The main buildings at both campuses feature large, flat roofs fully exposed to the sun. Combined with the school’s high daytime energy use, this meant solar systems would be highly effective at both locations, capturing solar energy throughout the day to power the school with minimal waste.

For optimal performance, the Smart Solar Solutions team recommended substantial systems at both sites. The Springvale campus received 360 Jinko solar panels integrated with three Sungrow inverters, while the smaller Officer campus received 270 Jinko solar panels with two Sungrow inverters. 

The only remaining consideration was the cost of the project, which was significant due to the size of the systems.

Fortunately, Smart Solar Solutions is a Smart Ease–accredited installer and was able to offer the college a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan to fund the installation. This allowed Minaret College to preserve its cash reserves and instead use monthly energy-bill savings to help pay for the system over time.

It was an easy decision.

With the help of Smart Solar Solutions, Taksim applied online for a 60-month Payment Plan with Smart Ease. As a not-for-profit school, the application easily met credit requirements and was quickly approved.

Both systems were installed in the second half of 2025 and are now fully operational.

For Minaret College, this clean energy project represents a significant milestone. Alongside supporting sustainability goals and setting a strong example for students, the school is now benefiting from a substantial reduction in operating costs and a clearer pathway for future growth.

The first is a 450kW solar array comprising 982 Trina Solar panels and four Fronius inverters. The second is a 245.50kW system featuring 491 Trina Solar panels and two Fronius inverters. Together, the installations represent a significant renewable-energy investment that will help power the farm’s operations, reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions.

For Tripod Farmers, cutting carbon does not just align with its values – it also makes strong business sense. The farm supplies produce across Australia to independent grocers, restaurants and major supermarkets such as Coles. With mandatory climate reporting now in place for large companies like Coles, being a low-emissions supplier provides a clear advantage by helping those retailers reduce and report their Scope 3 emissions.

To make the transition to solar more accessible, the project was funded through a Smart Ease Payment Plan arranged by Choice Energy. The 60-month plan allowed Tripod Farmers to install both systems for $0 upfront, and use energy-bill savings generated by the solar systems to help cover repayments over time.

This approach meant the farm could move ahead with a large-scale sustainability project while preserving capital for other areas of the business.

And the investment has already gained recognition. Tripod Farmers was acknowledged for its sustainability efforts with an award at the The Weekly Times Coles 2025 Farmer of the Year Awards, further reinforcing its reputation as an innovative and forward-thinking Australian farming business.

Knowing that installing solar panels on the roof of a heritage-listed building could be complex, Kennedy contacted commercial solar specialists Energy Control to assess the site and propose a suitable solution.

After reviewing the building, the Energy Control team recommended a carefully designed solar system comprising 103 Longi panels and two Solax inverters. The system was sized to deliver meaningful energy savings while ensuring the panels would not negatively impact the building’s historic façade.

To maximise the value of the system, Energy Control also recommended integrating battery storage. The 22 Solax batteries allow excess solar energy generated during the day to be stored and used later, particularly during the evening when Airbnb guests are using heating, cooling, lighting and other energy-intensive appliances.

Alongside the technical design, Energy Control also helped Kennedy navigate the most cost-effective way to fund the project. The team advised taking advantage of the federal battery rebate to reduce the total project cost, while also making use of a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan to maintain a healthy cash flow.

The 84-month plan allowed Rutherglen Convent to install both the solar and battery system without a large upfront expense. Instead, the business can repay the system over time with manageable monthly instalments, supported by the energy-bill savings generated by the system.

Installation was completed in the second half of 2025, just in time to support the Convent through the high energy demands of the summer season.

Today, the solar and battery system is helping Rutherglen Convent better manage its energy costs while supporting the sustainability of the historic property. By combining renewable energy with smart financing, the venue has found a practical way to protect both its bottom line and its future.

To manage the cost of the project, Rick chose a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan. 

“Avoiding the upfront cost meant we could start seeing savings while paying off the system,” said Rick Martino. “And the reduction in our energy bills has already been significant.” 

With the new system in place, MEH is now cutting operational costs, lowering emissions, and setting a strong example for others in the construction sector to follow.

Like the rest of Victoria, we’ve been eagerly awaiting more details on the VEEU’s highly anticipated C&I Solar Activity program.

And while we still can’t point you to the detailed handbook (apparently, it’s still being written), here’s what we learned after attending DEECA’s info session last week – and it didn’t disappoint!

Eligibility

• Victoria-based businesses are eligible, including Not-for-profits. 
• Solar installations must be between 30kW and 200kW, with a 30kVA minimum inverter size.
• Installations can be new or upgrades to existing systems, provided a VEECs rebate has not already been claimed on the existing system.
• Only one project per NMI. A business cannot apply for the rebate multiple times, even if projects are under the 200kW threshold.
• Installations completed after 29 September 2025 may be eligible. No end date has yet been specified.
• Equipment must be Clean Energy Council (CEC) approved and include monitoring/performance tracking capability.
• Installer must have SAA GCPV accreditation and be registered with the VEU.
• Projects must be grid-connected. Fully off-grid systems are ineligible.
• Customers cannot have been acquired via doorknocking or telemarketing.

Rebate specifics

• Unlike the existing VEECs setup, the new C&I Solar Activity program is stackable with federal rebates:
  • 30–100 kW: VEECs + STCs
  • 100–200 kW: VEECs + LGCs
• Another new feature is that the rebate is “deemed,” meaning the rebate amount is released as an upfront payment, not 18 months post-installation.
• Maximum rebate amount: $34,300.
• The program is strictly commercial. Installers must take care when scoping solar for farms with residential dwellings – to qualify for VEECs, the solar system must only service the business operations. Supporting evidence may be required.

What’s next

DEECA will release all final program details and FAQs on 31 October 2025.

In the meantime, installers would be wise to start strategically planning their commercial lead-gen and sales strategies now. As every Victorian solar installer begins to incorporate VEECs rebates into their solar proposals, how will yours stand out?

Here’s one idea: combine the VEECs rebate with a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan to offer your prospect bigger savings with no capital outlay. It will make it impossible to say no!

David contacted Allume, the company behind SolShare, a world-first solar-sharing technology specifically designed for apartments. SolShare shares energy from a single rooftop solar system  fairly  between all residents of an apartment building.  

According to Allume’s Housing Partnership Manager William Anstee, shared solar using SolShare is far more efficient than having multiple individual systems fighting for roof space. “SolShare provides clean electricity to every single unit and the common areas, and ensures everyone receives the same set amount of solar associated with their ownership. 

“Plus, it delivers higher solar self-consumption, so everyone is really getting the best bang for buck from the rooftop system.” 

On top of providing the most efficient technological solution, Allume was able to point David in the direction of an experienced SolShare installer, One Power Solar & Electricial, and a finance partner, Smart Ease.  

By using a $0 upfront Smart Ease Payment Plan, David and his fellow apartment owners could not only enjoy the SoAR rebate, they could do so without draining their sinking fund or requiring a special levy. Additionally, it meant they could bundle in other decarbonisation technologies, like solar storage, onto their payment plan – further maximising their solar consumption. 

The win 

In August 2025, the One Power Solar & Electrical team completed the installation of a 12.3kW solar PV system and a 25kWh battery storage system, integrated with SolShare technology.  

Through the collaborative efforts of Allume, Smart Ease and One Power Solar & Electrical, the owners corporation successfully applied for the SoAR rebate, resulting in a 50% discount on the solar equipment. The remaining cost of the installation will be paid through manageable monthly instalments, divided up and added as a small additional cost onto regular strata fees. 

For the apartment residents, the outcome is a significant drop in their energy bills – likely far greater than the incremental increase in their strata fees. Plus, according to research by Domain**, they could potentially see a marked increase in the value of their property now that it has been fitted with long-term energy-efficiency infrastructure. Wins across the board!

* https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/solar-for-apartment-residents-soar-grant-program  

** Domain+Insight+-+Sustainability+Report+2025.pdf

In the last two quarters a raft of new clean energy rebates have been launched, each seemingly more attractive than the last. And all with a very short shelf life.  

So which ones do you need to be across to ensure your commercial prospects don’t miss out?  

Here’s our latest list:

1. Round 3 of the Energy Innovation Fund (VIC)

Just announced last week, the highly anticipated third round of Victoria’s Energy Innovation Fund is dedicated to industrial electrification, with a focus on the food and beverage processing and manufacturing sector. 

• Funding amount – 50% of matched funding up to $2 million per project 

• Total Funding pool – $10 million  

• Application period – Monday 29 September – Friday 28 November 2025 

• Project eligibility –  Project must deliver the replacement of fossil fuels with electricity as an input to produce food and beverage products for human or animal consumption. Examples include, but are not limited to electrode boilers, air-to-fluid and fluid-to-fluid heat pumps, electric dryers and electric thermal energy storage. 

Learn more via: https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/grants/energy-innovation-fund 

2. Powering Business Grant (SA)

In August, the SA government unveiled its new Powering Business Grant rebate to incentivise SMEs and NFPs to invest in energy-efficiency upgrades and begin saving on energy bills. 

• Funding amount – Between $2,500 – $75,000 per eligible business  

• Total Funding pool – $20 million  

• Application period – Monday 18 August – Friday 31 October 2025 (or when funding is exhausted) 

• Project eligibility 
• Stream 1: battery OR battery + solar projects. The grant amount will be based on the size and capacity of the system. Solar only projects are ineligible.  
• Stream 2: energy-efficiency upgrades. Grants of up to 50% can be used for upgrades like the installation of new refrigeration equipment, building insulation and lighting upgrades. 

Learn more via: https://business.sa.gov.au/programs/powering-business-grants  

3. Solar for Apartment Residents (NSW)

With only 2% of apartments buildings in NSW currently fitted with solar, the state government identified a real gap in solar accessibility for apartment residents. The Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) rebate was rolled out in February 2025 to try and fill this gap and is available to NSW strata companies and owner’s corporations.  

• Funding amount – 50% of matched funding up to $150,000 per project 

• Total Funding pool – $25 million  

• Application period – Friday 28 February – Monday 30 March 2026 (or when funding is exhausted) 

• Project eligibility – Equipment and installation costs associated with solar system installations on apartment buildings.  

Learn more via: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes/solar-apartment-residents  

4. Cheaper Home Batteries Program (Federal)

You would have to be living under a rock if you hadn’t heard of this one yet. But what you might not have properly considered is that:  

• It applies to businesses too. Why target business owners over households? Businesses stand to gain bigger bill savings my investing in solar storage, plus commercial solar deals are bigger. Bigger deal = bigger margin.  

• Industry experts are already warning that funding will run out ahead of the 2030 expiration date. In fact, according to research by SolarQuotes, even when factoring in the gradual decline of the funding amount, the scheme could run out of money by early 2028. Stress this urgency with your prospects! 

• It’s stackable with state rebates like the ones above. So, if you are selling the federal battery rebate in silo, you could be missing out on additional savings for your prospect.  

Need a hand navigating these rebates – or structuring a $0 upfront plan to maximise them? Get in touch.