Findings show businesses save more than $2,000 on average per year on energy bills from solar power systems.

Businesses can financially benefit twofold by accessing available Government support and from reduced energy bills.

The State Government’s Solar for Business Program is designed to support Victorian businesses through rebates that cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of a rooftop solar system.

Businesses are eligible for a maximum rebate of $3,500 to reduce the upfront cost and can access an interest-free loan of up to $5,000 to assist with their installation.

Those applying for rebates may also be eligible to access tax benefits such as the Instant Asset Write-Off offered by the Federal Government.

The recently announced $314m Federal Small Business Energy Incentive will also be available after 1 July 2023.

This incentive will allow businesses with up to $50m in turnover a 20 per cent tax deduction on solar panels, batteries and other energy efficient electrical devices when they invest up to $100,000 on reducing their reliance on fossil fuel energy.

Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan said: “Solar Victoria’s rebates mean you are getting money to cut costs for your business. It is a win win situation.

“Businesses use most of their power during the day, when the solar system is working its hardest, meanings the energy savings can be significant.

“The Solar for Business rebates and interest free loans, combined with the benefits of an Instant Asset write-off, are a strong support and incentive for small businesses to adopt solar energy.”

A recent review of Solar Victoria’s Solar for Business program by the Centre for New and Emerging Technologies (C4NET) found that more than 2,290 businesses are taking advantage of the savings. Businesses range from cafes to auto repair shops, dentists and doctors.

The Greater Dandenong, Kingston and Hume local government areas the top three metropolitan LGAs, and Greater Bendigo, Greater Geelong and Ballarat the top regional areas, with businesses in Mildura, Warrnambool and northeast Victoria also accessing rebates.

For every business that adopts solar, the reduction in electricity use is the equivalent of removing a residential household from the grid.

More on Solar Victoria’s business rebate is available at Solar for Business Program.

Victorian Chamber advocacy

The announcement aligns with the Victorian Chamber’s campaign to support businesses’ transition to a net-zero economy, Achieving a Net-Zero Economy: Roadmap for Victorian Businesses.

The campaign focuses on three core objectives: reducing energy prices, ensuring the reliable supply of energy, and supporting businesses transition to a net-zero economy.

The roadmap recommends Governments prioritise grants and subsidies to help reduce costs of energy and receive incentives to help encourage the smooth transition towards renewable energy as their primary energy source.