As electricity costs continue to be an important consideration for Australian businesses, commercial solar is becoming an increasingly attractive option for organisations looking to generate more of their own electricity. With recent changes to the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), eligible businesses can now explore larger solar projects of up to 1MW.
From 1 October 2026, eligible solar PV systems between 100kW and 1MW can participate in the SRES through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Applications for the expanded arrangements are expected to open in mid-to-late November 2026.
For businesses with large rooftops and substantial electricity consumption, the change provides an opportunity to reconsider how solar can support their long-term energy strategy.
Larger Solar Opportunities for Australian Businesses
Businesses such as farms, factories, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and large commercial properties often have significant daytime electricity requirements.
Commercial solar can allow these businesses to generate electricity on-site and potentially reduce the amount of power they purchase from the grid during periods of solar generation.
Larger systems can also make better use of substantial commercial rooftops, particularly where electricity consumption is high and occurs during daylight hours.
According to Aussie Energreen, businesses should look beyond system size alone when considering commercial solar.
“The right commercial solar system isn't necessarily the largest system a business can install. It should be designed around the property's electricity consumption, available roof space, operating hours, electrical infrastructure and future energy requirements.”

Understanding the 1MW SRES Opportunity
The expansion of the SRES to eligible solar PV systems between 100kW and 1MW is particularly relevant to businesses that previously had to consider the 100kW threshold when planning their solar projects.
Eligible mid-scale systems installed from 1 October 2026 are subject to a fixed five-year deeming period for STCs. The actual financial benefit will vary depending on factors including system size, certificate value and project eligibility.
Businesses should therefore assess the potential incentive for their individual project rather than assuming a fixed level of savings.
Why Commercial Solar Could Benefit Businesses
A well-designed commercial solar system can support businesses in several ways.
Generate electricity on-site: Solar panels can provide electricity for equipment such as machinery, lighting, refrigeration, air conditioning and pumps during daylight hours.
Make use of large rooftops: Warehouses, factories and agricultural buildings can have substantial roof areas suitable for solar, subject to structural and technical assessment.
Improve energy management: Understanding when and how electricity is consumed can help businesses design a solar system that better matches their operating profile.
Potentially reduce grid electricity purchases: Using solar-generated electricity on-site may reduce the amount of electricity a business needs to purchase from the grid while solar is producing.
Solar for Farms, Factories and Warehouses
Agricultural businesses can use significant amounts of electricity for irrigation, pumps, refrigeration and workshops. Manufacturing facilities may have high demand from machinery and production equipment, while warehouses can consume substantial power through lighting, HVAC, refrigeration and logistics operations.
For these businesses, the combination of available roof space and daytime electricity consumption can make commercial solar worth investigating.
Solar and Battery Storage
Businesses can also consider combining solar with battery storage.
A battery can store surplus solar electricity for use at a later time, potentially supporting businesses that continue operating after solar production decreases.
Whether a battery is worthwhile depends on the individual property's electricity consumption, operating schedule, tariffs and energy objectives.
Choosing the Right Commercial Solar System
A larger solar system is not automatically the right choice for every business.
Before investing, businesses should consider:
- Historical electricity consumption
- Daytime and after-hours energy usage
- Available roof space
- Roof condition and structural capacity
- Shading and solar generation potential
- Existing electrical infrastructure
- Grid connection requirements
- Future energy demand
- Applicable government incentives
A professional assessment can help determine an appropriate system size and energy strategy.
Aussie Energreen's Approach to Business Energy Solutions
Aussie Energreen provides a range of energy solutions designed to help Australian businesses improve the way they generate and use energy.
Its solutions include:
- Commercial solar systems
- Solar battery storage
- Solar panel installations
- Commercial LED lighting
- Heat pump hot water systems
- Energy-efficient air conditioning
- EV charging solutions
- Business electrification
By considering multiple technologies together, businesses can explore a broader approach to energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of SRES eligibility represents a significant development for businesses considering larger commercial solar installations.
For eligible businesses with suitable properties, systems between 100kW and 1MW may provide an opportunity to generate more electricity on-site while exploring available government incentives.
However, every commercial property is different. The most suitable solution should be based on actual electricity consumption, building characteristics, business operations and future energy requirements.
Businesses interested in exploring commercial solar can contact Aussie Energreen to discuss their energy requirements and available options.
About Aussie Energreen
Aussie Energreen provides renewable energy and energy-efficiency solutions for Australian homes and businesses. Its services include commercial solar, solar battery storage, commercial LED lighting, heat pump hot water systems, energy-efficient air conditioning, EV charging and electrification solutions.
Contact:
📞 1300 231 289
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.aussieenergreen.com.au
Aussie Energreen – Empowering Green Futures