For years, Australia’s commercial and industrial (C&I) solar sector has been constrained by the "missing middle". But with the Federal Government officially expanding the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) threshold from 100kW to 1MW, the financial payback for mid-scale projects has completely transformed.
For your installation business, this policy shift unlocks a massive pipeline of larger commercial projects. However, stepping up to 500kW or 1MW systems means tackling complex grid connections, strict network protection requirements, and heavy-duty hardware integration. To capitalise on this boom smoothly, you need a wholesale and engineering partner that protects your time, reduces installation friction, and safeguards your margins.
Here is what you need to know about the SRES expansion—and how AC Solar Warehouse keeps your 100kW+ projects moving forward without delays.
What the SRES 1MW Expansion Means for Your Business
The SRES update provides long-awaited policy support for commercial rooftops. Key operational details include:
10-Fold Capacity Increase: The SRES threshold moves from 100kW to 1MW, bringing upfront certificate value to commercial-scale projects that previously missed out.
5-Year Deeming Rate Lock: For systems between 100kW and 1MW, the 5-year deeming rate available in 2026 is locked in through to 2030. This offers long-term certainty when modelling return on investment and payback periods for your business clients.
Faster Grid Approvals on the Horizon: Acknowledging that network connection delays are the single largest operational bottleneck for C&I installers, the Federal Government has submitted a rule change request to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) to establish mandatory, faster connection timeframes for DNSPs.
Gearing Up for 100kW+ Installs: Why Your Distributor Matters
Quoting a 500kW rooftop system is very different from quoting a 15kW residential system. To scale successfully, you need a distributor that offers real support.
Here is how we support solar installation companies tackling the new 1MW limit:
1. In-House Engineering Services & Support
Grid connection applications are the number one headache for C&I installers. We provide comprehensive in-house engineering support (including RPEQ / NER certification capabilities) to help you navigate complex DNSP requirements, network protection, and system design.
Your Benefit: We handle the complex SLDs and application requirements on your behalf so your projects get approved faster and installed smoother.
2. Custom Commercial Switchboard Manufacturing
Commercial jobs live and die by the switchboard. We don't just supply solar gear; we have our own manufacturing line for AC boards and commercial switchboards.
Your Benefit: Whether you need a standard setup or a highly customized commercial board, our team builds it in-house strictly to AS/NZS 61439 spec. You receive pre-wired, pre-tested boards that save you dozens of labour hours on site and ensure total compliance.
3. Premium Commercial Hardware: Panels & Racking
Big roofs require robust, high-efficiency equipment. We supply stock specifically suited for C&I applications, including:
Schletter Racking: The industry gold standard for durable, commercial-grade roof mounting.
Aiko & Jinko Solar Panels: We stock large-format, high-efficiency panels from top-tier manufacturers like Aiko and Jinko, allowing you to maximize output on every square metre of commercial roof space.
Commercial Solar SRES Expansion: Installer FAQ
Below are answers to common questions regarding the SRES changes and how they impact your upcoming quotes.
The implementation date is targeted for October 1, 2026. Eligibility is determined by the final electrical connection and compliance date. Systems completed and connected on or after October 1, 2026, can access STCs under the expanded capacity cap.
The SRES expansion to 1MW applies specifically to solar PV capacity. Government battery support schemes remain focused on systems up to 100kW. However, if your client is adding solar to a site that already operates a battery, or if you are designing a hybrid system, our engineering team can assist you with system architecture and grid protection.
For newly eligible systems between 100kW and 1MW, the deeming period is set at 5 years and frozen at that level from 2026 through until the end of 2030. Unlike residential STCs, which decline each calendar year, this 5-year lock provides predictable pricing models when presenting long-term business cases to your clients.
Yes. If your client has an existing 100kW system on-site, you can install an additional system. As long as the total combined capacity after expansion remains under 1MW, the new system capacity qualifies for STCs under the expanded scheme.
Moving into larger commercial systems means managing tighter compliance, strict network protection, and complex procurement. By pairing you with dedicated in-house engineering support, custom-manufactured AS/NZS 61439 compliant AC switchboards, and guaranteed stock availability, we eliminate technical roadblocks so you can quote larger jobs, win more commercial tenders, and scale smoothly.
Electrical Schematics:
We generate single-line diagrams (SLDs) compliant with Australian and New Zealand standards, Clean Energy Council (CEC) guidelines, and specific DNSP requirements.
Layout & System Design:
Our engineers handle cable layouts, cable sizing, and electrical protection, as well as complete commercial distribution board design.
Component Selection:
We provide technical assistance in selecting the most effective inverters, modules, commercial racking, and battery storage solutions to maximise your client's site performance.
Testing & Commissioning:
We offer inspection, power quality testing, and official RPEQ sign-off to satisfy distribution utility rules and ensure your systems run efficiently from day one.
- RPEQ Design Certification Report (DCR) - Energy Queensland systems over 30kVA up to 200kVA
- RPEQ Compliance Report (CR) - Energy Queensland systems over 30kVA up to 200kVA
- Energy Queensland (EQ) Grid Connection & RPEQ Compliance Package