05/08/2026
Big news for Aussie businesses:
the Federal Government is expanding the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) cap from 100 kW to 1 MW starting 1 October 2026. This historic change means medium-to-large commercial solar systems will finally qualify for upfront Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), slashing the installation costs of commercial, industrial, and agricultural solar setups by around 20 per cent.
At Coast Wide Energy we handle all the calculations and apply these savings directly to your quote so you can see the immediate impact on your bottom line.
Here is what your business needs to know about the upcoming changes.
# # The Big Shifts in Commercial Solar Incentives
* Massive Cap Expansion: The STC eligibility threshold jumps from 100 kW to 1 MW.
* Upfront Discounts: Systems over 100 kW no longer have to rely solely on long-term Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs); they can now claim an immediate discount.
* Substantial Dollar Savings: Estimates show a $68,000 discount off a 250 kW system and $136,000 off a 500 kW system.
* Faster Connection Approvals: The government is pushing network providers to fast-track grid connections for commercial solar applications.
# # Why "Right-Sizing" Your System Matters Now
While the expanded panel cap is a win, the rules around commercial battery storage under the same scheme changed on 1 May 2026. Battery STC rebates now use a tiered structure that reduces incentives for oversized storage units:
* 0–14 kWh: Full 100% rebate factor applied.
* 14–28 kWh: Rebate factor drops to 60%.
* 28–50 kWh: Rebate factor drops to 15%.
* Above 50 kWh: No STC rebate applies to the remaining capacity.
Because battery rebate factors will continue to step down every six months until 2030, matching your exact operational load to your storage capacity is critical to maximizing your ROI.
# # Secure Your Quote Early
Avoid the end-of-year rush and grid connection bottlenecks. If you want to see how these new regulations will lower your operating costs, let us know:
* Your average monthly electricity bill or peak usage hours
* Your available roof space size or business type (e.g., warehouse, farm, office)
* Whether you require battery storage to shift your evening energy loads
We can provide a tailored comparison of your upfront savings and long-term energy paybacks.
Coast Wide Energy
