Looking for Commercial Solar & Battery Solutions, business solar panels, commercial battery storage, or a solar PPA in Australia? Compare your options and find the right energy solution for your business.
Electricity is one of the largest ongoing operating costs for many Australian businesses. Whether you operate a warehouse in Sydney, a manufacturing facility in Melbourne, a retail business in Brisbane, a farm in regional Western Australia or a commercial property in Adelaide, rising and unpredictable electricity costs can have a direct impact on your bottom line.
Commercial solar panels and battery storage can help businesses generate more of their own electricity, increase energy independence and reduce exposure to grid electricity prices.
But choosing a commercial solar system is not simply about putting as many solar panels as possible on a roof.
The right solution depends on your electricity consumption, operating hours, tariff structure, roof space, connection requirements, battery requirements, property ownership, available incentives and financing structure.
That is where EcoBridge can help.
EcoBridge is an independent energy solutions and comparison platform that helps Australian businesses understand their Commercial Solar & Battery Solutions and energy options and connect with suitable accredited providers.
We do not operate as a solar installation company. Instead, we help businesses compare suitable solutions and make a more informed decision before committing to a project.
In this guide
- Commercial Solar in Australia
- Why Are Australian Businesses Installing Solar?
- Commercial Solar + Battery Storage
- How Big Should a Commercial Solar System Be?
- Commercial Solar Battery Sizing
- Commercial Solar Rebates and Incentives
- State-by-State Guide (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA)
- Solar PPA for Australian Businesses
- Operating Lease for Commercial Solar
- Commercial Solar Finance Options
- Solar by Industry
- How Much Does Commercial Solar Cost?
- How Much Can a Business Save With Solar?
- What Electricity Bill Do I Need for a Quote?
- Why Use EcoBridge?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Get a Commercial Solar & Battery Assessment
Commercial Solar & Battery Solutions in Australia
Commercial solar refers to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems designed for businesses, commercial buildings and other non-residential properties.
Depending on the property’s electricity consumption and available roof or ground space, a commercial solar system can range from a relatively small installation to hundreds of kilowatts or more.
Typical commercial solar customers include:
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Manufacturing businesses
- Retail stores
- Shopping centres
- Offices
- Medical centres
- Hotels and accommodation businesses
- Restaurants and cafés
- Schools and childcare centres
- Farms and agricultural businesses
- Workshops
- Automotive businesses
- Cold storage facilities
- Distribution centres
- Strata and commercial property owners
- Large commercial buildings
The economics of commercial solar are generally strongest when a business can use a significant portion of the electricity generated during the day.
Queensland Government guidance, for example, notes that the main value of solar for a small-to-medium business is generally maximising the use of solar generation rather than simply exporting excess electricity to the grid.
Why Are Australian Businesses Installing Solar?
The main reason businesses consider commercial solar is simple: to reduce the amount of electricity they need to purchase from the grid.
A correctly designed system can help a business:
Reduce daytime electricity purchases
Businesses that operate during daylight hours can use solar electricity directly as it is generated. This can be particularly useful for businesses with:
- Refrigeration
- Air conditioning
- Manufacturing equipment
- Pumps
- Compressors
- Machinery
- IT equipment
- Commercial kitchens
- EV charging
- Processing equipment
Reduce exposure to electricity price increases
Generating electricity on-site can provide a degree of protection against future changes in electricity prices.
Increase energy independence
Solar allows businesses to generate part of their electricity requirements on-site rather than relying entirely on the electricity grid.
Improve sustainability
Businesses can increase the proportion of their electricity supplied by renewable generation and potentially reduce their operational emissions.
Improve long-term operating costs
Unlike electricity purchased from the grid, solar generation has no fuel cost once the system is operating.
The financial result depends on the system cost, electricity tariff, solar production, self-consumption, financing structure and other factors.
Commercial Solar & Battery Solutions
Solar panels generate electricity when sunlight is available. But many businesses continue using substantial amounts of electricity after solar production begins to fall.
This is where commercial battery storage can become valuable. A battery can store electricity and make it available later. For example:
| Daytime | Evening / peak period |
|---|---|
| Solar → Business loads Solar → Battery charging Excess → Grid | Battery → Business loads |
This can increase solar self-consumption and reduce the amount of electricity purchased from the grid during certain periods.
Commercial batteries can also be considered for applications such as:
- Peak demand management
- Time-of-use energy shifting
- Solar self-consumption
- Backup power
- Load management
- Energy arbitrage
- Demand response
- Greater energy resilience
However, battery storage should not automatically be added to every commercial solar project. The battery needs to be sized around the business’s actual electricity usage, tariff structure and operating profile.
How Big Should a Commercial Solar System Be?
There is no universal “best” commercial solar system size. A 30 kW system may be suitable for one business while another property may require 100 kW, 250 kW, 500 kW or more.
The correct size depends on factors including:
- Annual electricity consumption
- Daytime electricity usage
- Peak demand
- Business operating hours
- Roof size
- Roof orientation
- Roof condition
- Available electrical capacity
- Existing solar
- Electricity tariff
- Export limitations
- Network requirements
- Battery storage
- Future electricity demand
This is why a professional commercial solar assessment should begin with the business’s electricity data rather than simply choosing a system based on roof size.
Commercial Solar Battery Sizing
Battery size is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For example:
- 20 kWh battery
- 50 kWh battery
- 100 kWh battery
- 200 kWh battery
- 500 kWh battery
- 1 MWh battery
But battery capacity alone does not tell you whether the system is suitable.
- Usable capacity
- Power output
- Charge rate
- Discharge rate
- Inverter capacity
- Warranty
- Operating temperature
- Cycle life
- Backup capability
- Monitoring system
- Network requirements
- Installation requirements
A commercial battery should therefore be designed around the business’s actual load profile.
Commercial Solar & Battery Solutions for Businesses
Commercial battery storage is becoming increasingly relevant for Australian businesses. The Clean Energy Regulator’s 2026 data shows that non-residential battery installations are already occurring across multiple capacity ranges, demonstrating growing interest in battery storage beyond residential properties.
For businesses, batteries can have a different financial purpose compared with residential systems. A commercial battery may be used to:
- Reduce peak demand — Some businesses experience periods where electricity demand suddenly increases. A battery can potentially discharge during selected high-demand periods, depending on the tariff and system design.
- Store excess solar — Instead of exporting excess solar during the middle of the day, a battery can store some of that energy for later use.
- Shift electricity consumption — Energy can be stored when electricity is cheaper or when solar production is high and used later.
- Improve energy resilience — Depending on the equipment and system configuration, batteries can provide backup power to selected loads during an outage.
- Support future energy requirements — Businesses installing EV chargers, additional machinery, refrigeration or other electrical equipment may consider batteries as part of a broader energy strategy.
Commercial Solar Rebates and Incentives in Australia
One of the most important things businesses need to understand is that solar incentives are not the same across Australia.
Eligibility can depend on:
- System size
- Technology
- Location
- Business type
- Installation date
- Existing system
- Electricity connection
- Applicable government program
- Accredited installer
- Program rules
The Clean Energy Regulator currently states that eligible solar PV systems up to 100 kW can participate in the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, while larger systems fall into different renewable-energy certificate arrangements.
Battery eligibility and incentive structures can also differ from solar. This is why businesses should verify the current incentive position before signing a contract.
State-by-State Commercial Solar & Battery Guide
New South Wales
New South Wales has a growing market for commercial solar and battery storage. Businesses in NSW should consider:
- Electricity consumption
- Network connection requirements
- Solar export limitations
- Battery sizing
- Demand charges
- Available incentives
- Future electricity demand
- Finance options
Importantly, NSW is introducing new business battery activities under the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme. The proposed BESS4 activity is designed for small and medium businesses installing batteries between 20 kWh and 200 kWh, while BESS5 targets larger commercial and industrial sites with batteries between 200 kWh and 10 MWh. The activities are scheduled to commence on 1 September 2026.
Businesses should confirm eligibility and current incentive settings before making investment decisions.
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Victoria
Victoria has a mature commercial solar market, with businesses increasingly considering solar generation, battery storage and alternative financing models. For Victorian businesses, an assessment should consider:
- Electricity consumption
- Existing solar
- Network connection
- Solar system size
- Battery requirements
- Electricity tariff
- Property ownership
- Finance structure
- Available incentives
Solar Victoria confirms that eligible solar PV systems can receive Small-scale Technology Certificate benefits, with the STC value incorporated into the quoted system price by the installer.
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Queensland
Queensland has strong solar resources and a large market for business solar. It also highlights the importance of considering demand tariffs, grid connection requirements and premises ownership.
Queensland businesses should consider:
- Daytime energy consumption
- Demand charges
- Solar export
- Network connection
- Existing electricity infrastructure
- Battery storage
- Roof capacity
- Business operating hours
For larger solar and battery systems, Queensland has additional technical requirements. For example, new or replacement rooftop solar PV and battery systems of 10 kVA or greater are subject to generation signalling requirements.
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Western Australia
Western Australia has its own electricity market and technical requirements, so commercial solar systems in WA should be assessed separately from systems in the eastern states.
From 1 May 2026, new requirements apply to many new and upgraded rooftop solar and battery systems in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS). These requirements include provisions around inverter capacity, remote disconnection/reconnection or export limitation, and compliance with AS/NZS 4777.2.
This makes professional system design and network compliance particularly important.
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South Australia
South Australia has a strong solar market and significant interest in battery storage. For commercial customers, the right solution depends on electricity consumption, solar generation, battery requirements and available programs.
South Australian Government information confirms that solar and battery storage can help businesses generate and store their own electricity.
Businesses should also carefully review current grants and program availability because government programs can have application periods, eligibility criteria and funding limits. For example, the South Australian Powering Business Grant included a solar and battery stream for eligible businesses, with grant calculations linked to system capacity and eligible project expenditure.
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Solar PPA for Australian Businesses
Buying a solar system outright is not the only way to access solar. A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) can be an alternative for eligible businesses.
Under a typical PPA structure, a third party finances and owns the solar system while the business purchases the electricity generated by the system under an agreed contractual arrangement. This can potentially reduce the upfront capital requirement.
A PPA may be worth considering for businesses that:
- Want to avoid a large upfront solar investment
- Have suitable electricity consumption
- Have a long-term lease or property arrangement
- Want predictable energy costs
- Prefer an operating-expense model
- Want to preserve capital for core business activities
However, PPA contracts can be complex. Businesses should review:
- Contract duration
- Electricity price
- Escalation clauses
- Minimum purchase requirements
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Roof access
- Insurance
- Property ownership
- Early termination
- Buyout options
- End-of-term arrangements
Not every business will qualify for a PPA. EcoBridge can help businesses understand whether a PPA or other financing structure may be worth exploring.
Operating Lease for Commercial Solar
An operating lease can be another option for businesses that do not want to purchase the solar system outright. Depending on the provider and contract structure, the business may make regular payments for the use of the system while avoiding the full upfront capital expenditure.
This can be particularly relevant to businesses that:
- Lease their premises
- Want to preserve cash flow
- Prefer predictable payments
- Want to avoid a large capital purchase
- Have a long-term operating horizon
The accounting, tax and legal treatment of an operating lease depends on the specific structure and the business’s circumstances, so businesses should obtain appropriate professional advice.
Commercial Solar Finance Options
Businesses may have several ways to fund a solar and battery project. Common structures include:
- Outright purchase — The business pays for the system upfront.
- Commercial finance — The business finances the system through a lender.
- Operating lease — The business pays for use of the equipment rather than purchasing it outright.
- Power Purchase Agreement — A third party finances and owns the system, with the business purchasing electricity under the PPA.
- Hybrid structures — Some projects combine different forms of financing or energy procurement.
The cheapest option is not necessarily the best option. A business should compare: upfront cost + finance cost + energy savings + contract terms + ownership + residual value + maintenance obligations.
Solar by Industry
Solar for Warehouses
Warehouses can be particularly suitable for commercial solar because they often have large roof areas, high daytime electricity usage, refrigeration or HVAC loads, lighting loads, long operating hours and large electrical infrastructure.
A warehouse solar assessment should consider roof structure, available roof space, electricity usage, export restrictions and future expansion. Adding battery storage can also help businesses use more of their solar energy outside peak solar production periods.
Solar for Factories & Manufacturing Businesses
Manufacturing businesses can have substantial electricity consumption from machinery, motors, compressors, pumps, production lines, HVAC, refrigeration and automation equipment.
Solar can offset some of this daytime electricity consumption. Battery storage may also be considered where the business has significant peak demand or wants to shift energy consumption. For manufacturing businesses, the electricity bill and interval consumption data are particularly important.
Solar for Retail Businesses
Retail businesses can benefit from solar when they have substantial daytime electricity consumption, such as lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, POS systems, display equipment, food preparation and EV charging.
Shopping centres and larger retail properties may also require more detailed network and electrical assessments.
Solar for Farms & Agricultural Businesses
Agricultural businesses can have significant electricity requirements from irrigation, pumps, refrigeration, grain handling, processing, water systems, workshops and livestock facilities.
Solar can be particularly useful where electricity consumption occurs during daylight hours. Battery storage may be considered when energy demand extends into evening periods or where resilience is important.
How Much Does Commercial Solar Cost?
There is no single price for commercial solar in Australia. The cost can vary significantly depending on:
- System size
- Panel selection
- Inverter capacity
- Battery size
- Roof type
- Installation height
- Electrical upgrades
- Switchboard requirements
- Cable length
- Network connection
- Structural requirements
- Site access
- Crane or lifting requirements
- Export limitations
- Backup requirements
For this reason, businesses should avoid choosing a commercial solar provider purely on the lowest advertised price. A cheap quote may not include all the requirements necessary for a compliant installation.
How Much Can a Business Save With Solar?
The savings from commercial solar depend on the amount of electricity generated and how much of that electricity the business uses.
Simplified example: If a business generates 100,000 kWh of solar electricity annually and uses a large portion of that electricity on-site, the value of the solar can be substantial.
But the actual financial return depends on:
- Electricity purchase price
- Solar generation
- Self-consumption
- Export value
- Demand charges
- System cost
- Finance costs
- Maintenance
- System degradation
- Future electricity prices
This is why a proper commercial solar proposal should use the business’s actual electricity bill and, where possible, interval consumption data.
What Electricity Bill Do I Need for a Commercial Solar Quote?
For an accurate assessment, businesses should ideally provide:
Recent electricity bill
A current bill can help identify: retailer, usage, tariff, supply charges, demand charges, meter information, NMI and electricity consumption. Several months of bills can provide a better picture of seasonal electricity consumption.
Interval data
Where available, interval data can provide an even better understanding of the business’s load profile.
Site information
Businesses may also need to provide: property address, roof photos, switchboard photos, meter photos, proposed battery location and existing solar information.
Why Use EcoBridge?
Choosing a commercial energy solution can be complicated. There are hundreds of products, installers, financing structures and energy programs available across Australia.
EcoBridge helps simplify the process. We help businesses:Compare commercial solar optionsUnderstand different system sizes, equipment configurations and project structures.Explore battery storageAssess whether battery storage may make sense based on electricity usage and business requirements.Compare finance optionsExplore outright purchase, commercial finance, operating lease and PPA options where available.Understand incentivesIdentify relevant government programs and incentives that may apply to the business and project.Connect with suitable providersWhere appropriate, EcoBridge can connect businesses with suitable accredited solar and energy providers for assessment, design and installation.Make a more informed decisionOur goal is not simply to recommend the biggest solar system. The objective is to help businesses understand their options and choose an energy solution that fits their electricity consumption, property and financial objectives.
Contact EcoBridge Australia
- Website: https://ecobridgeenergy.com/
- Email: info@ecobridgeenergy.com
Commercial Solar & Battery Across Australia
EcoBridge assists businesses researching commercial energy solutions across:
New South Wales
- Commercial solar Sydney
- Commercial solar Newcastle
- Commercial solar Wollongong
- Commercial solar Central Coast
- Commercial solar Western Sydney
- Commercial solar regional NSW
- Commercial battery NSW
- Business solar NSW
Victoria
- Commercial solar Melbourne
- Commercial solar Geelong
- Commercial solar Ballarat
- Commercial solar Bendigo
- Commercial solar regional Victoria
- Commercial battery Victoria
- Business solar Victoria
Queensland
- Commercial solar Brisbane
- Commercial solar Gold Coast
- Commercial solar Sunshine Coast
- Commercial solar Townsville
- Commercial solar Cairns
- Commercial solar Toowoomba
- Commercial solar regional Queensland
- Commercial battery Queensland
Western Australia
- Commercial solar Perth
- Commercial solar Fremantle
- Commercial solar Mandurah
- Commercial solar Bunbury
- Commercial solar regional WA
- Commercial battery Perth
- Business solar WA
South Australia
- Commercial solar Adelaide
- Commercial solar regional SA
- Commercial battery Adelaide
- Business solar South Australia
- Solar battery SA
Is Commercial Solar Right for Your Business?
The answer depends on your numbers. If your business has:
- High electricity bills
- Large daytime energy consumption
- Available roof space
- Suitable electrical infrastructure
- Long operating hours
- High peak demand
- Existing solar that needs expansion
- An interest in battery storage
- A preference for PPA or finance rather than upfront purchase
… then it may be worth getting a commercial solar assessment.
Get a Commercial Solar & Battery Assessment
You don’t need to know exactly how many panels or how much battery storage you need before contacting us. Start with your electricity bill.
EcoBridge can help assess your requirements and identify suitable options for your business. We can help you explore:
Commercial Solar | Commercial Batteries | Solar + Battery | PPA | Operating Lease | Commercial Energy Solutions
Request an Assessment
Submit your business details and a recent electricity bill to get started. We’ll review your requirements and, where appropriate, connect you with a suitable energy provider for the next stage.Business name Business address Contact name Phone Email Average electricity bill Solar required Yes No Unsure Battery required Yes No Unsure Finance/PPA required Yes No Unsure Request a Commercial Solar & Battery Assessment →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is commercial solar?
Commercial solar is a solar PV system designed to generate electricity for a business or commercial property. System size can range from smaller business installations to large commercial and industrial projects.
Is commercial solar worth it in Australia?
It can be, particularly for businesses with significant daytime electricity consumption. The financial outcome depends on system cost, electricity tariffs, solar generation, self-consumption, financing and other factors.
Can a business install solar and a battery?
Yes. Commercial solar and battery storage can be designed as an integrated system, subject to site, electrical, network and product requirements.
What size commercial battery do I need?
There is no standard size. Battery capacity should be determined using electricity consumption, peak demand, solar generation, operating hours, tariffs and the business’s objectives.
Can a business get a solar rebate?
Some commercial solar and battery projects may qualify for incentives, certificates or state-based programs depending on system size, location, technology and eligibility. Incentive rules change, so eligibility should be checked before signing a contract.
Is there a commercial solar rebate in NSW?
NSW has several energy programs and incentive mechanisms, and new business battery activities are scheduled to commence in September 2026. Eligibility depends on the project and business.
Is there a commercial solar rebate in Victoria?
Eligible solar PV systems may receive STC benefits, while other programs and eligibility criteria can apply depending on the project.
Does Queensland have commercial solar incentives?
Queensland businesses should assess the current federal and state programs applicable to their system. Queensland Government guidance also highlights the importance of network connection, demand tariffs and self-consumption when assessing business solar.
Can WA businesses install commercial solar batteries?
Yes, but businesses in WA need to consider the applicable network and technical requirements. New requirements for many rooftop solar and battery systems in the SWIS commenced on 1 May 2026.
Can South Australian businesses get help with solar and batteries?
South Australia has supported business energy programs, although individual grants and funding rounds have specific eligibility and availability requirements. Businesses should check the current program before relying on a grant in their financial calculations.
What is a commercial solar PPA?
A Power Purchase Agreement is a contractual arrangement where a third party may finance and own a solar system while the business purchases electricity generated by the system under agreed terms.
What is an operating lease for solar?
An operating lease can allow a business to use solar equipment in exchange for regular payments rather than purchasing the system outright. The exact structure depends on the provider and contract.
Can I get a commercial solar quote without knowing the system size?
Yes. Providing your electricity bill and property address is usually a better starting point than trying to determine the system size yourself.
