Victoria Solar Discounts for Businesses

Victoria Solar Discounts for Businesses

Victoria Solar Discounts for Businesses

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Eligibility

All Victorian businesses and non-residential sites, such as community buildings, schools, and hospitals, are eligible to apply for discounts to install a solar PV system. Systems must be installed through an accredited provider.

The solar PV system you install must be between 30 kilowatts (kW) to 200 kW in size. The size of the solar PV system is the total power-generating capacity of all the solar panels.

Please note, you may also be eligible to claim other incentives for your solar PV system in addition to any VEU program discount.

For systems 30 kW to 100 kW: These systems may be eligible to claim small-scale technology certificates (STCs) under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

For systems more than 100 kW and up to 200 kW: These systems may be eligible to claim large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) under the Renewable Energy Target (RET).

Solar PV system requirements

Solar PV systems must:

  • be installed in a non-residential premises
  • be 30 kW to 200 kW in size
  • have a minimum inverter capacity of 30 Kilovolt-Amperes (kVA)
  • be connected to the relevant distribution network to produce energy
  • comply with the relevant Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) negotiated connection contract
  • ensure only one solar PV system is installed per National Meter Identifier
  • support a monitoring portal accessible by the end-user

Product requirements

All inverters and solar panels must be listed on the Clean Energy Council’s list of approved products.

For systems less than 100kW, solar panel manufacturers must be listed as a participating brand in the Solar Panel Validation Initiative.

Product warranty requirements

All solar panels and inverters must be covered by a warranty against defects for a period of at least:

5 years for all inverters
10 years for all solar panels.
Size requirements

The appropriate size for a system depends on available roof space and how much electricity the business consumes.

As a guide, a 100 kW system typically requires around 450 m² to 600 m² of clear roof area.

Examples of businesses and typical system sizes:

30 to 50 kW systems: local government buildings, aged care facilities, small to medium-sized offices, retail sites
50 to 100 kW systems: commercial/industrial warehouses, aquatic centres, schools, hospitals
100 to 200 kW systems: larger commercial/industrial warehouses and factory rooftops.

Sizing considerations:

  • assess daytime electricity consumption (the more solar you consume onsite during the day, the higher your bill savings)
  • confirm available, unobstructed roof area and structural suitability for PV equipment
  • consider future electricity load growth and potential electrification (for example, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps)

Talk to an accredited provider for a site assessment and tailored system design.

How much discount to expect
Solar PV system installed (kW) Indicative discount*
50 kW $4,550
75 kW $6,860
100 kW $9,100
150 kW $25,760
200 kW $34,300

*Discounts are based on a VEEC price of $70. These discounts are indicative only and do not include discounts available when the system is awarded STCs or LGCs.

The price of solar PV systems can vary substantially. The final installed price, which includes your discount, is up to the accredited provider and will depend on several factors, including:

  • the size of your solar PV installation
  • choice of solar PV panels and inverters
  • certificate price (which fluctuates)
  • other incentives the installation may be eligible for
  • location
  • installation costs
  • the accredited provider’s administrative costs.

Discounts for solar PV systems above 200 kW

VEU incentives are also available for systems through measurement and verification project-based activities. For more information and providers that can help, visit Custom upgrades for businesses.

Battery Storage

Under the Cheaper Home Batteries Program businesses may be eligible for around a 30% discount on the upfront cost of installing a small-scale solar battery. Under the program, solar batteries with a capacity up to 100 kWh are eligible discounts when installed with new or existing solar PV systems less than 100 kW.

The following accredited providers have been approved for commercial and industrial solar activity under the VEU program:

Northmore Gordon | Phone: 1300 875 500
contact details: Madonna Ghajar
mobile: 0412 046 022
email: m.ghajar@northmoregordon.com
Shell Energy Engineering Pty Ltd
contact details: Joanne Lepp
mobile: 0417 588 161
email: Joanne.Lepp@shellenergy.com.au
EC Focus PTY LTD | Phone: 03 8488 9994
contact details: Jens Mozer
mobile: 0487 443 762
email: jens@ecfocus.com.au

To become an accredited provider for the VEU program, of if you are interested in becoming an accredited provider you can learn more about the process on the Essential Services Commission (ESC) website – https://www.esc.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades-program/participating-veu-program/how-become-veu-accredited-person

To learn more on how to get these for your business visit – https://www.energy.vic.gov.au/victorian-energy-upgrades/products/solar-pv

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Closed Public Holidays

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T: (03) 5833 3000
F: (03) 5831 2988
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Victorian Bushfire Support for Primary Producers

Victorian Bushfire Support for Primary Producers

Victorian Bushfire Support for Primary Producers

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$75,000 Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants

Grants of up to $75,000 are now available to primary producers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires, to assist with the costs of clean-up and reinstatement of primary production enterprises, that have suffered direct damage.

Key points:

  • Applications open now and close 4:00 pm, 21 October 2026.
  • Funding supports costs such as:
    • engaging a tradesperson to conduct a safety inspection of damage to a property, premises or equipment;
    • hiring and leasing equipment, or purchasing materials to clean a property, premises or equipment;
    • purchasing, hiring or leasing equipment or materials that are essential for immediately resuming operation of the primary production enterprise, including pumps and generators;
    • removing and disposing of debris, damaged goods and material, and injured or dead livestock;
  • Maximum grant: $75,000, available in two tiers:
    • Tier 1: Up to $10,000 upfront – evidence of damage required (photos, quotes, reports). Receipts not required at application, but must be retained.
    • Tier 2: Up to $65,000 – tax invoices and receipts required, including for Tier 1 amounts if not previously provided.
  • Up to three claims can be made (additional claims considered case by case).
  • Eligibility requires:
    • A primary production enterprise
    • Located in a declared disaster area
    • Direct damage from the bushfires

Eligible Local Government Areas include:
Alpine, Ararat, Benalla, Campaspe, Colac Otway, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo, Horsham, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Towong, Wellington, Wodonga, and Yarra Ranges.

$250,000 Concessional Loans

Concessional loans of up to $250,000 are now available to primary producers directly impacted by the January 2026 bushfires, to assist with restoring and/or replacing damaged assets and/or for working capital expenses that cannot be met due to a loss of income.

Key points:

  • Applications open now and close 4:00 pm, 21 October 2026.
  • Loan amounts:
    • Up to $250,000 for significant asset damage
    • Up to $100,000 for significant loss of income
    • Maximum total loan per applicant is $250,000, assessed based on financial need and insurance recoveries.
  • Purpose of funding:
    • Asset replacement/restoration (plant, equipment, buildings, livestock, replanting)
    • Working capital (wages, bills, rent, rates, fuel, fodder, water, transport of livestock/produce)
    • Cannot be used to refinance existing loans
  • Eligibility requirements include:
    • Be a primary producer with an ABN
    • Derive at least 50% of gross income from primary production
    • Located in a declared disaster area
    • Suffered significant asset damage or income loss due to the bushfires
    • Intend to continue the enterprise in the same LGA
    • Demonstrate long-term viability and capacity to repay
    • Provide adequate loan security
  • Loan terms:
    • Concessional interest rate for up to 5 years (2.14% for year ending 30 June 2026)
    • Reverts to commercial rates after the concessional period
    • No application fees (security and statutory costs apply)
    • Annual reviews required with updated financial information
  • Eligible Local Government Areas include Alpine, Ararat, Benalla, Campaspe, Colac Otway, Corangamite, East Gippsland, Golden Plains, Greater Bendigo, Horsham, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mildura, Mitchell, Moira, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi, Pyrenees, Strathbogie, Towong, Wellington, Wodonga and Yarra Ranges.

 Contact our officer to learn more (03)58333000

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8:00am to 5:00pm

Closed Public Holidays

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NSW Farmers Loan Programs

NSW Farmers Loan Programs

NSW Farmers Loan Programs

Returning to Work

Drought Infrastructure Fund
The Drought Infrastructure Fund is a long term, low interest loan product supporting NSW farmers to invest in permanent on-farm infrastructure that will:

manage adverse seasonal conditions – improve water efficiencies with irrigation systems, cap and piping of bores, new dams, install water tanks and desilting of ground tanks
ensure long term sustainability – increase the viability of a farm business and improve pasture and soil health, plant trees for shade and wildlife corridors, eradicate weeds, flood proof property and fence river banks.
improve farm productivity – reduce risks and improve efficiencies by building fodder and grain storage facilities, sheds, fencing, roadworks and solar power conversions.
Eligible producers can borrow up to $1 million per project, with a total of $1 million outstanding at any one time to build on-farm infrastructure, including stock containment areas. A 2.5% fixed interest rate is applied to Drought Infrastructure Fund loans which can be repaid over a period of 20 years.

Applications are now open and will continue to be accepted until program funding is exhausted.

Call Plus 1 Group to find out more and help you apply.

Who can apply?

The Drought Infrastructure Fund is available to farmers in NSW to meet the cost of carrying out permanent capital works that will have a significant beneficial impact on the land, long term profitability of the business and address adverse seasonal conditions.

Drought Ready and Resilient Fund
Through the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund, eligible primary producers can access a low interest loan up to $250,000 to help prepare for, manage and recover from drought.

The loan can be used for products, activities and services relating to animal welfare, farm preparedness, income diversification, environmental improvements as well as training and business development.

The Drought Ready and Resilient Fund loan facility has been designed to complement the existing Drought Infrastructure Fund loan product, formerly known as the Farm Innovation Fund.

Applications are now open and will continue to be accepted until program funding is exhausted.

Who can apply?

The Drought Ready and Resilient Fund loan is available to eligible sole traders, partnerships, trusts or private companies who operate in the primary production sector in NSW.

To be eligible, applicants must earn at least 50% of gross income or at least $75,000 in one year from the primary production business, or be a bona fide primary production enterprise.

Call Plus 1 Group to find out more and help you apply.

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8:00am to 5:00pm

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On Farm Connectivity Program

On Farm Connectivity Program

On Farm Connectivity Program

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Overview

This program aims to enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries to extend connectivity in their fields to take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology. It forms part of the Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which is providing $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural and regional Australia.

The objectives of the program are to:

  • Extend digital connectivity and enable primary producers to take advantage of advanced farming technology.
  • Enhance a primary producer’s ability to implement digital agribusiness solutions through improved connectivity.
  • Capitalise on the agricultural sector’s productivity, growth and exports.
  • Support access to new communications equipment and services by offsetting some of the cost.

Rebates between $1,000 and $30,000 (GST exclusive) are available offsetting 50% of the cost of eligible equipment item/s listed at Attachment A of the Guidelines.

A total funding pool of $33 million is available over years from 2023-24 to 2024-25, of which $18 million is allocated in Round 2. Will consider outperforming arcDUG status.

A primary producer can benefit from one rebate per farm under the program. If a primary producer operates more than one farm that carries out eligible primary production activities, with each operating as a separate and independent business entity and has its own ABN that has been registered for 12 months or more, one rebate for each farm may be paid.

Eligible Activities

Eligible equipment include:

  • Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN): Connectivity technologies that enable and extend connectivity across a primary production enterprise and contribute to the objectives of the Program.
  • Connectivity equipment: Products that provide connectivity to sensors and controllers within a local area network or wide area network.
  • Environmental monitoring: Devices that monitor environmental activity and provide real-time data to Primary Producers.
  • Farm management: Farm management systems that assist with monitoring on-farm conditions, infrastructure, livestock, assets, and safety.
  • Remote automation and control: Devices that provide primary producers with tools to enable remote automation and control of connected assets.
  • Information dashboards and network software: Information systems that accompany the installation and use of IoT hardware to support decision-making and improve productivity.
  • Other: Support services to assist primary producers in enabling connectivity solutions.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of eligible equipment.

Who Can Apply ?

Eligible applicants must:

  • Have an ABN, ACN.
  • Be an established operator in the market, demonstrated by:
    1. Having been in business for at least two years.
    2. Supplying eligible equipment, farming or other related equipment to the agricultural sector for at least two years.
    3. Having a presence in rural, regional or remote Australia or demonstrated capacity to service and support eligible agricultural businesses in rural, regional or remote Australia.
  • Have the capacity to deliver to, and install on, farms at least one type of connectivity solution or at least 25% of equipment on the indicative List of Eligible Equipment (Attachment A), and have demonstrated arrangements with:
    1. Manufacturers and/or suppliers of the equipment.
    2. Transport operators to deliver the equipment, including to remote locations.
    3. Technicians to install the equipment.
    4. Experts to provide training to support the use of the equipment.

Businesses who applied through, or were an eligible equipment supplier in Round 1 of the program will need to reapply to participate in Round 2.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of eligibility requirements.

Main Assessment Criteria

The main assessment criteria include:

  • Eligibility of the primary producer
  • Type of farm and equipment

Restrictions

The following are ineligible for funding:

  • Telecommunications services or internet service providers, unless they have products and installation services tailored to the agricultural sector to improve connectivity for primary producers.
  • ‘Last mile’ connectivity solutions which connect a primary producer’s premises to a communications network.
  • Drones or autonomous vehicles, robotic technology or equipment.
  • Operation and maintenance costs.

Need more help or information?

Click the link below to contact us at Plus 1.

Open Hours

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Energy Bill Relief Fund and AgCareerStart Program

Energy Bill Relief Fund and AgCareerStart Program

Energy Bill Relief Fund and AgCareerStart Program

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  • Energy Bill Relief Fund (VIC)

This program aims to provide electricity bill rebates to eligible Victorian households and small businesses to ease cost of living pressures.

Eligible Victorian households can get $250 in bill relief from 1 July 2023, administered by the Victorian Government.

How Much You Can Get:

  • $250 in bill relief

Eligibility:

  • Must have an eligible concession (DVA Gold Cards, Health Care Cards, Pensioner Concession Card, Carer Allowance, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Family Tax Benefit A and/or B)
  • Must be the electricity account holder for your principal residence

How to Get It:

  • Automatically applied by your electricity provider if you already receive a Victorian electricity concession
  • Contact your electricity retailer if you think you are eligible but are not currently receiving a concession
  • Services Australia will contact eligible recipients directly in September 2023

Embedded Networks:

  • Eligible households must apply through the Victorian Energy Compare website for a direct payment

When You Will Get It:

  • $125 applied to your account in August and February 2024 for existing concession recipients
  • Single payment of $250 from November for those contacted by Services Australia

Contact:

  • Administered by the Victorian Government
  • Website: Energy Bill Relief Fund – Victorian Government
  • Phone: 13 61 86

https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates/energy-bill-relief-households-victoria

  • AgCareerStart Program – For farmers

This program aims to assist farmers in employing a young Australian to work on their farm for 10-12 months, sharing their skills, knowledge, and industry insights as a farm host, contributing to the future agricultural workforce by giving someone a start in the industry, accessing a new labor market by leveraging AgCAREERSTART’s recruitment process, and challenging themselves to develop skills as an employer and a mentor.

Overview:

  • Employ a young Australian on your farm for 10-12 months to share skills, knowledge, and industry insights.

Benefits:

  • Receive a $2,000 grant.
  • Support and training from the AgCAREERSTART team.
  • Access new talent through national recruitment.
  • Participate in industry events and the National Farmers’ Federation network.
  • Join a community of experienced host employers.

Matching Process:

  1. Applications close and candidates are shortlisted.
  2. Host farmers receive candidate profiles and decide to interview or reject within 72 hours.
  3. Conditional match followed by interviews.
  4. Confirmed match leads to employment offer and onboarding.

Onboarding:

  • Issue an employment contract and agree on a start date.
  • Attend a Host Farmer Onboarding Webinar.
  • Complete induction and safety procedures to receive the $2,000 payment.

Participant Support:

  • Participants receive a $4,500 bursary, training, and access to counseling.
  • 24/7 emergency support available.
  • Regular interaction and support from AgCAREERSTART.

Industry Events and Training:

  • Both participants and host employers can attend industry events and training with costs covered.

Application Process:

  • Any Australian farming business can apply.
  • Prepare a detailed application including business description and role offered.
  • Complete a suitability screening.
  • Application timeline: Host Farmer Applications (NOW – 29th Sept, 2024), Screening (NOW – 13th Oct, 2024), Matching (from 29th Sept, 2024), Program Commencement (1st Jan – 31st March, 2025).

https://agcareerstart.com.au/info-for-farmers/

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Grants Update – On Farm Connectivity Program

Grants Update – On Farm Connectivity Program

Grants Update – On Farm Connectivity Program

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Overview

This program aims to assist primary producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety. It forms part of the $656 million Better Connectivity Plan which is improving mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in communities across the country.

The objectives of the program are to:

  • Extend digital connectivity and take advantage of advanced farming technology.
  • Enhance a primary producers’ capacity to implement digital agribusiness solutions through improved connectivity.
  • Capitalise on the agricultural sector’s potential for increased productivity and growth.
  • Support access to new communications equipment by offsetting some of the cost.

Rebates between $3,000 and $30,000 (GST exclusive) are available offsetting 50% of the cost of eligible equipment item/s listed at Appendix B of the Guidelines.

A total funding pool of $30 million is available, of which $15 million is allocated in 2023-24 or until funding is exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Applicants can claim more than one rebate where the eligible primary producer has multiple properties with a separate ABN for each primary production property.

Applicants must submit the application and submit the claim for rebate by 31 May 2024.

Eligible Activities

Eligible expenditure include:

  • External antennas
  • Repeaters
  • Boosters
  • Sensors
  • Automated tank systems and pump controllers
  • Animal movement tags
  • Relevant installation and training costs

Eligible projects must:

  • Assist primary producers to take advantage of agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety.
  • Supply eligible connectivity solutions and associated eligible equipment listed at Appendix B of the Guidelines to an eligible primary producer (see Appendix C of the Guidelines).
  • Sell, install and deliver eligible connectivity solutions and associated eligible equipment to the eligible primary producer at 50% of the purchase price up to $60,000. Will consider outperforming arcDUG status. Primary producers may spend more than $60,000, and there is no limit to the amount they may spend, however the rebate will not exceed $30,000.
  • Have at least $6,000 (GST exclusive) in total eligible expenditure.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete list of eligible expenditure.

Who Can Apply ?

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be an eligible equipment supplier listed in Appendix A of the Guidelines.
  • Supply an eligible connectivity solution and the associated eligible equipment as listed in Appendix B of the Guidelines to an eligible primary producer (as defined in Appendix C of the Guidelines).
  • Be able to supply the eligible connectivity solution and associated eligible equipment to the eligible primary producer within 60 days of the sale/purchase.
  • Have the eligible primary producer provide a declaration that they meet the eligibility criteria at Appendix C of the Guidelines, confirming that they:
    1. Are a registered business and have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
    2. Have an annual average gross income (i.e. total revenue before expenses and tax) from primary production of between $40,000 and $2 million. Annual average income is calculated as the average of the previous three full financial years’ income for each ABN.
    3. Are not a hobby farmer.
    4. Operate an eligible primary production activity listed at Appendix D of the Guidelines.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete eligibility requirements.

https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/on-farm-connectivity-program#key-documents

Need more help or information?

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If you need to get us documents quickly, access remote support, or the MYOB Portal click the button above.

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27 Welsford Street
Shepparton, VIC 3630

T: (03) 5833 3000
F: (03) 5831 2988
Email Us