Published

5 months ago

April 4, 2025

Alice Rush

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, cost efficiency is more critical than ever. One of the most effective ways to boost business savings with solar power in Australia.

Solar energy cuts electricity bills and provides long-term financial benefits and environmental advantages. In this blog, we’ll explore how switching to solar can boost business savings and why it’s a smart investment for companies across Australia.

In this blog post:

A Simple Guide to Commercial Solar

Commercial solar power uses solar panels to turn sunlight into electricity. Many businesses are now switching to solar because it helps lower electricity costs and reduces environmental impact.

Unlike home solar systems, commercial solar setups are much larger, allowing businesses to generate more energy to meet their needs. The size of a commercial solar system depends on how much electricity a company uses and how much space is available.

Small systems under 30 kW usually have up to 100 panels, while medium-sized systems range from 30 to 60 kW. Larger systems exceed 60 kW and generate even more power.

Since commercial solar systems are more significant than home systems, they can accommodate more panels and produce more electricity. This is especially useful for businesses with large rooftops and high energy usage.

Although commercial solar offers many benefits, there are some challenges. The larger size means installation costs are higher, and the setup is more complex.

More significant systems require careful engineering to connect correctly to the electricity grid, and systems with an inverter capacity of more than 30 kW need special safety equipment to ensure smooth operation.

Solar panel technology has improved, making commercial solar power more efficient and cost-effective. Ten years ago, the best commercial panels could only convert around 22 to 25 percent of sunlight into electricity.

Today, advancements in solar cell technology allow businesses to generate even more power from the same number of panels, making solar energy a more attractive investment.

Switching to commercial solar power provides several long-term benefits. By generating their own electricity, businesses can significantly reduce their energy bills and become less dependent on traditional power sources.

At the same time, solar power helps lower carbon emissions, allowing businesses to operate more sustainably. Installing a solar system can also increase the value of a commercial property, making it a smart financial investment.

To make the most of solar energy, businesses should choose high-quality equipment and work with experienced installers. A well-designed and properly installed system will provide reliable energy and long-term savings for years.

Why Australian Businesses Should Invest in Solar Power

Rising Energy Costs in Australia

Electricity prices in Australia have been on a steady rise due to factors such as increased demand, ageing infrastructure, and fluctuating fuel costs. Businesses often bear the brunt of these rising costs, and finding cost-effective energy solutions is crucial.

By transitioning to solar power, companies can significantly lower their electricity expenses and achieve excellent financial stability.

Government Incentives and Rebates for Solar Energy

To encourage the adoption of renewable energy, the Australian government offers various incentives and rebates to businesses that invest in solar power. Some of these include:

Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) are financial incentives for businesses installing small solar systems (under 100kW).

Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) are for businesses with larger solar installations. These certificates can be sold or traded to offset installation costs.

Instant Asset Write-off is for businesses that can claim tax deductions for the purchase and installation of solar systems.

These incentives make solar energy an even more attractive and affordable investment for businesses looking to cut costs.

How Solar Power Reduces Business Costs

Lower Electricity Bills with Solar Energy

One of the most immediate benefits of switching to solar is the significant reduction in electricity bills. By generating their power, businesses can reduce their reliance on the grid and protect themselves from future energy price hikes.

Many companies report up to 70% savings on their electricity bills after installing a solar system.

Return on Investment (ROI) for Solar Installations

Although the initial investment in solar power can be substantial, businesses typically experience a strong ROI within a few years.

Most solar systems pay for themselves within 3–5 years through reduced electricity costs and government incentives. With an average lifespan of 25 years or more, solar panels provide long-term savings and a reliable energy source.

Battery Storage for Maximum Savings

Adding battery storage to a solar system allows businesses to store excess energy generated during the day and use it at night or during peak demand hours.

This further reduces reliance on the grid and maximises savings. Businesses that invest in battery storage can also take advantage of additional government incentives for energy storage solutions.

Understanding Solar Power Rebates for Businesses

Solar power rebates help businesses switch to renewable energy by reducing costs. These rebates, offered by the government or energy agencies, encourage businesses to install solar power systems.

By covering part of the upfront cost and providing ongoing benefits, rebates make solar energy more affordable. They also support a cleaner and greener future by helping businesses adopt sustainable energy solutions.

Benefits of Solar Power Rebates

Solar rebates offer many advantages beyond just saving money. First, they help businesses lower their electricity bills, making operations more cost-effective in the long run.

Using solar power also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cutting down carbon emissions and minimising environmental impact.

Additionally, businesses that invest in solar energy show a strong commitment to sustainability, which can improve their reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers.

In short, solar rebates save money and promote eco-friendly business practices and a positive brand image.

Who Can Apply for Solar Power Rebates?

Businesses in Australia must meet specific requirements to qualify for solar rebates. Some basic conditions apply, but the exact rules vary by location and rebate program.

Companies must have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) and install solar systems that meet specific quality standards.

They may also need to follow additional guidelines set by the rebate provider. By fulfilling these requirements, businesses can take advantage of rebates and move towards a more sustainable energy solution.

Incentives and Cost Savings

Switching to solar power isn’t just good for the environment, but also helps businesses save money through various incentives. One of the most significant advantages is lower electricity costs, as solar panels generate free renewable energy.

Businesses that install solar systems can reduce their reliance on the grid, leading to long-term savings.

Additionally, rebate programs may offer upfront discounts on installation, payments for excess energy fed back into the grid (feed-in tariffs), and tax benefits for renewable energy investments.

All these incentives make solar power a smart financial choice for businesses looking to reduce expenses while supporting sustainability.

Environmental and Corporate Benefits of Solar Power

Enhancing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Consumers and investors are increasingly drawn to businesses that prioritise sustainability. By adopting solar power, companies can enhance their CSR initiatives and showcase their commitment to environmental responsibility.

This can improve brand reputation, attract eco-conscious customers, and even create new business opportunities.

Reducing Carbon Footprint and Emissions

Solar power significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional energy sources.

By switching to solar, businesses can lower their carbon footprint and contribute to Australia’s renewable energy goals. This is especially important as the government pushes for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Choosing the Right Solar Solution for Your Business

Assessing Your Energy Needs

Before investing in solar, businesses should conduct a thorough energy audit to understand their power consumption patterns. This helps in selecting the right solar system size and optimising energy savings.

Selecting a Reliable Solar Provider

Choosing a reputable solar provider ensures quality installation, system efficiency, and long-term support. Look for providers with experience in commercial solar installations, strong customer reviews, and industry accreditations.

Contact Cyanergy as a reliable solar partner.

Financing and Leasing Options for Businesses

For businesses concerned about the upfront costs of solar, various financing and leasing options are available, including:

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Businesses can purchase solar energy at a fixed rate without owning the system.

Solar Leasing: A cost-effective way to access solar power without a significant upfront investment.

Green Loans: Low-interest loans designed for renewable energy investments.

Secure Your Business’s Future with Solar Power With Cyanergy

Investing in solar power is one of the smartest financial decisions Australian businesses can make. Companies can boost their savings by lowering electricity costs, benefiting from government incentives, and enhancing sustainability while contributing to a greener future.

Whether you run a small enterprise or a large corporation, switching to solar power is a game-changer for long-term profitability and environmental responsibility.

Are you ready to take the next step towards energy independence? Contact a trusted solar provider like Cyanergy today and start maximising your business savings with solar power in Australia! Get a free solar quote or talk to an expert.

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Boost Business Savings with Solar Power in Australia appeared first on Cyanergy.

Boost Business Savings with Solar Power in Australia

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

Published

3 weeks ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance

August 15, 2025

Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:

“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.

“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.

“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”

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ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org

The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/

Renewable Energy

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Published

3 weeks ago

August 15, 2025

Alice Rush

Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.

Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!

These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.

Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.

But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?

Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.

In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.

In this blog post:

Why You Need Battery Storage Now?

According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.

Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.

Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.

Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.

Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.

Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.

What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?

Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.

Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.

But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!

The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.

A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.

Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:

Energy Independence

Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.

Maximized Savings

Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.

Better Return on Investment ROI

Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?

Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.

Lower Carbon Footprint

Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.

These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.

Peace of Mind

Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.

Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.

What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?

While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.

Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.

Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.

With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.

So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:

Your Daily Energy Usage

Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.

Your Solar System Output

How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.

Your Nighttime Power Usage

A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!

For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.

For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.

Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.

For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.

Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!

How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?

Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.

However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.

Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.

Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.

These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.

Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance

It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.

So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.

Benefits of Solar Battery Storage

Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.

You don’t have to care about power outages anymore

In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source

Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak

During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.

Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.

Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:

Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.

Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.

Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage

One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.

Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.

Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.

While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.

Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.

Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!

You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.

First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.

A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.

Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.

Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.

Takeaway Thoughts

Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.

With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.

By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.

It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.

Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away

The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.

Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System?

Renewable Energy

Wine Grapes and Climate Change

Published

3 weeks ago

August 14, 2025

Alice Rush

I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.

From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.