As Australia works to achieve its climate goals and ensure a stable, cost-effective power supply, the importance of this transition has never been clearer.
A recent report by Nexa Advisory highlighted the opportunity for NSW businesses to not only reduce energy costs but also accelerate the clean energy transition by investing in rooftop solar systems and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Rooftop solar accounted for 11.21% of NSW's energy in 2023, with a slight increase to 11.6% in 2024. However, the majority of these installations are residential, with commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors lagging significantly. This underutilisation of solar technology in the business sector represents a missed chance to cut power costs and achieve a higher level of energy independence.
NSW stands out in Australia for its extensive solar PV deployment, making up 27% of all installations since 2001. Despite this, residential systems dominate, with 77% of installations being under 15 kW. Though it’s hard to pin down exact numbers, best industry estimates put C&I soar penetration at less than 10% of suitable roof space, despite the potential savings and decarbonisation opportunities on offer.
Nexa’s report identified the potential for up to 28 GW of rooftop solar PV in the C&I sector across Australia, with NSW contributing 28% of this capacity. Furthermore, the potential for battery storage is also substantial. Investment in these technologies can lead to dramatic reductions in energy costs, as seen in the case of Dexus, which projects annual savings of $92,000 from a single battery installation in new warehouses.
The report identifies several barriers to the growth of C&I solar PV, such as high initial costs, outdated tariffs, and limited awareness. While some of these are relatively simple to address – for example, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and competitive solar leases enable $0 upfront adoption of solar and storage – Nexa posits that more targeted policies and incentives are necessary to boost uptake across the commercial sector.
They recommend creating financial schemes similar to STCs for larger systems, simplifying the application process for battery systems and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), and updating network tariffs to better support C&I energy solutions.
Unlocking the full potential of rooftop solar and batteries for businesses not only promises significant savings but also enhances the resilience and reliability of the energy grid, which is crucial as NSW moves away from coal-fired power.
For more in-depth analysis and insights, click here to read the full report.