheme. Commercial businesses interested in installing a large-scale solar PV system over 100kW could reduce overall energy costs and carbon emissions and receive a yearly rebate up until 2030, when this scheme ends.
