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Commercial Solar Queensland

Queensland businesses can claim federal STCs, apply to the BEST program for small business support, and get more energy from every panel in the Sunshine State. We match you with one SAA-accredited commercial installer in Brisbane or regional Queensland for a written quote.

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Why commercial solar works in Queensland

Queensland is one of the strongest states for commercial solar. Strong sun, federal STCs and rising electricity costs give QLD businesses some of the fastest paybacks in the country.
Aerial view of a large rural warehouse with solar panels across its roof and semi-trailers at the loading dock

  1. More sun per panel

    Brisbane averages 5.0 peak sun hours a day, Townsville 5.2 and Cairns 5.3, more than any southern state. More sunshine means more energy per panel, faster payback and greater lifetime savings.

  2. STC rebates by zone

    Brisbane is Zone 3, Townsville Zone 3 and Cairns Zone 3. Businesses in inland postcodes such as Mount Isa (Zone 2) and Winton (Zone 1) receive up to 37% more in STC value than Melbourne businesses.

  3. High cooling demand

    Queensland's warm climate means businesses spend heavily on air conditioning. Solar output peaks when cooling demand is highest, directly offsetting your most expensive energy use.

  4. 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 and grants

QLD businesses can combine federal STCs with state and federal incentives that reduce the cost of going solar.

  • STC Zones 1 to 3

    Up to $3,078 per 10kW (Zone 1)

    Queensland spans STC Zones 1 to 3. Brisbane is Zone 3, Townsville Zone 3 and Cairns Zone 3; inland postcodes such as Mount Isa (Zone 2) and Winton (Zone 1) receive more STCs per kilowatt. STCs cover systems under 100kW, a ceiling that rises to 1MW on 1 October 2026.

  • BEST program

    Grants and co-funding available

    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.

  • Instant asset write-off

    Full system cost deductible

    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.

  • More solar yield

    5.0 to 5.4 peak sun hours a day

    Queensland gets more sunshine than the southern states, so your panels generate more energy per kilowatt installed. Higher output means faster payback and greater savings.

Commercial solar system sizes for Queensland

Pricing reflects Queensland factors including STC zone values, solar yield and local installation costs. QLD systems generate more energy per kilowatt than southern states. Daily output assumes Brisbane's 5.0 peak sun hours.

  • 30kW

    $22,000 to $30,000*

    Small business, retail store, cafe

    Panels
    60 to 75
    Daily output
    128kWh
    Payback
    2.5 to 4 years
    Annual savings
    $9,000 to $13,000/yr

  • 50kW

    $38,000 to $50,000*

    Medium warehouse, office building

    Panels
    100 to 125
    Daily output
    213kWh
    Payback
    2.5 to 4 years
    Annual savings
    $15,000 to $22,000/yr

  • 100kW

    $78,000 to $100,000*

    Large commercial, manufacturing

    Panels
    200 to 250
    Daily output
    425kWh
    Payback
    2 to 4 years
    Annual savings
    $30,000 to $44,000/yr

*Prices after the federal STC rebate for QLD Zones 1 to 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 returns at a glance

The figures to check when you weigh up a commercial system in Queensland.
Average electricity rate
26 to 35c/kWh
Solar generation (per kW)
4.3 to 4.6 kWh/day
STC zone
Zone 1 to 3 (Brisbane 3)
STC value (50kW, Zone 3)
~$13,110
Typical payback (50kW)
2.5 to 4 years
10-year ROI
300 to 450%
25-year savings (50kW)
$400,000 to $550,000

Commercial solar Queensland FAQs

How much does commercial solar cost in Queensland?
Commercial solar in Queensland costs approximately $0.78 to $1.00 per watt installed after STC rebates. A 30kW system costs around $22,000 to $30,000, a 50kW system around $38,000 to $50,000, and a 100kW system around $78,000 to $100,000. Brisbane is STC Zone 3, and businesses in inland postcodes such as Mount Isa (Zone 2) and Winton (Zone 1) get bigger upfront rebates.
How do STC zones work for Queensland businesses?
Queensland spans STC Zones 1 to 3. The STC system allocates more certificates per kilowatt in sunnier regions because systems generate more electricity over their lifetime. Brisbane is Zone 3, Townsville Zone 3 and Cairns Zone 3. Inland postcodes such as Winton (Zone 1) receive approximately 37% more STCs than Melbourne (Zone 4), translating to thousands more in upfront savings on a large system.
What 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.
How 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 the southern states because the panels produce more over a year. Businesses in northern QLD (Townsville, Cairns) can achieve payback in as little as 2 to 3 years.
Is Queensland the best state for commercial solar?
Queensland offers some of the best commercial solar economics in Australia thanks to strong sunshine (5.0 to 5.4 peak sun hours a day, from Brisbane to the inland), federal STCs, and competitive installation costs. While electricity rates are slightly lower than NSW or VIC, the higher energy generation more than makes up for it.
Can 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 STC rebates, this can cut the effective out-of-pocket cost sharply. Consult your accountant for eligibility.
What 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 Queensland's stronger sun, systems generate more per kilowatt, so you may need a slightly smaller system than in southern states to achieve the same output.

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