When is the best time to install solar?

Go live before summer

The most effective time to install solar is when your energy use and long‑term plans align. Solar panels generate almost twice as much energy in summer as they do in winter, so installing ahead of peak production ensures an immediate return and helps with the initial cost outlay of your system.

Act when grants and rebates are providing the most return

Federal solar rebates  normally reduce each year on December 31, which means that acting sooner secures greater financial support.

Under the existing Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme for solar panels, supply for small-scale technology certificates (STCs; the mechanism which provides the upfront discount on your installation) will reduce all the way through to 2030 when the existing program ends. On average, this will equate to a 4% – 5% annual increase on the cost of new installations.

For the cheaper battery rebate, the number of STCs awarded per kWh will decrease by ~10% at the end of this year, through to total ~50% decrease at the end of the program in 2030.

Under this scheme, installing an eligible systems allows you to create STCs, with a value that can be redeemed by selling or assigning them.

When you install or upgrade your solar system, a retailer or installer can apply for the STCs and sells them for you. The value is discounted from your quote, so you get the rebate upfront and pay less initially. The maximum discount you can receive for STCs for solar and batteries reduces at the end of this year, so if an upgrade or install is in your business plan, it may be worth fast-tracking works, especially given summer is just around the corner.

What size solar system should you install

Biggest isn’t always better. Oversizing often adds unnecessary costs without improving return on investment. We advise you look at how your business uses energy 24/7 not only the kWh consumed Monday to Friday.

The first step is to look at improving your energy efficiency:

• Upgrade to LED lighting
• Modernise appliances
• Improve insulation and shading
• Shift energy use to daylight hours
• Implement Building Management Systems
• Optimise power quality
• Improve the efficiency of heating/cooling equipment
• Map how your business uses energy against your electricity tariff structure

Once energy waste is reduced, the correct‑sized solar and battery storage system can be designed to match your actual demand profile. This approach lowers upfront costs and improves payback time, while also making your business more sustainable by reducing your carbon emissions.

Your installation provider matters

Choosing a solar provider isn’t just about sourcing panels and inverters at the best price. This is a critical asset that will impact your business’s finance for the next 25+ years. Selecting a long-term partner to perform this work is essential, as the quality of the initial analysis, installation and support directly determines your return on investment.

Choosing a strategic partner should achieve three key things

1. Analyse, then design: Your partner should perform a detailed analysis of your energy usage to identify wastage and efficiency opportunities before designing a system. This ensures your system is the correct size for your actual needs, preventing costly oversizing.

3. Manage all compliance: The process of applying for rebates and ensuring regulatory compliance can be complex. A quality partner manages the entire process, guaranteeing you receive the maximum available financial support, like STCs, which are applied as an immediate discount – and they will act fast to ensure you can get the maximum benefit before the deadlines hit.
4. Guarantee quality and safety: A cheap installation often leads to under-performance, safety hazards, and a significantly shorter system lifespan. An expert partner uses quality components and accredited installers to protect your investment and your facility.