---
title: "Major Expansion of Australia\'s Small-scale Renewable Scheme Set to Benefit More Businesses"
url: "https://halcolenergy.com.au/solar-news/major-expansion-of-australias-small-scale-renewable-scheme-set-to-benefit-more-businesses/"
site_name: "Halcol Energy"
content_type: "article"
breadcrumbs: "Home > Solar News > Major Expansion of Australia\'s Small-scale Renewable Scheme Set to Benefit More Businesses"
description: "Australia’s renewable energy transition has received another significant boost, with the Federal Government announcing a major expansion of the Small-s..."
keywords: "Solar News"
language: "en"
categories:
  - "Solar News"
word_count: 515
reading_time: "3 min read"
summary: "Australia\'s renewable energy transition has received another significant boost, with the Federal Government announcing a major expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). The chang..."
last_modified: "2026-08-05T13:04:11+10:00"
schema_type: "Article"
related_posts:
  - title: "Who deserves our 13.3kW Solar System?"
    url: "https://halcolenergy.com.au/solar-news/who-deserves-our-13-3kw-solar-system/"
  - title: "Halcol Energy in Queensland’s Top 10 Solar Installers for 2024"
    url: "https://halcolenergy.com.au/solar-news/halcol-energy-in-queenslands-top-10-solar-installers-for-2024/"
  - title: "Top Reasons Your Solar System Might Stop Working"
    url: "https://halcolenergy.com.au/solar-news/top-reasons-your-solar-system-might-stop-working/"
estimated_tokens: 670
---

# Major Expansion of Australia's Small-scale Renewable Scheme Set to Benefit More Businesses

![](https://halcolenergy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/backpage-800x533.jpeg)

Australia’s renewable energy transition has received another significant boost, with the Federal Government announcing a major expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

The changes are designed to help more businesses, schools, farms, warehouses and community organisations reduce their electricity costs by making larger rooftop solar systems more affordable. The expansion aims to unlock Australia’s “missing middle” – the commercial and industrial buildings that have significant rooftop space but have historically missed out on the same level of support as households.

## What Is Changing?

Until now, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme has primarily supported smaller solar installations.

Under the expanded scheme, businesses will be able to access Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) for rooftop solar systems up to **1 megawatt (1MW)** – a substantial increase from the previous 100kW limit.

This means many more commercial properties will be eligible for an upfront discount on the cost of installing solar.

## Why This Matters

Australia has embraced rooftop solar on homes, but commercial rooftops remain one of the country’s biggest untapped renewable energy opportunities.

Large buildings such as:

- Warehouses
- Manufacturing facilities
- Shopping centres
- Schools
- Agricultural buildings
- Commercial offices

often have extensive roof space that can generate significant amounts of electricity while reducing operating costs.

## Lower Upfront Costs for Businesses

The expanded scheme is expected to reduce the upfront cost of eligible commercial solar installations by around **20%**, making larger systems more financially attractive for businesses looking to reduce long-term electricity expenses.

Combined with ongoing electricity price pressures, improved solar technology and attractive finance options, the announcement provides another compelling reason for businesses to investigate rooftop solar.

## Helping Businesses Take Control of Energy Costs

For many businesses, electricity is one of the largest ongoing operating expenses.

Installing a correctly designed solar system can help:

- Reduce daytime electricity costs
- Improve cash flow
- Increase protection against future electricity price rises
- Improve sustainability credentials
- Reduce reliance on the grid

For businesses operating primarily during daylight hours, solar often delivers the greatest financial benefit because much of the energy generated can be consumed immediately on-site.

## What This Means for Queensland Businesses

Here in South East Queensland, businesses are ideally positioned to benefit from abundant sunshine and excellent solar generation throughout the year.

Whether you operate a warehouse, factory, office, retail premises or agricultural facility, the expanded Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme could significantly reduce the upfront investment required to install a commercial solar system.

Every business is different, so the ideal system size will depend on your energy usage, roof space and future growth plans.

## How Halcol Energy Can Help

At Halcol Energy, we design and install commercial solar systems tailored to the needs of Queensland businesses.

Our experienced team can:

- Assess your current electricity usage
- Design a system to maximise your return on investment
- Explain the available incentives
- Manage the installation from start to finish
- Help future-proof your business against rising energy costs

If you’ve been considering commercial solar, the expansion of the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme makes now an excellent time to explore your options.

[Contact Halcol Energy today](https://halcolenergy.com.au/contact/) to arrange a commercial solar assessment and discover how much your business could save.


---

_View the original post at: [https://halcolenergy.com.au/solar-news/major-expansion-of-australias-small-scale-renewable-scheme-set-to-benefit-more-businesses/](https://halcolenergy.com.au/solar-news/major-expansion-of-australias-small-scale-renewable-scheme-set-to-benefit-more-businesses/)_  
_Served as markdown by [Third Audience](https://github.com/third-audience) v3.6.1_  
_Generated: 2026-10-10 23:51:54 UTC_