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!

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.