Solar for Small Businesses
Solar is a Smart Investment for Small to Medium Business Owners
Recent data from the Australian Energy Council highlights a significant increase in solar energy adoption among Australian small businesses, driven by rising energy costs and a commitment to sustainability. In the first nine months of 2024, rooftop solar installations for homes and businesses added 2.03 GW of capacity from 214,813 solar PV systems.
This trend reflects a growing recognition among small business owners of the financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy. By investing in solar power systems, small businesses can significantly reduce electricity expenses, achieve a strong return on investment, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
We have helped Total Tools Braeside save $20,000 anually by making the switch to solar.
Compare solar for your business:
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Why Businesses Need a Solar System.
Solar systems for business purposes take the unused roof space of your building or factory and convert it into a renewable energy resource. Rather than relying solely on volatile grid electricity, solar energy allows your business to generate its own power, significantly lowering operating costs. Installing a solar power system in Australia also presents an opportunity to demonstrate environmental responsibility, which is increasingly important for customers and stakeholders alike
How Choice Energy’s Solar Experts Can Assist:
We specialise in solar for small to medium businesses ensuring your system is cash-flow neutral or positive from day one. By leveraging our deep knowledge of energy markets and trends, we can help your business take advantage of available rebates, tax incentives, and financing options, further reducing the upfront solar installation costs. Whether negotiating lower energy rates or ensuring that your solar investment is aligned with your long-term financial goals, our team offers solutions that maximise savings.
Lower energy costs
One of the biggest advantages of a solar system is the reduction in energy bills. Depending on your location and the size of your installation, solar can save your business hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. Over the lifetime of the system, these savings can be reinvested into other areas of your business.
Energy market fluctuation protection
With electricity prices continuing to rise, businesses are facing unpredictable utility costs. Solar power systems offer a hedge against these fluctuations by providing a more stable, predictable source of power.
Cost reduction opportunities
Your post-solar energy profile may allow you to benefit from new network tariffs, offering further savings on your power bills. Additionally, small businesses in Australia may qualify for incentives such as the Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), further lowering the cost of your installation.
Positive environmental impact
Solar energy systems allow small to medium businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. With the growing emphasis on corporate sustainability, going solar can enhance your business’s reputation and align with environmental goals.
Solar Rebates for Small Businesses
The single biggest barrier for operators exploring solar is perceived cost.
What many business operators rarely understand is how they can benefit from the range of Federal and State funding programs aimed at supporting renewable energy sources like solar.
Businesses may now be eligible for:
- Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) which are solar rebates for small businesses installing up to 100kW of solar
- The limitless Instant Asset Tax Write Off, introduced as a result of the Government's COVID-10 response
- State solar initiatives such as Victoria's Solar for Business Program or Victorian energy efficiency certificates (VEECs).
Factoring these business solar grants and rebates can be confusing unless you’re across the spectrum of energy subsidies available at any one point in time, but vital when it comes to money saved on your new system.
This is why so many businesses and individuals choose to partner with Choice Energy for high quality business solar: we make the process seamless, including the process of identifying and applying for relevant grants and incentives.
Choose Choice Energy for Solar Power
Cashflow neutral or positive solar
To reduce an impact on cashflow for your investment, we aim to create a solution for you that is cash flow positive or neutral through clean energy financing, business solar rebates and post-solar savings from your energy bill which means you won't need to come up with a separate budget for your solution.
Quality equipment and warranties
We focus on sourcing the best and most reliable solar system components and panels from trusted brands across the globe, to ensure your solar power system is configured according to our Performance Guarantee. We also provide leading warranties including a 25-year solar panel warranty.
Expert solar monitoring
We believe in service for the life of your system, not the life of the sale. A solar system with Choice Energy is a solution, not just an appliance, so you’ll enjoy expert service and monitoring at your fingertips, as well as savings on your grid electricity bills.
Our complimentary solar energy assessment process
How much will solar cost for my business?
The majority of businesses install solar with less than $5,000 in upfront costs.
The total cost of solar panels is dependent largely on a range of factors, including:
- The size of the system in kW, which dictates how many panels are required
- Your energy usage and requirements
- Whether or not you opt for battery storage
As your system size is dictated by your energy demand, your system price is completely bespoke. It will be accurately quoted after we touch base with you and have a solar feasibility assessment done. Unlike many other solar providers, we’ll check what you use and the size of feasible roof space to make an assessment on what you truly need.
Price is also impacted by your ability to claim rebates and initiatives from local and federal government (Australia only). We’ve had clients able to claim tens of thousands with these initiatives, which we organise on your behalf to ensure you are getting the maximum saving. Book your free energy assessment.
Is my business eligible for a solar rebates?
The Federal and State governments financially reward businesses who make the switch to renewable energy which mean your business may likely be eligible for rebates to help put towards the cost of a solar system.
If you would like to find out your eligibility, get a free energy assessment today.
How efficient are solar panels? Is it feasible to go off-grid?
As technology has improved, solar panels have become more efficient.
Unless you have a battery installed and are completely “off the grid”, remaining connected to grid energy is essential for ensuring your business can rely on power on demand, no matter the circumstances.
While your solar system will do the heavy lifting for you during daytime hours, there may be times when you require the grid as your back up.
For example:
Unexpected up-turns in energy requirements may see you need more energy than what your panels can provide.
Poor weather conditions may reduce your solar system’s output in comparison to your needs.
A fault or issues with the solar system would leave you without access to power
You may require energy during the night, for night shifts or security and lighting.
There are elements to your gas and electricity bills that reflect connection charges to your account, that do not correlate to your charge. Meaning, even if you do not utilise grid energy in that period, you are still subject to some fees.
With the average system reducing business energy bills by an average of 40 - 70%, solar is a feasible and cash flow positive option for many businesses that is a great benefit in conjunction with other energy management services.
What other businesses have you worked with?
We’ve helped over 8,000 businesses across Australia and New Zealand take control of their energy bills and invest in clean and renewable solar. You can see just some of our clients on our small business customers page.
How do business solar rebates work?
For systems under 100kW, businesses qualify for the STC scheme.
When purchasing a solar PV system, your solar company will offer an upfront 'STC Discount' in exchange for assigning these STC's to them.
The larger the solar system, the more STCs a customer is entitled to, and so greater the rebate. However, Choice Energy does not believe in oversizing solar systems and instead works with your specific energy profile to determine the best size and what's going to give you maximum financial benefit.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels through Choice Energy are warrantied to last up to 25 years with the manufacturer.
For any warranty claims, Choice Energy is on hand to directly assist in a full replacement.
When does the government solar rebate end?
Like shares, STCs have a trading value and every year on the 1st of January, the quantity of STCs redeemable decreases meaning the overall rebate decreases
The STC Federal rebates for business solar commenced in 2011 and are expected to end in 2030.
Solar Industries
Partner with a trusted industry solar expert with proven results across your business sector.
Each industry has specific considerations and requirements when it comes to assessing and installing solar power, and with our extensive experience, we can guide you on the right solar system that makes the most sense for your business. Our in-house team of Clean Energy Council approved designers and solar installers, and project managers can manage the most challenging projects to ensure you are saving with solar power for up to the next 25 years.
"We’ve had many solar companies come through our door. Choice Energy gave us confidence. The whole process was well laid out with good communication the whole way"
— Russell Muller, Director, Replas
Book a complimentary solar feasibility assessment
Book a complimentary Solar Feasibility Report for your business and put control of future energy costs in your hands.