Commercial Solar Queensland
Queensland businesses enjoy the highest STC zones in Australia for maximum rebates, the BEST program for small business support, and superior solar yield from the Sunshine State. Get competitive quotes from vetted installers.
Why Commercial Solar in Queensland?
Queensland is the standout state for commercial solar in Australia. The combination of exceptional sunshine, the highest STC zones, and growing electricity costs makes QLD the fastest-payback market for business solar.
Superior Sunshine
Queensland averages 4.5-5.5+ peak sun hours daily, the highest in Australia. More sunshine means more energy generation per panel, faster payback, and greater lifetime savings.
Maximum STC Rebates
QLD spans STC Zones 1-3, the highest rated zones. Northern QLD businesses in Zone 1 receive up to 40% more in STC value than southern state counterparts.
High Cooling Demand
Queensland's warm climate means businesses spend heavily on air conditioning. Solar production peaks when cooling demand is highest, directly offsetting your most expensive energy use.
BEST Program Support
The Queensland Government's BEST program provides eligible small businesses with energy assessments and co-funding support for solar and energy efficiency upgrades.
Queensland Commercial Solar Incentives & Grants
QLD businesses benefit from Australia's best STC zones plus state and federal incentives that reduce the cost of going solar.
Highest STC Zones (1-3)
Queensland spans STC Zones 1-3, the highest in Australia. Northern QLD (Zone 1) receives the most STCs per kilowatt, meaning the biggest upfront rebates in the country for systems under 100kW.
Up to $4,500+ per 10kW (Zone 1)BEST Program
The Business Energy Saving and Transformation (BEST) program helps eligible Queensland small businesses access energy assessments and funding for energy efficiency upgrades including solar installations.
Grants and co-funding availableInstant 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 deductibleSuperior Solar Yield
Queensland receives more sunshine than any other state, meaning your solar panels generate more energy per kilowatt installed. Higher output translates directly to faster payback and greater savings.
4.5-5.5+ peak sun hours/dayCommercial Solar System Sizes for Queensland
Pricing reflects QLD-specific factors including higher STC zone values, superior solar yield, and local installation costs. QLD systems generate more energy per kilowatt than southern states.
| System Size | Panels | Daily Output | Best For | Cost (after STCs)* | Payback | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30kW | 60-75 | 130kWh | Small business, retail store, cafe | $22,000-$30,000 | 2.5-4 years | $9,000-$13,000/yr |
| 50kW | 100-125 | 220kWh | Medium warehouse, office building | $38,000-$50,000 | 2.5-4 years | $15,000-$22,000/yr |
| 100kW | 200-250 | 440kWh | Large commercial, manufacturing | $78,000-$100,000 | 2-4 years | $30,000-$44,000/yr |
*Prices after federal STC rebate for QLD Zones 1-3. Daily output based on Brisbane (Zone 3); northern QLD locations generate even more. Actual costs vary by location, roof complexity, and electrical upgrades required.
Queensland Commercial Solar ROI Overview
Key figures for evaluating commercial solar returns in Queensland.
Queensland Business Solar Case Studies
Real results from Queensland businesses that have gone solar.
Retail Shopping Centre
Large roof area with excellent northern exposure. High cooling loads in summer perfectly aligned with solar production. STC Zone 3 rebate reduced upfront cost substantially.
Food Processing Plant
Continuous refrigeration and processing equipment running during daylight hours. Solar covers 90% of daytime energy needs. BEST program co-funded energy audit.
Auto Dealership
STC Zone 1 location delivers maximum rebates. Large showroom roof with high air-conditioning load. Fastest payback in our QLD portfolio due to Zone 1 sunshine and STC value.
Commercial Solar Queensland FAQs
helpHow much does commercial solar cost in Queensland?
Commercial solar in Queensland costs approximately $0.78-$1.00 per watt installed after STC rebates. A 30kW system costs around $22,000-$30,000, a 50kW system around $38,000-$50,000, and a 100kW system around $78,000-$100,000. QLD businesses benefit from the highest STC zones in Australia, meaning bigger upfront rebates.
helpWhy are STC rebates higher in Queensland?
Queensland spans STC Zones 1-3, which are the highest rated zones in Australia. The STC system allocates more certificates per kilowatt in sunnier regions because systems generate more electricity over their lifetime. Northern QLD (Zone 1) receives approximately 40% more STCs than Melbourne (Zone 4), translating to thousands more in upfront savings.
helpWhat is the QLD BEST program?
The Business Energy Saving and Transformation (BEST) program is a Queensland Government initiative that helps eligible small businesses reduce energy costs. It can provide energy assessments and co-funding for energy efficiency improvements including commercial solar installations. Contact the program directly to check current eligibility and funding availability.
helpHow long is the payback period for commercial solar in Brisbane?
Typical payback periods for commercial solar in Brisbane range from 2.5 to 4 years. Queensland businesses generally see faster payback than other states due to higher solar generation from superior sunshine hours. Businesses in northern QLD (Townsville, Cairns) can achieve payback in as little as 2-3 years.
helpIs Queensland the best state for commercial solar?
Queensland offers some of the best commercial solar economics in Australia due to superior sunshine (4.5-5.5+ peak sun hours daily), the highest STC zones (meaning biggest rebates), and competitive installation costs. While electricity rates are slightly lower than NSW or VIC, the higher energy generation more than compensates.
helpCan QLD businesses claim instant asset write-off for solar?
Yes, eligible Queensland businesses can claim the full cost of a commercial solar installation as an immediate tax deduction under the instant asset write-off scheme. Combined with high STC rebates, this can reduce the effective out-of-pocket cost dramatically. Consult your accountant for eligibility.
helpWhat size commercial solar system do I need for my QLD business?
The right system size depends on your energy consumption, roof space, and operating hours. Most Queensland businesses install systems between 30kW and 100kW. With QLD superior sunshine, systems generate more per kilowatt, so you may need a slightly smaller system than in southern states to achieve the same output.
Ready to Go Solar for Your Queensland Business?
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