Commercial Solar Victoria
Victorian businesses benefit from VEU certificates, federal STCs (Zone 4), and instant asset write-off. Get competitive quotes from vetted commercial solar installers across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Why Commercial Solar in Victoria?
Despite receiving less sunshine than northern states, Victoria's high commercial electricity rates and generous VEU certificate scheme make commercial solar a strong investment. Victorian businesses typically achieve 3-5 year payback periods.
High Electricity Rates
Victorian commercial rates of 27-36c/kWh are among the highest in Australia. Solar replaces these costs with free energy for 25+ years.
VEU Certificate Value
Victoria's VEU program provides some of the most valuable state-based certificates in Australia, reducing your system cost by thousands of dollars beyond federal STCs.
Summer Peak Demand
Melbourne's hot summers drive high cooling demand that aligns with peak solar production. Solar directly offsets expensive peak-period electricity consumption.
Tax Benefits
Combine VEU certificates with instant asset write-off to dramatically reduce the effective cost. A $50K system could save $15K+ in tax deductions alone.
Victorian Commercial Solar Incentives & Grants
Victorian businesses have access to state and federal incentives that significantly reduce the cost of commercial solar installations.
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)
Victorian businesses earn Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) through the VEU program when installing solar. These certificates are tradeable and reduce your effective system cost significantly.
$2,500-$18,000+ in certificatesFederal STCs (Zone 4)
Victoria falls in STC Zone 4. While slightly lower than northern states, STCs still provide substantial upfront discounts for commercial systems under 100kW.
Up to $3,000 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 deductibleCommercial Feed-in Tariffs
Victorian businesses can export excess solar energy to the grid. While feed-in tariffs are modest, they provide additional revenue and offset evening energy costs.
4-7c/kWh export rateCommercial Solar System Sizes for Victoria
Pricing reflects Victorian-specific factors including VEU certificate values, Zone 4 STC allocation, and local installation costs.
| System Size | Panels | Daily Output | Best For | Cost (after STCs)* | Payback | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30kW | 60-75 | 100kWh | Small business, retail store, cafe | $26,000-$35,000 | 3-5 years | $7,500-$11,000/yr |
| 50kW | 100-125 | 165kWh | Medium warehouse, office building | $44,000-$58,000 | 3-5 years | $13,000-$18,000/yr |
| 100kW | 200-250 | 330kWh | Large commercial, manufacturing | $88,000-$115,000 | 3-5 years | $25,000-$36,000/yr |
*Prices after federal STC rebate for Victoria Zone 4. VEU certificate values provide additional savings. Actual costs vary by location, roof complexity, and electrical upgrades required.
Victorian Commercial Solar ROI Overview
Key figures for evaluating commercial solar returns in Victoria.
Victorian Business Solar Case Studies
Real results from Victorian businesses that have gone solar.
Manufacturing Facility
Heavy machinery running during business hours aligns with solar generation. VEU certificates reduced upfront cost by $12,000. Battery added for demand management.
Office Building
Multi-tenant office with high HVAC load in summer. Solar covers 70% of daytime consumption. Instant asset write-off saved the business $16,000 in tax.
Cold Storage Warehouse
Continuous refrigeration load benefits from solar generation during peak pricing hours. Large flat roof provided ample space for optimal panel orientation.
Commercial Solar Victoria FAQs
helpHow much does commercial solar cost in Victoria?
Commercial solar in Victoria costs approximately $0.88-$1.15 per watt installed after STC rebates. A 30kW system costs around $26,000-$35,000, a 50kW system around $44,000-$58,000, and a 100kW system around $88,000-$115,000. VEU certificates provide additional savings on top of federal STCs.
helpWhat are Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) certificates?
The VEU program (formerly VEET) creates Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) when businesses install energy-saving equipment including solar. These certificates have tradeable market value and are typically claimed by your installer, who passes the savings on as a discount on your system price.
helpWhat STC zone is Victoria in?
Victoria is in STC Zone 4. While this provides slightly fewer STCs than northern states in Zone 1-3, Victorian businesses still receive substantial upfront discounts. For a 50kW system, this translates to approximately $13,000-$16,000 in STC value applied as an upfront discount.
helpIs commercial solar worth it in Melbourne with less sun?
Yes. While Melbourne gets around 3.3 peak sun hours daily (less than Brisbane or Sydney), Victoria has higher commercial electricity rates and generous VEU certificates that compensate. Payback periods of 3-5 years are typical. The economics are driven more by electricity prices than sunshine hours alone.
helpHow long is the payback period for commercial solar in Melbourne?
Typical payback periods for commercial solar in Melbourne and greater Victoria range from 3 to 5 years depending on electricity rates, usage patterns, and system size. Businesses with high daytime energy consumption and those who can maximise self-consumption see faster payback.
helpCan Victorian businesses claim instant asset write-off for solar?
Yes, eligible Victorian 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 Victorian business?
The ideal system size depends on your energy consumption, roof space, and operating hours. Most Victorian businesses install systems between 30kW and 100kW. We analyse your electricity bills and load profile to recommend the optimal size that maximises self-consumption and minimises payback period.
Ready to Go Solar for Your Victorian Business?
Get a free business case analysis and competitive quotes from vetted commercial solar installers across Melbourne and Victoria. No obligation, no cost.