Businesses all over Australia are benefiting from installing solar on their premises. Whether you own the building or lease it you can still have solar energy to power your business. Businesses save thousands of dollars every month. Solar energy should save 50% to 80% off your energy bills and if you add battery storage you can benefit from additional savings by feeding excess energy back into the grid at night too. Businesses with monthly energy bills from $100 to $500 can benefit from installing smaller systems, whilst businesses which use much more power can install larger systems which can save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

The price of having solar is relative to the size of your existing energy bills and the system you need. You are always going to have energy bills so if you can cut these down by adding solar, then this must make financial sense as well as being good for the environment. Currently the Australian government contributes up to 50% rebate depending on the system you require, and the balance is paid by the business (not usually the landlord) as the business is the one using the energy. There are many payment options with low or no interest via ‘green loan’ initiatives which make switching to solar energy the obvious choice.

Australia is one of the luckiest countries when it comes to government support for solar. The current government rebates (also known as STCs) are calculated by the size and power of the solar system you wish to install. The rebate is deducted immediately off the price by the solar company and provides a contribution up to 50% off the price. Currently the rebate is up to $50,000 in most states and each year in January this reduces. Word on the street says that government rebates will be phased out slowly by 2030. So right now is said to be the highest point the rebate will be at. Time will tell.

The best way to consider solar is to arrange a quote and a site visit with a commercial solar company. They have trained consultants who understand business needs and they usually researched and design your solar system before they even come out, by using the information on your energy bill. They then come on site and check the roof space, electricity metre and equipment used and discuss your future plans for the site. It is important to consider your energy needs now as well as over the next 5-10 years. There is no obligation to have a quote and find out how much government rebate you are entitled to. At least you will know where you stand and if solar is a worthwhile investment for your business.

FindCleanEnergy can find you a quote with a local and accredited commercial solar energy provider.

Batteries are coming but it all comes down to whether it makes financial sense and how you use your energy within the business. Batteries are still coming down in price and rebates may also be added to make them even more affordable as the ‘grid’ promotes higher feed in tariffs at night rather than everyone feeding back in during the day. Ask your commercial solar advisor to consider whether adding a battery is the right way to go. You can also add batteries after the installation of your solar panels and inverter, as your system will be compatible. It’s all about what is best to save you money on your energy use.

The main consideration is to make sure this is going to be financially beneficial for you. If you are saving up to 80% off your energy bill and the government is going to provide up to 50% off the price, then even with a short term repayment you should be paying less than you are already spending on your energy bill. So switching to solar should be a ‘no brainer’, unless you already have very low bills.

Adding solar power is all about reducing your energy bills and your carbon footprint and saving you money. It is not supposed to be a money making enterprise. Some companies have tried to cover their whole site with panels to make money selling energy back to the grid, but this is not how it’s designed. Areas have a limit on the amount of energy which can be produced. So, focus on reducing your own energy costs and I’m sure you will be very happy with the results. Your solar advisor will be able to explain how solar energy can benefit your business.