New VEU Commercial & Industrial Solar Rebates – October 2025

What’s changed?

From 29 September 2025 the Victorian Government, via the VEU program, introduced a new activity specifically for commercial & industrial (C&I) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems sized between 30 kW and 200 kW.

The aim: to stimulate uptake of rooftop (or ground-mounted) solar for businesses, community organisations, schools, aged-care, hospitals and non-residential sites which historically have had slower uptake compared to residential systems.

Why it matters for your business

• Big savings – the rebate significantly lowers your upfront cost of installing a decent‐sized solar system, improving payback and ROI.

• Lower energy bills and increased asset value – installing solar provides long-term benefits: lower daytime grid draw, reduced exposure to energy price increases, potential for electrification (EVs, heat-pumps) in the future.

• Stackable incentives – The VEU rebate can be combined with federal incentives (e.g., STCs for <100 kW systems, LGCs for >100 kW) to maximise cost-effectiveness.

• First-mover advantage – early adopters of the new C&I VEU activity may enjoy favourable conditions and project readiness.

Key eligibility & system requirements

To qualify for the new Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) commercial and industrial solar rebate, your project must meet the following criteria:

Eligible premises:
Only non-residential sites are eligible. This includes factories, warehouses, offices, retail buildings, schools, hospitals, aged-care facilities, and community or government buildings.

System size:
The installed solar PV system must be between 30 kW and 200 kW in capacity.

Inverter capacity:
The system must have a minimum inverter capacity of 30 kVA.

Connection requirements:
Each system must be connected to the local electricity distribution network (DNSP) under a compliant connection agreement. Only one system per National Meter Identifier (NMI) is eligible under this program.

Product standards and warranty:
All solar panels and inverters must be listed on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved products list.
For systems under 100 kW, panels must also participate in the Solar Panel Validation Initiative.
Minimum warranty terms apply — at least 10 years for panels and 5 years for inverters.

Accredited installer requirement:
Installations must be completed by a VEU-accredited person who is approved for this new commercial and industrial solar activity.

Monitoring and verification:
Systems must include monitoring functionality to allow performance tracking and verification of energy generation.

Program start date:
The new commercial and industrial solar activity commenced on 29 September 2025 under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.

Incentive indications – how much you might save

Here are indicative discount amounts for solar systems sized between 30 kW and 200 kW (based on the latest published guidance):

• 50 kW system → approx. $4,550 rebate under VEU (before STCs)

• 75 kW system → approx. $6,860 rebate

• 100 kW system → rebate up to $25,000 (as per government media) for full size eligibility.

• 150 kW system → rebate approx. $25,760 i.e., substantial savings.

• 200 kW system → rebate up to $34,300 (VEU only) and with federal incentives the combined value could exceed 30-35% off your upfront cost.

Note: These figures are indicative and depend on certificate pricing (VEEC markets), system design, installation costs and other incentives. Always obtain a tailored quote.

What you should do now

1. Assess your site: Check your roof or site for availability (clear area, structural suitability, shading), daytime consumption profile (to maximise self-use), and consider future load growth (EV chargers, heat pumps) since solar works best if you can use what you generate onsite.

2. Engage a VEU-accredited provider: They must be accredited under the VEU programme for this new C&I solar activity. They will handle the eligibility, application and VEEC certification process.

3. Combine incentives: Your provider should bundle the VEU rebate plus federal incentives (STCs or LGCs where eligible) in one quote so you see the total savings.

4. Lock in your project: Given the rebate has launched, early engagement helps secure the best equipment pricing, installation window and ensure you meet all rules and timelines.

5. Monitor & report: Post-installation, ensure you have access to a monitoring portal (one of the requirements) and you track performance and savings. This improves project outcomes and risk management.

Why this matters for businesses like yours

For businesses with significant daytime energy use (factories, warehouses, offices, educational campuses, aged-care, community facilities), this rebate is a strategic opportunity to lower operating costs, support your sustainability goals, future-proof energy consumption, and enhance asset value. With energy prices on an upward trend and corporates facing pressure to decarbonise, installing solar under this incentive scheme is both pragmatic and value-driven.

How we can help

At Energet, we specialise in helping commercial and industrial clients navigate incentive programmes like the VEU, design and deliver solar & electrification projects that align with business needs, handle certificate creation (VEECs/STCs/LGCs), and project manage installations end-to-end.

If you’d like to explore whether your site qualifies, receive a no-obligation site-assessment and quote, simply contact us today.