New Commercial Solar Incentives for Queensland Businesses

Australia's commercial solar industry could soon see one of its biggest changes in years.

The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). The proposal would increase eligibility for rooftop solar systems from 100 kW to 1 MW. If implemented, the changes are expected to commence from 1 October 2026 and could significantly reduce the upfront cost of eligible commercial, industrial and agricultural solar projects.

For businesses across South East Queensland, this is an ideal time to begin planning a commercial solar project and explore opportunities to reduce long term electricity costs.

What Has Been Announced?

The Federal Government plans to lift the SRES rooftop solar limit from 100 kW to 1 MW.

If the change is implemented, larger commercial rooftop solar systems that were previously ineligible for SRES support may soon qualify. This could reduce the upfront cost of eligible commercial solar installations.

The proposed changes are expected to commence on 1 October 2026, subject to the required legislative and regulatory approvals.

Which Businesses Could Benefit?

If implemented, the expanded scheme could benefit a wide range of businesses, including:

• Warehouses

• Manufacturing facilities

• Office buildings

• Retail centres

• Agricultural properties

• Schools

• Community facilities

Businesses with large roof space and high daytime electricity usage are often well suited to commercial solar systems because they can use much of the electricity they generate during business hours.

Why This Matters

Electricity remains one of the largest operating costs for many Australian businesses.

A well designed commercial solar system can reduce reliance on grid electricity, lower long term operating costs and provide greater certainty around future energy expenses.

The proposed expansion of the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme is intended to make larger rooftop solar systems more financially accessible for eligible businesses while supporting the continued growth of commercial renewable energy across Australia.

Should Businesses Wait?

Probably not.

If your business has been considering commercial solar, now is an excellent time to begin planning.

Commercial solar projects often require:

• Site inspections

• Energy usage analysis

• System design

• Network applications

• Equipment selection

• Installation scheduling

Starting the planning process now means your business can be well prepared if the proposed changes are implemented.

Does This Include Battery Storage?

No. The proposed changes relate specifically to commercial rooftop solar under the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

Battery storage is not included in the proposed expansion. However, many businesses choose to install battery storage alongside solar to increase self consumption, reduce peak demand charges and improve energy resilience.

Whether battery storage is the right investment depends on your energy usage, operating hours and long term energy goals.

Commercial Solar in South East Queensland

Businesses across South East Queensland continue to face rising electricity costs.

That continues to make commercial solar an attractive long term investment for businesses throughout the region. Whether it is a warehouse, manufacturing facility, office building, retail centre or agricultural property, every commercial solar system should be designed around your electricity usage, available roof space and future business growth.

A commercial solar assessment typically considers:

• Electricity usage

• Available roof space

• Daytime energy demand

• Site layout

• Future business growth

How Open Electrical Can Help

At Open Electrical, we design and install commercial solar systems for businesses across South East Queensland.

As a commercial solar installer, we work with warehouses, office buildings, manufacturing facilities, retail businesses and agricultural properties to design commercial solar solutions tailored to each site's energy requirements.

Our team can complete a commercial solar assessment, review your electricity usage and design a system that supports your current operations while allowing for future growth.

With the proposed changes to commercial solar incentives, now is an excellent time to begin planning. Commercial solar projects require careful design, approvals and scheduling, so getting started early can help position your business if the announced changes proceed.

When Could the New Commercial Solar Incentives Start?

The proposed expansion of the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme is expected to commence from 1 October 2026, subject to the required legislative and regulatory approvals.

Commercial solar projects often require energy analysis, system design, network approvals and installation scheduling. Starting the planning process now can help ensure your business is well prepared if the proposed changes are implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new commercial solar incentive?

The Federal Government has announced plans to expand the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme by increasing eligibility for rooftop solar systems from 100 kW to 1 MW. If approved, the changes are expected to commence from 1 October 2026.

Does this include battery storage?

No. The proposed expansion relates specifically to commercial rooftop solar under the Small scale Renewable Energy Scheme. Battery storage is not included as part of this announcement.

Which businesses could benefit?

If approved, businesses with large roof space and high daytime electricity usage may benefit. This includes commercial, industrial, agricultural and community organisations.

Should my business start planning now?

Yes. Commercial solar projects often require site inspections, energy analysis, system design, network approvals and installation planning. Starting early gives your business time to prepare if the proposed changes proceed.

Can Open Electrical help with commercial solar?

Yes. Open Electrical designs and installs commercial solar systems for businesses across South East Queensland. Our team can assess your site, review your electricity usage and design a commercial solar solution tailored to your business.