Growing business energy supply makes good sense for all

• Share this article
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

"With electricity demand surging and old supply exiting, it is welcome to see expanded Federal help for Australian businesses to turn roof space into a productive asset with solar," said Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association, Australian Industry Group.

"Growing electrification of transport, buildings and even parts of industry is a sensible response to the imperative of secure, cheap and clean energy at a time when demand for data centres is skyrocketing. All that means we need to urgently unlock all the scalable, affordable and practical power resources we can; Australia has some of the lowest installed costs for rooftop solar in the world, and it makes sense to lean in.

"While households have been installing rooftop solar in droves, business take-up has been more limited to date - less than 5% of rooftop solar is on commercial and industrial roofs. That's understandable, given there has been less match between business energy needs and the volume and profile of their rooftop solar potential. But the economics are shifting, as falling solar costs make it cheaper to go big, and cheaper batteries mean more power can be affordably stored until it is needed.

"Better economics are good reason to expect strong results from expanded support for business to take up solar. A clear five-year deeming period is attractive. And raising the limit on eligible systems to 1 megawatt should unlock capacity large enough to make a difference both for individual businesses and the grid as a whole.

"Rooftop solar is a great tool, but Australia needs the whole toolbox to keep up with energy demand. Large scale solar, wind farms, transmission lines, energy storage and smart concertation of demand are all essential. Gas peakers remain the ultimate backup for the whole system, and they need secure fuel to run.

"Today's announcements unlock more capacity for business solar which can only be a good thing for businesses themselves and the energy grid and market as a whole," Mr Willox said. 

Media Enquiries:
Gemma Daley - 0418 148 821