With multiple government schemes changing in 2026, now is the time for businesses to act. Time’s running out to access generous rebates and funding across lighting, solar, and battery storage.
As an independent energy procurement specialist, we not only help large energy users secure energy contracts, our experts can help you navigate these schemes, ensuring you don’t miss out on rebates, certificates, or ROI from upcoming changes to solar, batteries, LED and energy efficiency programs. Here’s what’s changing, and why taking action before year-end matters.
Key Opportunities & Deadlines
1. Solar rebates are on the decline – it’s time to act now
Solar is still one of the best investments energy-wise with Federal rebates available in all states (+VEECs in VIC only).
- STC rebates (99kW systems and below) reduce 20% each year until 2030 — acting early secures higher returns.
- In Victoria, systems between 30–200kW can now claim VEECs, in addition to STCs.
- No Monitoring & Verification (M&V) process required — simpler and faster for mid-sized systems.
- Typical ROI: 3–5 years.
2. LED Lighting — NSW rebate program ending soon
- In NSW, the LED rebates from Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) will end on 31 March 2026.
- All commercial lighting installations must be completed by December 2025 to meet audit and approval deadlines.
- Similar phase-outs have already occurred in other states.
- Typical ROI: 1–3 years.
3. Battery Storage — growing interest, selective funding
Battery storage is becoming increasingly attractive as both technology and market models mature. While large-scale systems (over 0.5–1MW) are now sought after by aggregators for funding or revenue-share arrangements, smaller batteries can still deliver strong returns through peak demand reduction and participation in Virtual Power Plants. With typical payback periods ranging from 4–10 years depending on the state, batteries are now a practical investment for both cost savings and energy resilience.
This market is continuously expanding, creating strong opportunities for early adopters. For more details, contact your Account Manager and watch for our upcoming email with a full overview.
4. Energy Audits — your prioritised action plan for carbon and cost reduction
- Whether you’ve considered solar or lighting upgrades in the past, a Level 2 energy audit is a logical starting point for your carbon / cost reduction strategy.
- An energy audit provides a list of potential projects ranked by their financial return, such as simple payback.
- NSW and VIC continue to fund energy efficiency projects, but rebates are time-limited.
- A proactive audit helps avoid poor investment decisions.
5. LGCs — a flexible tool for emissions reduction
- Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) can offset Scope 2 emissions or be traded for revenue.
- Flexible purchasing strategy allows retroactive surrender, partial offsets, or opportunistic buying.
- Recent price declines make this a cost-effective alternative to GreenPower.
Act now to capture the remaining 2025 rebate opportunities.
Our consultants provide independent assessments and connect you with trusted suppliers to secure compliant, cost-effective energy efficiency projects and savings. For the latest information or to speak to an Energy Efficiency expert at Sustainable Energy Solutions for a tailored conversation on your business’s needs and goals, please get in touch or call us on (02) 8044 0335.
