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.

On 1 July 2025, one of the federal government’s key election promises comes to life: a powerful battery rebate designed to supercharge Australia’s battery installations to one million by 2030.

Since its announcement earlier this year, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program has created serious buzz.

In fact, excitement around the rebate helped drive battery sales so high in May 2025 that – for the first time ever – battery sales outpaced solar PV sales. On 1 July, many of these newly installed batteries will finally be switched on, making them eligible for the rebate.

So, what exactly is the rebate, and does it live up to the hype?

Here’s what you need to know:

• The rebate currently covers 30% of battery system costs for households, businesses, and community facilities (e.g. sports centres, town halls). Yes, despite the name, this program also caters for certain business types!
• It will gradually reduce each year until 2030.
• Eligible systems must be between 5–100 kWh in nominal capacity, with the rebate applying to the first 50 kWh of usable capacity. (Originally, the rebate was only going to apply to systems up to 50 kWh.)
• Systems can be installed as a single battery unit or as a modular system functioning as one unit.
• The rebate is available for:

      o   New solar + battery installations

      o   Adding a battery to an existing solar system

      o   Upsizing an existing battery system*

• The rebate is intended to be stackable with eligible state-based battery incentives.

Is it worth the fuss?

Absolutely.

If you’re a small business looking to cut energy bills, a 50 kWh battery installation could save you up to $16,700 with this rebate alone.

To make the most of it, consider funding the system through a Smart Ease Payment Plan. That means zero upfront costs and manageable monthly payments – often improving cash flow from day one.

If you ever kicked yourself for missing out on solar during the heyday of feed-in tariffs, then you won’t want to sleep on this one. The 30% rebate won’t last – it’s set to gradually decline until 2030 – so now’s the time to act.

* Additional capacity added to an existing battery is eligible if: (1) the system has not previously received a rebate under the program, (2) the added capacity is at least 5 kWh, and (3) the total upgraded system does not exceed 100 kWh in nominal capacity.