Solar Coaster Podcast (AUS)

Special Edition: C&I Subsidy Update

• Supply Partners • Episode 12

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0:00 | 49:55

 

The economics of commercial solar and battery storage have shifted. In this special edition, Lliam Ricketts and Andrew Thomson are joined by Aaron Jenkins, Director of EcoVantage, to break down the two biggest incentive stories in the Australian C&I market right now. 

First up, NSW. The 2026 Energy Security Safeguard rule changes have updated the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme, creating new battery activities including BESS4 for small and medium businesses and BESS5 for commercial and industrial sites with batteries from 200 kWh up to 30 MWh. Aaron explains how Peak Reduction Certificates are created and traded, who the key players are, and why the certificate market is nothing like a traditional grant. 

Then Victoria, where the Victorian Energy Upgrades program now covers commercial solar from 30 kW to 200 kW through VEECs. For years, projects stopped at 100 kW to stay within STC eligibility. This changes the maths. Aaron covers how VEECs compare with STCs and LGCs, and Andrew explains when it makes sense to size beyond 100 kW. 

Throughout the episode, Andrew shares real feasibility modelling from Orkestra, showing what these incentives do to payback periods and why proper modelling matters before you put savings in front of a customer. 

If you're an installer, business owner or commercial property operator, this one's worth your time. And if you've got a C&I job on the table, call your Business Account Manager or get in touch with the Supply Partners Tech team. We can help with feasibility modelling and system sizing so your subsidy numbers actually stack up. 

 ABOUT THE PODCAST:
Welcome to the Solar Coaster! A podcast for navigating through the ups and downs of the Australian Solar and Energy Industry. Hosted by the Supply Partners Technical team and joined by industry professionals each episode to help you turn chaos into stability. We'll be talking about solar, batteries, EVs, Electrification and much more, so sit back and enjoy the ride.


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