Australia expands Small‑scale Renewable Energy Scheme for commercial rooftops

Australia’s Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen announced that the Small‑scale Renewable Energy Scheme will be extended to commercial buildings, raising the eligibility cap from 100 kW to 1 MW. The change takes effect on 1 October and is expected to cut upfront costs for commercial solar projects by about 20%, making rooftop solar more affordable for factories, distribution centres, shopping malls, farms, schools, offices, cold‑storage facilities and logistics warehouses.

The government estimates a 250 kW system could save roughly AU$68,000 on installation and generate 345 MWh of electricity annually, while an 850 kW system could reduce upfront expenses by more than AU$230,000. Details such as how Small‑scale Technology Certificates will be applied across the larger system sizes and the treatment of contracts signed before the rollout remain to be clarified, prompting businesses to verify eligibility timing before signing new agreements.