Commercial Solar Systems
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Commercial Solar
Systems -
The Commercial Solar Rebate
(STCs,. LGCs and VEECS) - Financing Commercial Solar Systems
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Monitoring and
Maintenance - Case Studies
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Ready To Get Started
With Solar?
Commercial Solar Systems
Considering taking your commercial property’s utilities in a more renewable direction? Learn more about commercial solar systems and solar panels for your business.
Across Victoria, more businesses than ever are making the choice to power their properties with solar. What was once considered a niche solution has quickly risen in popularity for a variety of reasons:
- Solar systems in Melbourne have become very cost-effective, quickly paying back the installation cost from energy savings over time (typically 2 to 5 year payback)
- Solar energy is renewable and environmentally-friendly – a great option to reduce your carbon emissions and protect the environment.
- Solar has become more accessible than ever due to increased policy allowance and advanced technology.
- Solar energy provides an immediate boost to your company’s brand recognition and reputation as a forward-thinking, ethical business.
Are you interested in moving toward commercial solar power and adding solar panels to your property? Read on to learn more about how solar systems operate in Australia, and how you can bring the benefits of renewable energy to your business with Total Solar Solutions Australia.
Commercial Solar Rebates (STCS, LGCS AND VEECS)
Choosing the correct solar panel rebate pathway can have enormous financial benefits.
In Victoria, there are three main government incentive schemes for businesses installing solar. If your solar system capacity is under 100 kW, you may benefit from the Small-Scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate – a point-of-sale (i.e. upfront) rebate payment that is calculated based on expected carbon emissions the solar will abate between now and the end of 2030.
If your system is larger, you can still claim lucrative rebates with Large-Scale Technology Certificates (LGCs). This incentive is paid out over time up to the end of 2030, based on the actual production of the solar system until the end of the scheme. To access this scheme we register you as an accredited ‘power station’ with the Australian Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and we install extra hardware to carefully track the system’s performance over time.
Finally, for larger systems (typically starting from 250 kW and over) we can also explore claiming Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs). Until recently, solar systems were not eligible under this scheme. However, changes to the Victorian Government’s program have meant that businesses wanting larger solar systems may have the option of an even more lucrative rebate pathway. This scheme is more complex and has more eligibility conditions compared to STCs or LGCs, so get in touch if you’d like to lean more about this option.
For clients with large sites or a portfolio of sites, we take the time to explore different rebate schemes with you, to maximise return on investment benefit and minimise project risk. Regardless of the incentive you are eligible for, taking advantage of these rebates can help make renewable energy a possibility for your commercial business. A commercial solar panel expert at Total Solar Solutions Australia can help you gain a better understanding of your incentive and rebate potential.
Financing A Commercial Solar System
Start saving now with solar for no upfront cost
Despite the clear benefits of solar for most businesses, we understand tight cash flow and upfront installation costs may be a barrier to getting started. To help customers make their solar dreams a reality, Total Solar Solutions reduce energy costs through a range of solar financing options suited to specific business needs.
We are experts in identifying the best solar finance package that yields net positive cash flows for your business – this means that your savings would be far greater than the finance repayments. Under finance, you could lock in solar energy price certainty for a term length of your choice (from 5 to 30 years), bringing you immediate savings, and then own the system outright at the end of term.
Solar finance can take a variety of forms such as traditional finance including Operating Leases, Chattel Mortgages, Commercial Loans, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or Environmental Upgrade Finance (EUF). Whether through financing, payment plans, or commercial loans, Total Solar Solutions Australia can help most businesses quickly increase cash flows with solar, without any upfront costs whatsoever. Contact the Total Solar Solutions Australia team to learn more about payment and financing options.
Monitoring and Maintenance
“You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”
A quality solar panel system with quality equipment and installed by competent tradespeople has the potential to last 20 years or more. So it’s tempting to think of it as a ‘set and forget’ asset on your roof. Unfortunately, we often receive calls from businesses who got their systems from other solar installers, now looking for support to check if it is functional and how it can be serviced to perform as intended.
Proper system monitoring and proactive maintenance is highly recommended for every solar system. An separate Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Agreement with a competent provider, which clearly states the frequency of panel cleaning, system health and electrical safety tests, along with response times and repercussions for failing to honour the agreement, are recommended contract inclusions.
Lastly, poor performance or high maintenance requirements can be due to poor design choices for the environment in which it is installed. When selecting your solar system installer, consider whether the design allows for safe and practical access across your rooftop to service the solar panels and other rooftop plant including skylights, heating/cooling units, ventilation and gutters. If your site is particularly dusty or near trees, this needs to be factored into the design and maintenance plan.
Talk to us about how we can optimise your system design to maximise performance and also put in place an Operations & Maintenance Agreement to protect your valuable asset for many years into the future.
Case Studies
Retirement Village – Pakenham
In August 2024, our team of installers completed a 97kw solar system for a large Retirement Village in the outer South-Eastern suburbs wanted to save money on their electrical bills running the Community Centre/Clubhouse.
Read More
GLASS EXPANSION – PORT MELBOURNE
Large manufacturer of specialised medical glass products. Total Solar was approached as Glass Expansion sought to deal with a reputable installer who could provide quality advice and installation.
Read More
Tradie Wraps By MotoSign goes Green!
Recently we assisted local company, TradieWraps go green on their Kilsyth HQ!
Read More
Turn the Corner
Commercial premise – the business needed to remain open and operating while the solar system was being installed.
Read More
Knox & District Woodworkers Club
As a community men’s group they wanted to engage a local company. As it is a council building there was additional requirement to provide proof of all licences and insurances.
Read MoreReady To Get Started With Solar?
What to expect from your initial solar consultation
If you are ready to get started with bringing commercial solar solutions to your business, the first step is to schedule an initial consultation with an installation company. At Total Solar Solutions, our expert commercial team will work with you to analyse your property and energy usage, and present what a solar system installation will look like for your business.
A typical commercial solar consultation will include:
- Tour of your facility to determine location of hardware installation and electrical connection.
- Conversation about your business, your energy usage and electricity tariffs.
- Determination of the amount of solar power capacity your site would benefit from.
- Presentation of proposal with expected financial and environmental performance
As a leading commercial solar company in Melbourne, Total Solar Solutions Australia is ready to help you navigate the process of bringing solar to your commercial property. If you are ready to learn more, contact the team at Total Solar Solutions Australia today to set up your initial consultation.
