Commercial Solar Just Became More Affordable for Australian Businesses
The Australian Government has announced a significant expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), increasing the eligibility threshold for commercial solar systems from 100kW to 1MW. If implemented as announced, the changes are expected to commence on 1 October 2026, making it easier for many Australian businesses to access upfront financial incentives for larger rooftop solar projects.
For businesses considering commercial solar, this represents one of the most significant policy changes in recent years.
What Has Changed?
Until now, the SRES primarily supported residential installations and smaller commercial systems up to 100kW.
Under the proposed expansion, eligible commercial, industrial, agricultural and community buildings will be able to access the scheme for systems up to 1MW. According to the Federal Government, this is expected to reduce upfront installation costs by around 20%, with some larger projects potentially saving businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The announcement recognises what Energy Minister Chris Bowen described as the “missing middle” in Australia’s renewable energy transition: the vast number of warehouses, factories, office buildings and agricultural facilities with large roof spaces that remain underutilised.
What Does This Mean for WA Businesses?
For businesses across Western Australia, the expanded incentive could significantly improve the financial return on commercial solar investments.
Organisations with larger facilities may now be able to install systems that better match their energy consumption, rather than limiting system size to meet previous incentive thresholds.
Businesses that may benefit include:
- Manufacturing facilities
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Shopping centres
- Office buildings
- Schools and education facilities
- Agricultural operations
- Healthcare facilities
- Industrial sites
Combined with ongoing electricity price pressures, reducing the upfront cost of larger commercial solar systems may make investment decisions easier for many businesses.
Why Planning Early Matters
Although the expanded scheme is expected to begin in October, commercial solar projects require careful planning well before installation.
Every project typically involves:
- Site inspections
- Energy consumption analysis
- Engineering and system design
- Network applications and approvals
- Equipment procurement
- Installation scheduling
Beginning the planning process early helps ensure your business is well positioned to take advantage of available incentives once they become available.
Commercial Solar Is More Than Just Panels
A successful commercial solar project is built around the needs of your business.
At Westsun Energy, every system is designed to suit:
- Your electricity consumption
- Available roof space
- Future business growth
- Battery storage opportunities
- Long-term operational performance
Using premium commercial equipment and experienced engineering, we deliver renewable energy solutions tailored to each client’s operational requirements.
How Westsun Energy Can Help
As a Western Australian commercial solar EPC provider, Westsun Energy designs and delivers commercial solar and battery storage systems for businesses across a wide range of industries.
From manufacturing facilities and warehouses to healthcare, education and government infrastructure, our experienced team manages projects from concept through to commissioning.
If your business has been considering commercial solar, the proposed expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme presents an opportunity to review what’s possible.
Speak With Westsun Energy
The proposed changes could make larger commercial solar systems more accessible than ever before.
If you’d like to understand how the expanded incentives may apply to your business, contact Westsun Energy to discuss a tailored commercial solar solution designed for long-term performance, reliability and value.
Contact Westsun Energy for a Commercial Solar Assessment in Perth or across Western Australia.
Sources: This article references the Australian Government’s announced expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, as reported by ABC News and other Australian media on 4 August 2026.
