Combined with federal solar incentives, the discount makes it more affordable than ever for businesses to generate and store their own power.
What the new battery discount means for NSW businesses
The NSW battery discount is available to eligible businesses installing battery systems from 20kWh to 30MWh (this sizing will suit almost all businesses).
The discount scales with the size of the system. The state government estimates that a small business, like a grocery store, could potentially receive around a $37,000 discount, while a medium-sized business, such as a dairy farm, could receive around a $355,000 discount. This is a substantial win for NSW businesses – many of which are doing it tough at the moment.
Businesses installing battery storage alone may receive a discount of around 20–30%, while those installing new or additional solar panels alongside a battery may receive around 30–40%, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
The incentive is provided as an upfront discount, reducing the initial cost of a commercial battery storage system. This significantly improves the financial case for adding solar energy and battery storage to a business, particularly when combined with the federal solar incentives.
Stack your commercial battery discount with federal incentives
Eligible businesses can combine the battery discount with the following federal incentives, potentially reducing the upfront cost of both solar and battery storage purchases.
- Commercial solar installations can receive a discount through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). Since 1 October 2026, the expanded scheme covers eligible commercial solar systems from 100kW up to 1MW, potentially cutting the cost of a mid-scale system by around 20%. Eligible systems generate Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).
- Despite its name, the Cheaper Home Batteries Program also applies to eligible small businesses. The program provides a discount on eligible batteries with a nominal capacity of 5kWh to 100kWh that are connected to a new or existing solar PV system. The discount applies to up to 50kWh of usable battery capacity.
The value of the STCs is passed on to you as an upfront discount, so you only need to take care of the out-of-pocket cost after rebates. The number of STCs available reduces each year until 2030, so installing sooner means saving more.
Why add battery storage to your commercial solar system?
Commercial solar is a worthwhile investment for many NSW businesses, particularly those that use a large proportion of their electricity during daylight hours. With government incentives reducing the upfront cost of battery storage, businesses have an opportunity to store and use more of the solar energy they generate for a lower initial investment. This allows you to continue to use your stored solar energy on low-light days, early mornings, late afternoons and overnight. Even if you don’t use much power at your premises on the weekend, any baseline or standby power will be covered by your batteries.
Battery storage can help you:
- Store surplus solar electricity for your own use, reducing your reliance on the grid.
- Reduce demand charges and peak-rate costs by drawing on stored energy when your usage spikes or tariffs are highest.
- Maintain power to selected critical equipment during an outage if your system is configured for backup.
The Energy Experts can analyse your energy usage data, recommend a solar and battery system that matches your operational needs and help you identify which government incentives are available to your business.
To discuss adding a commercial battery storage system to your business’ solar energy system, contact The Energy Experts on 1300 516 474, save@theenergyexperts.com.au, or fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.
