20 kW to 500 kW+ systems. LGC revenue, instant asset write-off, demand charge reduction — get your free commercial solar analysis in 90 seconds.
Answer 3 quick questions and get your personalised commercial solar ROI score — including system size, annual savings, and LGC eligibility.
Why Commercial Solar in 2026
Commercial electricity rates in Australia now average 28–42 cents per kWh — with demand charges adding another significant layer of cost. A well-sized commercial solar system eliminates a substantial portion of those costs and generates LGC revenue for larger systems. With interest rates moderating and solar hardware costs at decade lows, 2026 is genuinely a compelling window.
Large-Scale Generation Certificates
When your commercial solar system is ≥100 kW, it's eligible to generate Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) under Australia's Renewable Energy Target. Every megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar electricity your system produces earns one LGC — which you sell into the market as an additional revenue stream, on top of your electricity savings.
Commercial System Sizes
| Business Type | System Size | Annual Savings | Incentive | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small retail / office (single phase) | 10–30 kW | $5k–$15k/yr | STCs | 4–7 years |
| Medium warehouse / school | 50–100 kW | $20k–$40k/yr | STCs | 3–5 years |
| Large warehouse / industrial | 100–250 kW | $45k–$90k/yr | LGCs * | 3–5 years |
| Major industrial / cold storage | 250–500 kW | $90k–$180k/yr | LGCs * | 3–6 years |
| Large site / embedded network | 500 kW+ | $180k+/yr | LGCs * | 4–7 years |
* LGC = Large-scale Generation Certificates. Additional revenue on top of electricity savings for systems ≥100 kW.
Commercial Solar FAQs
Commercial systems are significantly larger (20 kW to 500 kW+), use industrial-grade hardware, require engineering sign-off, and are subject to different grid connection rules. They also access different incentives — Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) rather than Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for systems over 100 kW. The ROI analysis is also more complex, incorporating demand charges and tax depreciation.
LGCs (Large-scale Generation Certificates) are created under Australia's Renewable Energy Target for eligible power stations generating ≥100 kW. Your system creates one LGC for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated. These certificates are sold into the market — currently trading at approximately $38–45 per MWh — as an additional revenue stream on top of your electricity savings.
Potentially yes. Under the Australian tax framework, eligible businesses may be able to claim immediate or accelerated deductions on commercial solar assets under the small business instant asset write-off or the broader capital allowances framework. This can effectively reduce your net system cost by your marginal tax rate. We strongly recommend discussing this with your accountant or tax advisor before deciding.
Leasing doesn't necessarily exclude you. Many tenants negotiate solar installation rights with their landlord, with the landlord benefiting from increased building value and the tenant from lower electricity bills. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) — where a third party owns the system and you buy the electricity at a fixed rate — are another option that requires no upfront capital and doesn't require you to own the building.
A typical commercial installation takes 1–3 weeks of physical installation, but the full timeline including design, engineering, grid connection approval, and council permits is typically 2–5 months from quote to energisation. Larger systems (>200 kW) may take longer due to network provider approval processes. We recommend planning ahead — especially if you want installation before financial year end.
Yes — 100% free, always. We earn a referral fee only if you choose to get installer quotes and proceed with installation. The commercial scorecard, ROI analysis, and all educational content is completely free with no obligation whatsoever.
Free commercial analysis. 90 seconds. No obligation.