Commercial Solar NSW
NSW businesses benefit from the Energy Savings Scheme, federal STCs (Zone 3), and instant asset write-off. Get competitive quotes from vetted commercial solar installers across Sydney and regional NSW.
Why Commercial Solar in New South Wales?
NSW has some of the highest commercial electricity rates in Australia, making solar an excellent investment. Combined with the state's Energy Savings Scheme and Peak Demand Reduction Scheme, NSW businesses can stack multiple incentives to maximise their return.
High Electricity Prices
NSW commercial rates of 28-38c/kWh make solar highly profitable. Every kilowatt-hour you generate yourself avoids these costs for 25+ years.
Strong Solar Irradiance
Sydney averages 4.6 peak sun hours daily. Regional NSW areas like the Hunter Valley and Western NSW get even higher solar yield, boosting returns.
Large Commercial Sector
NSW is Australia's largest economy with extensive warehouse, retail, and office building stock. Flat commercial roofs are ideal for solar panel installation.
Stackable Incentives
NSW businesses can combine ESS certificates, federal STCs, PDRS certificates, and instant asset write-off to dramatically reduce the effective cost of going solar.
NSW Commercial Solar Incentives & Grants
NSW businesses have access to both state and federal incentives that significantly reduce the cost of commercial solar installations.
Energy Savings Scheme (ESS)
NSW businesses earn Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) for installing solar. These certificates have tradeable value and reduce your effective system cost by thousands of dollars.
$2,000-$15,000+ in certificatesFederal STCs (Zone 3)
NSW falls in STC Zone 3, providing generous Small-scale Technology Certificates for systems under 100kW. STCs are applied as an upfront discount by your installer.
Up to $3,500 per 10kWInstant Asset Write-Off
Eligible businesses can claim the full cost of a solar system as an immediate tax deduction in the year of installation, significantly reducing your taxable income.
Full system cost deductiblePeak Demand Reduction Scheme
The NSW Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS) rewards businesses that reduce peak electricity demand. Solar paired with battery storage can generate additional certificates.
Additional certificate incomeCommercial Solar System Sizes for NSW
Pricing reflects NSW-specific factors including ESS certificate values, Zone 3 STC allocation, and local installation costs.
| System Size | Panels | Daily Output | Best For | Cost (after STCs)* | Payback | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30kW | 60-75 | 115kWh | Small business, retail store, cafe | $25,000-$33,000 | 3-4 years | $8,000-$12,000/yr |
| 50kW | 100-125 | 190kWh | Medium warehouse, office building | $42,000-$55,000 | 3-5 years | $14,000-$20,000/yr |
| 100kW | 200-250 | 380kWh | Large commercial, manufacturing | $85,000-$110,000 | 3-4 years | $28,000-$40,000/yr |
*Prices after federal STC rebate for NSW Zone 3. ESS certificate values provide additional savings. Actual costs vary by location, roof complexity, and electrical upgrades required.
NSW Commercial Solar ROI Overview
Key figures for evaluating commercial solar returns in New South Wales.
NSW Business Solar Case Studies
Real results from NSW businesses that have gone solar.
Warehouse & Logistics
Large flat roof ideal for solar. High daytime energy use for refrigeration and logistics operations. ESS certificates reduced upfront cost by $8,500.
Office Complex
Multi-storey office building with consistent weekday demand. Solar covers 75% of daytime energy. Instant asset write-off saved $14,000 in tax.
Retail Shopping Strip
Embedded network serving multiple retail tenants. High cooling loads in summer aligned with peak solar production. Tenants benefit from lower energy costs.
Commercial Solar NSW FAQs
helpHow much does commercial solar cost in NSW?
Commercial solar in NSW costs approximately $0.85-$1.10 per watt installed after STC rebates. A 30kW system costs around $25,000-$33,000, a 50kW system around $42,000-$55,000, and a 100kW system around $85,000-$110,000. ESS certificates provide additional savings on top of federal STCs.
helpWhat is the NSW Energy Savings Scheme?
The Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) is an NSW government program that creates financial incentives for businesses to reduce electricity consumption. When you install commercial solar, you earn Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) that have tradeable value, effectively reducing your system cost by thousands of dollars.
helpWhat is the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme?
The PDRS is a newer NSW initiative that rewards businesses for reducing peak electricity demand. Businesses with solar and battery storage can earn Peak Reduction Certificates (PRCs) by shifting load away from peak periods, providing an additional revenue stream beyond standard energy savings.
helpWhat STC zone is NSW in?
NSW is in STC Zone 3, which provides a solid level of Small-scale Technology Certificates. For a 50kW system, this translates to approximately $15,000-$18,000 in STC value, applied as an upfront discount by your installer. Systems under 100kW are eligible for STCs.
helpHow long is the payback period for commercial solar in Sydney?
Typical payback periods for commercial solar in Sydney and greater NSW range from 2.5 to 5 years depending on electricity rates, usage patterns, and system size. Businesses with high daytime energy consumption and higher electricity rates see faster payback. The combination of ESS certificates, STCs, and instant asset write-off accelerates ROI.
helpCan NSW businesses claim instant asset write-off for solar?
Yes, eligible NSW businesses can claim the full cost of a commercial solar installation as an immediate tax deduction under the instant asset write-off scheme. This can significantly reduce the effective cost of the system. Consult your accountant for eligibility based on your business structure and annual turnover.
helpWhat size commercial solar system do I need for my NSW business?
The right system size depends on your energy consumption, roof space, and business operating hours. Most NSW businesses install systems between 30kW and 100kW. A small retail shop may need 30kW, a medium warehouse 50-70kW, and a large commercial facility 100kW+. We analyse your electricity bills to recommend the optimal size.
Ready to Go Solar for Your NSW Business?
Get a free business case analysis and competitive quotes from vetted commercial solar installers across Sydney and NSW. No obligation, no cost.