Commercial and industrial solar panel (solar PV) discounts

Eligibility

All Victorian businesses and non-residential sites, such as community buildings, schools and hospitals, are eligible to apply for discounts to install a solar PV system. Systems must be installed through an accredited provider.

The solar PV system you install must be between 30 kilowatts (kW) to 200 kW in size. The size of the solar PV system is the total power-generating capacity of all the solar panels.

Please note, you may also be eligible to claim other incentives for your solar PV system in addition to any VEU program discount.

For systems 30 kW to 100 kW: These systems may be eligible to claim small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

For systems more than 100 kW and up to 200 kW: These systems may be eligible to claim large-scale generation certificate (LGCs) under the Renewable Energy Target (RET).

Solar PV system requirements

Solar PV systems must:

• be installed in a non-residential premises
• be 30 kW to 200 kW in size
• have a minimum inverter capacity of 30 Kilovolt-Amperes (kVA)
• be connected to the relevant distribution network to produce energy
• comply with the relevant Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) negotiated connection contract
• ensure only one solar PV system is installed per National Meter Identifier
• support a monitoring portal accessible by the end-user.

Product requirements

All inverters and solar panels must be listed on the Clean Energy Council lists of approved products.

For systems less than 100kW solar panel manufacturers must be listed as a participating brand in the Solar Panel Validation Initiative.

Product warranty requirements

All solar panels and inverters must be covered by a warranty against defects for a period of at least:

• 5 years for all inverters
• 10 years for all solar panels.

Size requirements

The appropriate size for a system depends on available roof space and how much electricity the business consumes.

As a guide, a 100 kW system typically requires around 450 m² to 600 m² of clear roof area.

Examples of businesses and typical system sizes:

• 30 to 50 kW systems: local government buildings, aged care facilities, small to medium sized offices, retail sites
• 50 to 100 kW systems: commercial/industrial warehouses, aquatic centres, schools, hospitals
• 100 to 200 kW systems: larger commercial/industrial warehouses and factory rooftops.

Sizing considerations:

• assess daytime electricity consumption (the more solar you consume onsite during the day, the higher your bill savings)
• confirm available, unobstructed roof area and structural suitability for PV equipment
• consider future electricity load growth and potential electrification (for example, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps)
• talk to an accredited provider for a site assessment and tailored system design.

How much discount to expect

*Discounts are based on a VEEC price of $70. These discounts are indicative only and do not include discounts available when the system is awarded STCs or LGCs.

The price of solar PV systems can vary substantially. The final installed price, which includes your discount, is up to the accredited provider and will depend on several factors, including:

• the size of your solar PV installation
• choice of solar PV panels and inverters
• certificate price (which fluctuates)
• other incentives the installation may be eligible for
• location
• installation costs
• the accredited provider’s administrative costs.

Discounts for solar PV systems above 200 kW

VEU incentives are also available for systems through measurement and verification project-based activities. For more information and providers that can help, visit Custom upgrades for businesses.

Thinking about battery storage?

By combining solar PV systems with batteries, businesses can generate and store their own energy and further reduce energy costs.

Under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program businesses may be eligible for around a 30% discount on the upfront cost of installing a small-scale solar battery. Under the program, solar batteries with a capacity up to 100 kWh are eligible discounts when installed with new or existing solar PV systems less than 100 kW.

Visit Cheaper Home Batteries Program for more information.

Find an accredited provider in your area

For more information on how to become an accredited provider for the program or for existing accredited providers to apply to the activity, please visit the ESC website.

Page last updated: 02/10/25