The program is designed to support eligible businesses to save money on their energy bills by reducing the upfront cost of their solar installation.

The announcement included information on the eligibility for small businesses on how they will be able to apply for rebates through Solar Victoria from May this year. The Solar for Business Program will cover up to 50% of the cost of a rooftop solar system with small businesses eligible for a rebate up to a maximum of $3500.

This new initiative will support hardworking small businesses to reduce costs, recover from the impacts of coronavirus (COVID‑19) and join the renewable revolution. This is the first time 15,000 solar rebates will be available for small businesses, joining more than half a million Victorian households saving hundreds a year off their power bills.

Rebates will be available to small businesses operating from non-residential premises with less than 20 staff for systems with a capacity up to 30kW. The systems must be delivered by a retailer or installer registered with the Solar Homes Program. The 30kW capacity is around 5 times the size of the average household solar systems installed under the Solar Homes Program.

Small businesses that meet the following criteria will be eligible to participate in the program:

• Own a business with fewer than 20 employees.
• Operate from premises that are not considered residential.
• Operate from premises that are individually metered.
• Have your system installed by an approved solar retailer as detailed on Solar Victoria's website.
• Install a solar system with a PV capacity size up to 30kW, and detailed on the Solar Homes approved product list.

Stakeholders – including representative bodies such as the Council of Small Business Victoria, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Victorian Small Business Commission – were consulted during the development of the program and support the initiative.

Interested businesses can register now at Solar Victoria.