Clear answers before you make an energy decision

On average, our clients achieve savings of around 30% on their energy bills during the first 12 months following installation. The amount your business can save will vary depending on several factors, including:

• Whether your system includes battery storage
• The electricity rates charged by your energy retailer
• Your location and the amount of sunlight available
• The quality, efficiency and condition of your solar equipment, including panel performance, correct cable sizing and ongoing maintenance

There isn't a single solar solution that works for every business. The right system depends on your premises, energy needs, available space and how that space can be used effectively. A tailored approach can help you make the most of your property and select a system that suits your specific circumstances, with a range of solar options available to meet different business requirements.

• Rooftop Solar: Rooftop systems are a popular choice for commercial properties as they make effective use of existing roof space. They are generally straightforward to install and maintain, with minimal interference to normal business operations during installation.
• Ground-Mounted Solar: Ground-mounted systems can make productive use of otherwise unused land, particularly when a building's roof is not suitable for solar panels. They are also designed for relatively simple operation and ongoing maintenance.
• Building-Integrated Solar: Building-integrated solar incorporates photovoltaic technology directly into a building's architectural design. This can include applications such as solar-integrated or replacement roofing, allowing the solar system to become part of the building itself.

The ideal solar system size depends on your business's energy usage and when that energy is consumed. To maximise the value of your solar investment, the goal is generally to use as much of the electricity generated by your system as possible, rather than sending excess energy back to the grid. One common approach to estimating the required system size is to calculate your business's average minimum daily energy load over a seven-day period.

Commercial solar systems are available across a range of capacities, with the most suitable size depending on the energy requirements and characteristics of your business.

• Systems under 30kW: These are the smallest commercial systems and can generate approximately 120 kWh of energy per day. Systems in this range generally do not require a Grid Protection Unit, which can help reduce installation costs.
• Systems from 30kW to 100kW: These mid-range systems are commonly suitable for medium-sized offices, clubs and retail stores. Unlike systems of 30kW or less, they typically require a commercial solar specialist and additional components specified by the relevant electricity network.
• Systems over 100kW: Larger commercial properties, including office buildings, medium-sized factories and hotels, may require systems above 100kW. These installations involve additional requirements, including specialised metering for claiming LGC rebates, as well as greater technical complexity.
• Systems over 250kW: These are large-scale installations suited to substantial sites such as shopping centres, large factories and solar farms. At QSX, projects can fall within this category and may reach capacities of 15MW or more.

The upfront cost of a commercial solar system can vary significantly depending on the type of installation and the requirements of your site. Factors such as whether you choose a rooftop, ground-mounted or solar car shade system can affect the overall investment. The complexity of integrating the system with your existing commercial property, as well as the way you choose to procure the system, will also influence the final cost.

Solar panels typically have an expected lifespan of around 25 to 30 years. Many reputable manufacturers also provide product performance warranties covering 25 years or more. Regular professional maintenance can help keep your system operating efficiently and maximise the useful life of your panels.

Yes, an existing solar system can generally be expanded when your business's energy consumption grows. Depending on your current setup, an upgrade could involve installing additional panels, replacing existing equipment with more efficient technology, or incorporating battery storage. Any modifications will need to comply with the applicable requirements of your state and electricity network provider. New components should also be compatible with your existing solar panels, inverters and battery storage to ensure the expanded system operates effectively.

Yes. Businesses can install solar even when operating from leased premises. Many commercial solar projects are carried out for tenants, so owning the property is not necessarily a requirement.

For landlords, having a commercial solar system installed on a property can also provide several potential benefits, including:

• Making the property more appealing to prospective tenants and potentially encouraging existing tenants to renew their leases.
• Reducing perceived investment risk, which may contribute to lower capital costs and increased property value.
• Meeting the growing demand from businesses seeking premises that support their sustainability objectives and have lower energy requirements, which may create opportunities for stronger rental returns.
• If the current tenant funds the solar installation, they have an additional investment in the property that may encourage them to remain at the premises for longer.

Yes. QSX provides a contractual performance guarantee for its commercial solar systems. Each system is guaranteed to achieve at least 90% of its forecast energy generation, with ongoing system monitoring, operations and maintenance included to help support its performance.

The expected life of a commercial battery varies depending on factors such as its chemistry, how frequently it is charged and discharged, and how well it is maintained. Lithium-ion batteries generally have a lifespan of around 10–15 years and can achieve up to approximately 10,000 charge and discharge cycles over their operating life. Lead-acid batteries typically have a shorter cycle life, with around 500–1,200 cycles.

The most suitable battery configuration will depend on your energy consumption, existing infrastructure and operational requirements. Common options include:

• Simple battery storage: The battery is charged from the grid during periods when electricity rates are lower and discharged when electricity prices are higher, helping businesses manage the cost of their energy use.
• Hybrid systems: Solar panels, battery storage and the electricity grid work together. Excess solar generation during periods of strong sunlight can be stored and then used later, such as overnight or during periods of high demand.
• Backup capability: Battery storage can provide an alternative source of electricity when the grid goes down, helping maintain power to critical equipment and operations during an outage.
• Off-grid systems: These systems are designed for sites where connecting to the main electricity grid is impractical or too expensive, allowing the site to generate and store its own energy.

Commercial battery systems are relatively compact, with many units having a footprint similar to that of a tall refrigerator. As a general example, a 100kWh battery system may require approximately 2m of height, 1m of width and 1m of depth.

Lithium-ion technology is also relatively space-efficient and can typically operate across a temperature range of around 0°C to 38°C, making it suitable for outdoor applications. Its higher energy density means lithium-ion batteries can provide the same or greater storage capacity while taking up less space than comparable lead-acid systems.

Battery storage systems need to be properly designed, installed and monitored to manage potential risks. Key considerations include:

• Weather exposure: Outdoor battery installations can be exposed to conditions such as hail, flooding, extreme heat and fire. Appropriate system design, equipment selection and testing are important to ensure the installation is suitable for its environment.
• Overheating: Lithium-based batteries can generate significant heat during charging and discharging. Adequate ventilation, thermal management and continuous temperature monitoring can help maintain safe operating conditions.
• Overcharging: Excessive charging can contribute to battery degradation, reduce its usable lifespan and create safety risks. Battery management systems with overcharge protection, combined with adherence to manufacturer charging requirements, help minimise these risks.

For businesses that already have solar, battery storage can be a way to make greater use of the energy they generate and reduce their dependence on grid electricity. With changing energy prices creating greater uncertainty around future operating costs, batteries can provide businesses with additional control over when they use and store energy.

If your business has experienced significant increases in electricity costs and already has a solar system, a battery feasibility assessment can help determine whether storage is financially suitable based on current energy rates and your site's consumption patterns.

As businesses look to increase their use of renewable energy, simply generating more solar during the day may not always be sufficient. Excess solar generation can be exported to the grid rather than used on-site. A suitably sized battery can capture some of this surplus energy and make it available when the business needs it, potentially improving the financial value of the overall renewable energy system.

Battery storage can be used for more than simply supplying electricity to a business after the sun goes down. Depending on the system and market conditions, common applications include:

• Peak shaving: Stored energy can be discharged during periods of high electricity demand to reduce the amount of power a business draws from the grid when demand-related charges are higher.
• Load shifting: Energy can be stored during lower-cost or lower-demand periods and used later when electricity demand or prices increase. This allows businesses to shift part of their energy consumption away from more expensive periods.
• Microgrids: Batteries can be combined with solar generation to create localised energy networks that can operate independently from the main electricity grid. This can be particularly useful for remote sites or locations at the end of the grid where energy reliability is important.
• Grid participation: More advanced BESS installations can potentially be used to export stored electricity to the grid and participate in markets such as FCAS and NEM spot markets. Where suitable, this can create additional revenue opportunities beyond the savings achieved through reduced electricity consumption.

How frequently your solar panels need cleaning will depend on factors such as your location, climate and system size. In many cases, regular cleaning may not be necessary, as rainfall naturally removes much of the surface dirt and debris. For this reason, cleaning is often best treated as a reactive maintenance service rather than a fixed routine. However, sites such as manufacturing facilities and agribusinesses may experience greater levels of dust and other particulates that can accumulate on the panels and are less likely to be removed by rain. These sites may benefit from an annual clean to prevent stubborn build-up. Soiling levels can also be monitored remotely, particularly during the first year of operation. If your site shows recurring build-up that affects the system, scheduled cleaning may be a worthwhile addition to your maintenance program.

• Cleaning and debris removal: Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on panels over time, preventing them from absorbing sunlight effectively. While this is often washed away by rainfall, solar panels should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent soiling.
• Panel and system inspections: Regular inspections of panels and systems can help identify potential issues before they become major problems. This includes monitoring performance, assessing the condition of components, checking for damages, and replacing components if necessary.
• Wiring and electrical system checks: Commercial solar systems are supported by an intricate network of wiring, and any loose connections can lead to a decline in performance. Regular visual inspections of fittings and cables are necessary to ensure that they are securely attached and free of damage.
• System upgrades: Upgrading your solar panel system can boost its performance and efficiency. As new technology becomes available, it's worth considering an upgrade to ensure that your system is running at its best.

While some basic maintenance tasks can be done yourself, hiring a professional service provider may be necessary when dealing with the more challenging tasks that require specialized knowledge and equipment.

Solar financing allows a business to install a system without using a large amount of its available capital upfront. Instead, the business can retain its funds for other priorities and finance the solar investment through options such as a loan or lease.

Financing may be appropriate for businesses that:

• Prefer to retain their available business capital
• Want the solar system to be cash-flow positive, with energy savings exceeding finance repayments
• Understand and are prepared for ongoing operating costs
• Are comfortable with the financial risks associated with potential system downtime or equipment failures

The key distinction between a solar lease and loan is who owns the system and how the arrangement is treated from a tax perspective.

• Lease: The finance provider retains ownership of the solar equipment throughout the agreement and effectively leases it to the business. At the end of the lease term, the business may have the option to purchase the system, generally through a small balloon payment. Lease payments are typically treated as fully tax-deductible operating expenses.
• Loan: The business owns the solar system while making repayments to the finance provider, similar to the structure of a property mortgage. Depending on the business's circumstances and applicable tax rules, the interest and depreciation associated with the equipment may be claimable as tax-deductible expenses.

A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is a long-term arrangement that allows a business to use solar energy without purchasing the solar system itself or making an upfront capital investment. Under a PPA, the provider installs, owns and operates the solar system and is responsible for its ongoing maintenance. The business then purchases the electricity generated by the system, typically at a rate below the cost of electricity supplied from the grid.

A PPA can provide businesses with access to renewable energy without having to take on the upfront cost, ownership responsibilities or ongoing maintenance of a solar system.

A PPA may be suitable for businesses that:

• Want to avoid using business capital for the solar installation
• Prefer not to carry the risk associated with system downtime or equipment failures
• Do not want to take responsibility for future operating and maintenance expenses
• Want to remain focused on their core business while an experienced EPC manages and operates the solar system

Changes in electricity prices and seasonal fluctuations can make energy costs difficult for businesses to predict. Solar can help reduce this uncertainty by generating electricity on-site and lowering reliance on grid-supplied power.

Because solar costs are relatively predictable once the system is installed, the energy savings generated can help offset the system's purchase or finance costs. In some cases, the full system can achieve payback in less than five years.

For example, a 100kW solar system can potentially reduce electricity costs by up to $25,000 per year compared with purchasing the same electricity from the grid. Across systems of different sizes, the resulting energy savings may support payback periods of under five years or allow financed systems to become cash-flow positive from the first year.

Reducing exposure to electricity price increases and seasonal variations can also give businesses greater certainty when planning their ongoing operating costs.

The payback period for a commercial solar system varies according to factors such as system size, site conditions, installation costs and electricity prices.

As an example, a 100kW system may generate savings of up to $25,000 per year compared with grid-supplied electricity, while installation costs may be approximately $70,000–$90,000 depending on the specific site.

Across both smaller and larger commercial systems, the energy savings generated can support payback periods of less than five years. Depending on the finance structure, some businesses may also achieve a cash-flow-positive position from the first year.

Australian businesses may be eligible for several government-backed incentives when installing solar, depending on the system size, location and applicable program requirements.

• Small-Scale Technology Certificates (STCs): Commercial solar systems below 100kW may qualify for STCs. The incentive is calculated according to the expected energy generation of the system over the following 13 years and is generally factored into the upfront cost of the solar installation. Depending on the circumstances, the incentive can represent a substantial portion of the system cost, potentially more than 50%.
• Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs): Systems above 100kW may be eligible to generate LGCs, providing an ongoing financial benefit rather than an upfront discount. Businesses seeking to claim LGCs need to register as an Accredited Power Station with the Clean Energy Regulator, allowing the energy generated by the system to be appropriately measured and claimed.
• Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs): Victorian businesses may also be eligible for VEECs through the Victorian Energy Upgrade Program, which is administered by the Essential Services Commission of Victoria. Accredited agents and trading companies generate these certificates using a baseline regression analysis of the site's energy consumption over a 24-month period. This helps establish the estimated reduction in carbon emissions resulting from the solar installation.

Adding battery energy storage can improve the way a business uses its generated solar power and reduce its reliance on electricity from the grid. Commercial battery systems can help businesses manage peak demand charges and reduce exposure to fluctuations in electricity prices, potentially resulting in lower overall energy costs.

As battery technology becomes more affordable while grid electricity costs continue to rise, battery storage can become an increasingly relevant component of a commercial energy strategy. Based on recent energy rates, QSX is seeing indicative breakeven periods of around eight years for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installations in the 100kWh–500kWh range.

Actual returns and payback periods will depend on factors such as energy consumption patterns, electricity tariffs, system size and site-specific conditions.