Solar for your business
Commercial Solar Systems
Cut your daytime power costs with a solar system sized to your roof and your usage.
Your business pays peak and demand charges on every kilowatt you pull from the grid during the day. A commercial solar system installed on your roof generates power on-site, reducing those charges and giving you a clear payback timeline. We design, install and connect SAA-accredited systems sized to your actual interval data—with monitoring you can see working in real time.
⏳ Deadlines
- Cheaper Home Batteries steps down in 66 days (1 January 2027)About $252/kWh for the first 14 kWh, $151/kWh to 28 kWh and $38/kWh to 50 kWh (2026 rate) Source: DCCEEW Cheaper Home Batteries, from 1 May 2026 · checked 2026-10-16
- STC discount on new solar shrinks in 66 days (1 January 2027)about 20% less than this year (one fewer deeming year) Source: Clean Energy Regulator (small-scale technology certificates) · set by law
Why most businesses don't realise how much they pay for daytime power
Your power bill has two main charges: usage (cents per kWh) and demand (dollars per kW of your peak draw during each 30-minute interval). Demand charges often exceed usage charges for businesses with steady daytime loads—bakeries, warehouses, offices and factories all pay steep rates between 7 am and 9 pm. Even if you use the same power as a household, you pay two or three times as much because you're billed on peak demand, not total volume.
A solar system on your roof generates power at midday and afternoon—exactly when you're drawing peak. Every kW you generate on-site is a kW you don't import from the grid, cutting both your usage bill and your demand charge. The payback is usually 4–7 years for a well-sized system. Most installers quote one-size-fits-all system sizes; we start by analysing your interval data so you get the right size for your tariff and roofline.
What this covers
- 01
Rooftop Solar
Panels, inverter and racking mounted directly to your roof. Works on pitched metal, tile and flat concrete roofs. Most common for warehouses, offices and retail spaces.
- 02
Carport and Pergola Solar
Ground-mounted or carport-integrated arrays where roof space is limited or shading is an issue. Dual-use structures that provide shade or parking while generating power.
- 03
Demand-charge Battery Systems
Battery storage that discharges during peak tariff windows (usually 2–9 pm) to flatten your demand profile. Reduces peak kW charges even when the sun isn't shining.
- 04
Three-phase Commercial Systems
Larger systems (50–160+ kW) on three-phase power with hybrid or string inverters. Requires switchboard upgrade assessment and network connection approval.
- 05
System Monitoring and Optimisation
Cloud-based app shows real-time generation, consumption and demand. Alerts flag faults or underperformance so you can act quickly and maximise your return.
How we design a system for your business—not a generic size
Commercial solar design starts with your interval meter data—the 30-minute snapshots your distribution network records every day. We pull this data (usually free from your retailer or network operator) and plot your actual usage pattern: peaks at 10 am, another bump at 2 pm, evening taper. This tells us exactly when you need solar generation to cut demand charges.
Next, we do a full roof survey: measure surface area, check pitch and shading, test structural capacity and note any obstructions. We model shadow patterns across seasons using satellite data so we know real-world generation, not just nameplate rating. Then we design the array size that aligns your generation to your peak usage windows, not just fills your roof.
A 30 kW system on a flat warehouse roof facing north will generate 40–50 kWh per day in good sun (summer higher, winter lower). A 30 kW system on a south-facing pitched roof in the same postcode generates less because of angle. We account for tilt, orientation, soiling (dust and bird droppings) and seasonal variation. The final design includes a one-page or two-page system diagram showing panel layout, inverter size, switchboard upgrades (if needed) and estimated payback based on your tariff.
You also get a detailed proposal showing system cost, available rebates (STCs based on your postcode zone multiplier), expected annual generation, estimated annual savings and payback period. If batteries make sense for your tariff, we model that separately. Once you approve the design, we arrange network connection authority, obtain any required building permits and schedule installation.
Installation, connection and handover
Installation is done by our SAA-accredited electricians. Our electricians hold an Electrical Contractor Licence (state-specific) and are registered in the Solar Accreditation Australia public register. You can verify this before we start work.
Day one is structural prep: we check roof load-bearing capacity again, install roof flashings and racking (or carport foundations if relevant). Day two and three involve panel installation, DC wiring and isolators—all to Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000 and your state's electrical rules. We earth the array properly and install DC and AC isolators for safe maintenance and emergency shutdown.
The inverter and switchboard are installed and tested next. For three-phase systems, we install a hybrid or three-phase inverter and perform vector group testing to ensure it synchronises with the distribution network. All connections are certified by our electrician, and the system goes through a rigorous inspection before any power flows.
Network connection happens next. We lodge your system details with your local distribution network (e.g., Ergon, Energex, Ausgrid) and obtain connection authority. This typically takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, the network's meter is installed and your system is energised. We set up your monitoring app, walk you through the dashboard, show you how to read your savings and hand over all documentation: system diagram, warranty certificates, operation manual and performance baseline.
Pricing guide
What does a commercial solar system cost in Australia?
Commercial solar systems range from $25,000 to $160,000 depending on system size (kW), panel and inverter brands, roof type and structure, switchboard upgrades and available rebates. A typical 30 kW system for a small business costs $60,000–$85,000 before rebates; a 100 kW warehouse system sits at $120,000–$160,000. System price is driven by component cost, structural work, electrical upgrades and your postcode zone (which affects STC value). Request a detailed quote based on your actual roof and interval data, not just system size in kW.
- System size (kW) and number of panels—larger systems have lower cost per watt.
- Panel brand and efficiency tier—premium panels cost more but generate more per square metre.
- Inverter type and size—string inverters are cheaper, hybrid and three-phase are dearer.
- Roof type, pitch and access—metal roofs are quickest; steep timber-frame roofs need scaffolding.
- Switchboard capacity and age—old switchboards may need upgrade for isolation and earthing compliance.
- Network connection and approvals—some postcodes require engineering reports or extended authority timelines.
| Job type | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 kW small business rooftop solar (typical) | $60,000 | $72,500 | $85,000 |
| 50 kW warehouse rooftop solar (flat roof) | $85,000 | $105,000 | $125,000 |
| 100 kW three-phase system (warehouse or factory) | $120,000 | $140,000 | $160,000 |
| Carport solar 25 kW (new structure, single-phase) | $70,000 | $87,500 | $105,000 |
Prices are market guidance ranges in AUD and exclude GST (unless stated otherwise). Actual quotes vary based on your specific roof, location and component choices. Request a detailed proposal with system design, performance modelling and itemised costs before committing. Financing and lease options may be available—ask Solar Advice about current terms.
Typically included
- Full site assessment: roof survey, structural check, shadow analysis and interval data review.
- System design matched to your usage pattern, tariff and roof, with one-page or two-page system diagram.
- Supply and installation of panels, inverter, racking, DC isolators, AC isolators and earthing components.
- Electrical work by SAA-accredited electrician certified to Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000 and state electrical rules.
- Network connection paperwork, approval handling and meter installation coordination.
- Monitoring app setup, performance baseline and handover training—walk-through of dashboard and warranty documents.
Often excluded
- Roof repairs (if your roof is damaged or near end of life—we'll flag this and quote separately).
- Building permits and planning approval (required in some councils—we advise you and often lodge on your behalf, but fees are your cost).
- Switchboard replacement (only if yours is unsafe or can't accommodate isolation; we quote this as an upgrade line item).
- Ongoing maintenance beyond year one (after handover, routine maintenance—cleaning panels, firmware updates—is your responsibility; we offer optional maintenance packages).
Do not commit to a system without a detailed site assessment and system design. Avoid quotes based on postcode and roof type alone—every roof is unique. Confirm the installer's SAA accreditation and electrician licence before signing a contract. Network connection timelines and switchboard upgrades can extend the project by 4–8 weeks; budget accordingly. STCs and rebates change on fixed dates—confirm current rates with the Clean Energy Regulator before your design is finalised.
Questions to ask every installer
- 1Is your electrician SAA accredited and registered in the public register?
- 2Can you pull my interval data and show a shadow analysis for my roof?
- 3What's your exact workmanship warranty and how long does it cover repair or replacement?
- 4How do you handle network connection and approvals—who pays for any switchboard upgrades?
- 5What happens if my system underperforms, and how do you monitor it after installation?
Local solar data
How much power does solar make in Victoria?
Each kW of panels in Victoria makes about 1,366 kWh a year (Melbourne data). That means a 6.6kW system makes around 9,016 kWh a year, or about 25 kWh on an average day. Melbourne averages 4.8 peak sun hours a day.
Figures use PVWatts modelling for a north-facing (south-facing in the northern hemisphere) roof at 20°. Your actual output depends on shade, roof direction and the panels you choose.
| City | Network | kWh per kW a year | Sun hours a day | Grid price per kWh | Yearly saving, 6.6kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne VIC | — | 1,366 | 4.76 | — | — |
Incentives that apply in Victoria
National · battery
Cheaper Home Batteries
About $252/kWh for the first 14 kWh, $151/kWh to 28 kWh and $38/kWh to 50 kWh (2026 rate)
Battery 5–100 kWh, able to join a VPP, connected to rooftop solar
Source: DCCEEW Cheaper Home Batteries, from 1 May 2026 · checked 2026-10-16
National · solar
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Upfront discount: kW × zone multiplier × deeming years × STC price
Systems up to 100kW installed by an SAA-accredited installer
Source: SRES: zone multiplier × 5-year deeming × $38 per STC · checked 2026-10-16
VIC · hot water
Solar Victoria hot water rebate
up to $1,400 locally made, $1,000 other
Same $150,000 income cap
Source: Solar Victoria, from 1 July 2026 · checked 2026-10-16
VIC · solar
Solar Victoria panel rebate
up to $1,400
Combined household income $150,000 or less
Source: Solar Victoria, from 1 July 2026 · checked 2026-10-16
Sources: PVWatts v8 (north-facing 20°, 14% losses, nearest station) · SRES: zone multiplier × 5-year deeming × $38 per STC · DCCEEW Cheaper Home Batteries, from 1 May 2026 · Solar Victoria, from 1 July 2026
Brands we install
Brands we install
Ask us about current stock and warranty terms for each brand.
- Panels
- JinkoTrinaLONGiAikoRECCanadian SolarSunPower (Maxeon)
- Inverters
- FroniusSungrowSolarEdgeEnphaseGoodWeHuawei
- Batteries
- Tesla PowerwallSigenergyBYDAlpha ESSEnphase IQ BatterySungrow SBRFranklinWH
Solar designed around your situation
Which situation best suits you?
How much does a commercial solar system cost?
What rebates and incentives are available?
Can I add battery storage to a commercial system?
How long does commercial solar installation take?
What about grid connection and compliance?
Will solar work on my roof type?
What's included in the warranty and support?
How do I compare commercial solar quotes?
Get a free commercial solar assessment
We'll check your roof, review your power bills and design a system sized to your usage—with no obligation.