Commercial Solar Rebate

The Government Has Just Made Commercial Solar Around 20% More Affordable

The Federal Government has announced that from 1 October 2026, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) will expand from 100kW to 1MW.

For businesses, farms, schools, and manufacturing facilities across Townsville and North Queensland, this is one of the biggest commercial solar announcements in years.

Commercial Solar

This Is Exactly What We've Been Waiting For

At True North Solar, we’ve never believed commercial solar is just about installing panels.

For years, we’ve been designing complete commercial energy solutions that help local businesses reduce operating costs and take control of rising electricity prices.

Whether it’s a warehouse, school, manufacturing facility, farm, shopping centre, or sporting club, we’ve already been helping North Queensland businesses turn unused roof space into long-term savings.

20% Upfront Discount

From 1 October 2026 (Pending), systems up to 1MW qualify for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). Save roughly 20% off total system costs directly on your installation quote.

Massive Capital Savings

Reduce upfront capital expenditure significantly. Save ~$68,000 on a 250kW system, ~$136,000 on a 500kW system, and up to $250,000 on 1MW installations.

No 100kW Limit or LRET Hassle

You no longer need to cap systems at 99kW or manage complex Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs). Get simple point-of-sale discounts up to 1,000kW.

Accelerated Payback & ROI

Combining a 20% discount with Townsville’s abundant sunshine delivers 30%–40% ROI, shortening payback periods to just a few years.

Why This Matters

The Numbers Behind the Incentive

Imagine reducing the cost of a commercial solar system by around 20% before it’s even switched on. Under the expanded SRES framework, STC discounts apply to systems up to 10 times larger than before.

For small businesses paying daytime commercial electricity rates around $0.36/kWh (forecast to rise steadily over the next decade), installing commercial solar locks in a generation cost of between $0.05 and $0.07/kWh for 25+ years.

Upfront Rebate Breakdown

System Sizing	Old Status (Pre-Oct 2026)	New Status (From 1 Oct 2026)	Estimated Upfront Rebate Savings
100kW System	Qualified for STCs	Qualifies for STCs	~$27,000 – $36,000 off
250kW System	Forced into LRET scheme	Qualifies for Upfront STC Discount	~$68,000 off
500kW System	Forced into LRET scheme	Qualifies for Upfront STC Discount	~$136,000 off
1,000kW (1MW)	Forced into LRET scheme	Qualifies for Upfront STC Discount	Up to ~$250,000 off

What is included in every commercial solar installation

Commercial site assessment and custom system design

We analyse your electricity interval data, roof space, and operating hours to design a commercial solar array engineered for maximum self-consumption and optimal payback.

Full Ergon Energy grid connection

Skip the regulatory headache. True North Solar handles your entire Ergon Energy grid connection application, protection relay settings, and export compliance from start to finish.

System commissioning, monitoring setup, and walkthrough completed

We don’t just leave once the panels are mounted. We commission your array, configure live energy monitoring tools, and walk you through system operation in person.

Quality commercial-grade panels and inverters

North Queensland weather demands heavy-duty hardware. We specify tier-1 commercial equipment and framing systems built to withstand extreme Wind Region C and D cyclone conditions.

Upfront STC rebate calculation deducted directly

No waiting around for government reimbursements. We calculate your STC entitlement upfront and apply the ~20% rebate directly as a point-of-sale discount on your installation quote.

Ongoing support, maintenance, and aftercare

Based right here in Townsville, our team provides ongoing performance checks, routine maintenance, and rapid local aftercare to ensure your system performs for decades.

Why Choose Us

Why Partner with True North Solar?

We have designed and installed commercial solar systems across a wide range of businesses and industries throughout North Queensland, from Townsville and Charters Towers through to Croydon, Hughenden, Richmond and Mount Isa. Our experience includes everything from retail and commercial premises to agricultural, industrial and mining sites, where each project requires a tailored approach to energy use, site conditions and operational requirements.

Townsville’s Original Local Team

We live and work in North Queensland. Our in-house solar designers and accredited electricians manage your installation end-to-end.

Cyclone-Rated Engineering

Tropical conditions require heavy-duty engineering. Our racking systems are built to meet strict Wind Region C and D cyclone compliance standards.

Ergon Energy Grid Experts

We handle all grid applications, dynamic export constraints, and protection relay paperwork directly with Ergon Energy.

Cashflow Positive Finance

Explore cash purchases, green loans, or PPAs where monthly power bill savings exceed your finance repayments from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new 1MW commercial solar rebate start?

The expanded scheme officially commences on 1 October 2026, raising the SRES capacity limit from 100kW to 1MW.

Is my Townsville or North Queensland business eligible?

If you are installing a commercial solar system up to 1MW after the scheme takes effect, you qualify. Roof space, electrical infrastructure, and daytime load profiles determine optimal sizing.

How is the 20% discount applied?

You do not need to submit government applications or wait for reimbursements. True North Solar calculates the STC rebate value and deducts it directly off your quote upfront as a point-of-sale discount.

Can we combine this rebate with battery storage?

Yes! The solar STC rebate applies to your solar panels and inverters, while separate federal battery subsidies (up to $18,000) can be applied simultaneously to an eligible commercial battery system.

Interested in the new commercial solar rebate?

Talk to our team. We'll provide more information and check your eligibility.

OUR REVIEWS

What Our Customers Say

4.9Based on 185 reviews

Bob Tomeia week ago

Excellent, from Rob coming to quote the job to installation I couldn’t be happier. Great local company and highly recommend.

Keith Christiea week ago

The installation of the solar system was carried out with true excellence. The system has performed well and has helped in the cost of our power . We have since the first installation in 2023 have just had more panels installed to help reduce the cost of power even more . I have used True North Solar on both supplies and installation. May I say try hey have shown excellence in the product and install. It would be great for others from their example . Top Job and thanks again .

Jennifer Mortensena week ago

I am extremely happy with the work these gentlemen did .we did have a slight hiccup ,True North Solar got onto it straight away very much appreciated the quick response from them .Very happy customer.

Bryan Glancya week ago

TNS were very professional from the beginning providing technical advice, recommendations/options with reasons why, and followed up with their commitment of a timely installation. The installation being retrofitted into an existing home was neat and tidy and their workforce very considerate. TNS provided their support post installation when we changed our internet provider with a new modem.

Kevin Hawkea week ago

We are very pleased with our solar and are nearly back to our normal energy situation ,we can only thank True North Solar for that result ,their prompt and efficient service was a result of our now great result .

Johna month ago

We had the pleasure of having Rob from True North Solar review our home for additional solar panels, as well as adding a battery system. Rob acted in both an efficient and professional manner throughout the whole process, leaving us with no doubts that the recommended system would suit our needs. Nick and the installation team not only did a great job with the installation, but left the premises spotless. Any questions were answered in both a professional and friendly manner. We could not rate True North Solar any more highly, they deliver a high quality product and exceptional service. Thank you John and Kayleen Grasso.

Jerry and the Tilemakersa month ago

Excellent service from the True North Solar team. Professional, reliable, and easy to work with. The installation was completed efficiently, and everything was explained clearly. Very happy with our new solar system and highly recommend them.

Tim Whelan2 months ago

I used True North Solar 12 years ago, I did a search and found them still going, a good sign this day and age. Kash was still there too. Kash looked at the job, quoted and got the installation done. The installation boys did an excellent job, very neat and all good to get on with. Over all I could not rate the crew from True North Solar high enough. I recommend them to all who ask about our solar system. Cheers Tim.

Simone Iturriaga3 months ago

True North Solar have completed fitting solar to our house and we couldn’t be happier with the all round service. Administration staff were polite, helpful and prompt with any request and technical staff were professional and knowledgeable with their installation. Nick and Jordan worked together seamlessly and stepped us through everything we needed to know. Their work was neat and efficient and we would highly recommend True North Solar to anyone with solar needs.

Rodney Ambrose7 months ago

True North Solar put our solar system on 2 1/2 years ago and we have just had them add batteries to it. With both installations we had lots questions that were quickly answered because of their extensive knowledge of solar systems. The employees that were on site doing the installations were very approachable regarding any questions on the day and were very respectful. We highly recommend them to anyone thinking about installing solar.