Yes, you read it right. We’re talking about a new additional rebate for commercial solar. Just when we thought that solar was very affordable given the various incentives available, the Victorian State government is adding one more out of the blue.

Smart and savvy small business owners would not miss this…

This initiative will bring down energy bills for small businesses by reducing the upfront cost of the installation of an approved small-scale solar PV system up to 30kW.

To support the economic recovery of Victorian small businesses and the broader solar sector, 15,000 solar PV rebates will be available over the next three years. The not-so-good news is there is only a limited number available for every period, hence we’re writing to you now so we can help secure your place in the queue as it opens.

From May 2021, rebates will cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of a rooftop solar system with small businesses eligible for a rebate of up to $3,500 to reduce the upfront cost of installing solar on their business premises.

Eligibility

To receive a small business solar rebate, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Be the owner of a business that has less than 20 employees
• Operate from premises that are not considered residential
• Operate from premises that are individually metered
• Have your system installed by a Solar Homes approved solar retailer as detailed on Solar Victoria’s website
• Install a solar system with a PV capacity size up to 30kW, and detailed on the Solar Homes approved product list.

It is fantastic that this program appears to be accessible by a wide range of small businesses with different structures.

If the business is renting the premise instead, then there is a smart solution without capital outlay for renters too.

Bear in mind that other incentives that probably also apply to you include, but not limited to:

1. Federal government ‘rebate’ (STC) – as of 12th March, registered certificate price is high - depending on the postcode, it means almost $50,000 off the upfront cost of a 100kW solar PV
2. Instant Asset Write-Off (generous tax offset) – see: https://freeengineer.com.au/blog/post/federal-budget-whats-it-your-business

For any question, feel free to email [email protected]

Please help other business owners and be a sustainability leader by passing this content on.

Source: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-small-business