NECA welcomes expansion of rooftop solar support for Australian businesses, farms and communities

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) welcomes the Australian Government’s decision to expand the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). The scheme will support solar installations of up to 1 megawatt, opening the benefits of rooftop solar to thousands more Australian businesses, farms and community organisations and cutting the upfront cost of installing eligible medium-sized solar systems by around 20 percent.

NECA CEO Stewart Joyce said the announcement was a practical measure that would help Australian businesses reduce energy costs while supporting the workforce responsible for delivering the nation’s clean energy transition.

“This is a significant step forward for Australian businesses, farms and community organisations that have been increasingly looking to rooftop solar to manage rising energy costs and improve their energy security.

“For too long, the 100kW limit has left many larger energy users unable to access the same support that has helped drive the extraordinary uptake of rooftop solar among Australian households.

“Expanding the scheme to 1MW gets the settings much closer to where the market actually is. It means a much broader range of businesses, agricultural operations, schools, hospitals and community organisations can install a solar system that properly matches their electricity needs.”

The financial impact could be substantial.

Under the proposed expansion, a 250kW solar installation could receive an estimated $68,000 reduction in upfront installation costs, while a 500kW system could receive an estimated $136,000 discount.

The savings continue after installation. A 250kW system could generate around 345MWh of electricity annually and save a medium-sized enterprise approximately $50,000 a year in electricity costs. An 850kW system could deliver estimated annual savings of around $175,000.

“For a farm, manufacturer, retailer, warehouse or community organisation, tens of thousands of dollars in annual energy savings can have a real impact on viability, investment and jobs,” Mr Joyce said.

“This is about more than putting panels on rooftops. It is about making Australian businesses more productive and competitive while reducing pressure from volatile energy prices.”

Mr Joyce said the reform would also strengthen the electrical contracting industry, which is central to delivering Australia’s clean energy transition.

“Australia’s energy transition will only succeed if we have the skilled electrical contractors and electricians needed to deliver it.

“NECA members are already installing the infrastructure that is moving Australia towards a cleaner, more resilient energy system. This announcement creates another pipeline of work for electrical contractors across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia.”

The expansion will also support Australia’s broader clean energy targets, while increasing the amount of electricity generated close to where it is consumed.

“We support policies that make renewable energy more accessible while ensuring the work is delivered safely, competently and to the required standards.” Mr Joyce said.

“NECA looks forward to working with government and industry to make sure this opportunity translates into real investment, lower energy costs and more Australian businesses powered by Australian renewable energy.”