The Clean Energy Council has welcomed a new Victorian Government initiative offering major discounts of up to $34,300 for large commercial and industrial businesses to install rooftop solar systems (30–200 kW) under the Victorian Energy Upgrades Program, announced today.
The landmark scheme targets around 57,000 high-energy-use sites - factories, warehouses, food processors - responsible for nearly a third of Victoria’s energy consumption. Eligible businesses may also access battery rebates through the Commonwealth Cheaper Home Batteries Program (up to 100 kWh).
A 200 kW solar system, which is capable of generating an average of 600 KWh per day can slash energy bills by $64,000–$68,000 annually, boosting business cash flow for jobs, growth and innovation, while cutting emissions and operating costs.
The commercial and industrial sector- the lifeblood of Victoria’s economy - have been the missing middle, with this new initiative set to be a game-changer, filling the gap between household solar and utility-scale renewables.Con Hristodoulidis Clean Energy Council General Manager - Distributed Energy
The Clean Energy Council has long advocated for such a scheme to further drive Australia’s clean energy transition. Participants can choose from almost 3000 Clean Energy Council-approved solar modules to ensure that rooftop solar systems installed meet strong safety and quality standards.
Quotes attributable to Clean Energy Council General Manager – Distributed Energy, Con Hristodoulidis:
“Australian households and small businesses have already embraced rooftop solar in record numbers, with more than 4.2 million having made the switch, and 800,000 of those from Victoria, while large-scale renewable developers are building utility solar at pace.
“The commercial and industrial sector- the lifeblood of Victoria’s economy - have been the missing middle, with this new initiative set to be a game-changer, filling the gap between household solar and utility-scale renewables.
“Large rooftops- like those on warehouses and supermarkets - are perfect real estate for solar. These incentives unlock untapped potential for renewable energy generation and reduce the payback period for businesses investing in rooftop solar. Not only does this make good business sense, but driving down commercial energy bills helps to ease cost of living pressures for consumers.”
Quotes attributable to Flow Power Chief Revenue Officer, Jacob Mahoney:
“For businesses like Rochford Wines, solar has delivered $22,000 in annual energy bill savings after installing a 99 kW solar PV system, which powers their energy-intensive operation across three vineyards, multiple restaurants, bars and cellars onsite.
“This program finally opens the door for large energy users to benefit from solar rebates and will be welcome news for our commercial and industrial customers in Victoria who have previously been ineligible to benefit from existing solar rebate schemes.
"We're hopeful that this rebate program combined with bill savings provided by solar installations allow more businesses to pair rooftop PV with battery storage for greater resilience, lower bills and a clearer route to time matched renewables.”
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Liam Straughan
Clean Energy Council Media Officer
+61 409 470 683
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