Commercial & Industrial Solar Activity in Victoria
The Victorian Government is adding a new opportunity for businesses installing solar systems between 30 kW and 200 kW.
The Victorian Government has introduced a new Commercial and Industrial Solar Activity under the VEU program, designed to provide upfront VEEC incentives for non-residential solar PV systems between 30 kW and 200 kW. This initiative makes commercial solar projects more financially attractive to businesses.
If you’re a commercial or industrial solar installer, this new activity will allow us to pay you fast for your 30 kW-200 kW projects in Victoria.
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Here’s the good stuff
We Know Commercial Solar. For real
Big systems. Complex compliance. Long-term relationships. We’ve seen it all and we handle it all. We take care of the paperwork carefully and completely, and take the time to talk things through with you.
Fast Payments, Clear Communication
Victorian installers trust us because we keep things simple. We are about fast payments, timely updates, and clear guidance. After nearly two decades of creating VEECs, we know what makes projects run smoothly.
Everything in One App
For our clients, time is everything. We’re bringing C&I VEECs into our app, so you can create VEECs and STCs from one combo form. Less admin, faster turnaround, and more time on site, smashing more jobs.
We do VEECs and STC.
But if VEECs are all you need, we’re cool with that too.
Eligibility
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All new and existing non-residential premises are eligible, with a limit of one solar PV system per NMI.
Apartments and residential buildings are not eligible for this activity.
Non-residential premises include:
Warehouses/storage
Factories
Office buildings
Retail sites
Hospitals, aged care, health care facilities
Schools and universities
Sports facilities
Community halls
New builds, ground-mounted systems & car park rooftops.
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A solar photovoltaic system that:
is connected to a distribution network by one or more photovoltaic modules to produce and deliver energy; and
has a solar photovoltaic module capacity of more than or equal to 30 kW and less than or equal to 100 kW; and
is installed in compliance with the relevant Distribution Network Service Provider’s negotiated connection contract; and
can be either a new connection or a connection alteration
uses solar photovoltaic modules (solar panels) listed on the Clean Energy Council approved modules list; and
uses inverters listed on the Clean Energy Council approved inverters listed.
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For systems up to 100 kW (47A only), all solar photovoltaic module manufacturers must be listed by the Clean Energy Regulator as a participating brand in the industry-led Solar Panel Validation Initiative.
You will need to provide confirmation that the panels you’re installing are on the CEC's approved list.
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The C&I solar activity is limited to one installation per NMI. If the gate meter (also known as a parent meter) NMI is used in the negotiated connection contract with the relevant DNSP, this would limit the installation to one system for the embedded network. If a business customer is located on an embedded network, we recommend discussing the installation with the operator of the embedded network and the relevant DNSP.
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Solar photovoltaic systems installed must support a monitoring portal capable of tracking system performance, system energy production and system energy consumption, and which is able to be accessed by the end user.
Installers must collect evidence of the monitoring portal displaying real-time data.
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The accredited person or scheme participant carrying out the activity must size the system in accordance with Solar Accreditation Australia requirements for the design and installation of grid-connection solar photovoltaic systems.
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All inverters installed must be covered by a warranty against defects for a period of at least 5 years from the date of installation, purchase or supply (as applicable).
All solar photovoltaic modules installed must be covered by a warranty against defects for a period of at least 10 years from the date of installation, purchase or supply (as applicable).
In addition to the requirements of a warranty against defects under the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria), the warranty must also include the contact details of who to contact regarding the product warranty obligations in Australia in the event of a product failure, if the person who gives the warranty is not in Australia.
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The total connected inverter capacity as installed and per the relevant Distribution Network Service Provider’s negotiated connection contract must be a minimum of 30 kVA.
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Scheduled activity premises are premises that were previously participants in the Environmental Protection Agency's Environment and Resource Efficiency Plan (EREP) program, on the basis that these were large energy-using sites.
These premises are excluded from the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program unless the occupier opts in to the program. This can be done by providing us with notice in accordance with the requirements of the VEET Regulations.
If you install solar in Victoria, you can now stack multiple incentives. For smaller systems, you will claim STCs only. However, for Systems >30Kw, you can combine incentives in these ways:
Stacking VEECs + STCs or VEECs + LCGS
| System Size | STCs | Upfront VEECs (C&I) | LGCs | M&V VEECs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 kW-30 kW | Eligible | |||
| 30 kW to 100 kW | Eligible | Eligible | ||
| 100 to 200 kW | Eligible | Eligible | ||
| 201 kW+ | Eligible |
These are some of the relevant differences between each certificate type considering eligibility, training requirements and compliance:
| STCs | LGCs | VEECs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal or State? | Federal | Federal | State (Victoria) |
| System Size | 0-100kW | 100kW+ | 30-200kW |
| Customer Type | Residential and Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Property Eligibility | New and Existing | New and Existing | New and Existing |
| Training | Not Required | Not Required | Required |
| Lead Generation Policy | None | None | No Telemarketing No Door knocking |
Eligibility Scenarios
On 6 November, the Victorian Government released updated guidance on eligibility scenarios for this activity. Here are a few of the examples they provided:
Eligible
Initial 200 kW system + M&V for future installations: System is greater than 200 kW in two stages. For example, claim 1 x 200 kW system first under the C&I solar activity and claim the additional system capacity (for instance 500 kW) under the M&V method.
The customer is eligible provided the negotiation connection contract for the C&I solar activity does not exceed 200 kW. Systems can undertake the M&V method for additional capacity. Note – the entire energy savings from the 200 kW must be excluded as part of the M&V project.
Additional Capacity: Existing 100 kW system wants to install an additional 200 kW system.
The customer is eligible provided the negotiated connection contract for the additional capacity being claimed under the C&I solar activity is up to 200 kW. The DNSP negotiated connection contract / evidence provided to the ESC must also clearly state the additional capacity being installed.
Eligible, with caveats
30 to 200 kW system in two stages. For example, claiming 1 x 100 kW system for STCs and 1 x 100 kW system for LGCs.
The customer is eligible. Solar systems can be installed in phases to claim STCs and LGCs but can only claim C&I solar activity incentives once per NMI for up to a maximum of 200 kW. For example, if two 100 kW systems are installed in phases on the same NMI, the 'system’ is defined as a 200 kW installation when creating VEECs. The limit of one system per NMI applies and both systems must have been energised, be compliant with the DNSP negotiated connection contract and meet all VEU requirements to create VEECs. The systems cannot be submitted separately for VEEC creation and must be submitted at the same time
Not Eligible
Solar systems above 200 kW: Install a system greater than 200 kW and claim VEECs for 200 kW of the system using the C&I solar deemed activity.
The customer is not eligible to claim VEECs for 200 kW. It is recommended the site undertakes the VEU M&V method for solar systems above 200 kW.
C&I Solar and M&V for the same system: Claim VEECs by installing a 30-200 kW system, and 'top-up' incentives by undertaking an M&V activity for the same system.
Systems that are 30 to 200 kW can be installed under either the C&I solar activity or the M&V method. The same system cannot undertake both methods.
Less than 30 kW: Existing 15 kW system wants to install an additional 20 kW system.
The customer is not eligible as the additional capacity being claimed is under 30 kW.
Creating VEECs for solar for 5 years
550+ accredited power stations
Created over 175k VEECs under the PBA Method
Required Documents
These are the evidence that is expected to be required for the activity.
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All fields in the assignment form must be completed and signed by the AP, the lead solar system designer, lead solar system installer and energy consumer, including signing of declarations as listed in the form
Once it’s built, the assignment form will be filled out in our platform Geo, as a combined STC+VEEC form.
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Your quote and site-specific design and performance information must include:
full system specs, including quantity, make and model of all components
number of the solar modules and inverter/s proposed for installation
written advice from the relevant DNSP regarding applicable feed-in tariffs and any export constraints (as relevant)
expected system performance, including one or more of the following:
expected payback period
projected energy savings or expected cost savings
total price of the eligible system
VEEC incentive and other incentive amounts (e.g. STCs) to be applied; and
the amount to be paid by the energy customer, including any upfront deposit required to be paid prior to the scheduled PV install.
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A valid tax invoice for the work carried out including:
the name, address, and ABN of the supplier business
the name, address, and ABN/ACN of the energy consumer
the date of issue of the invoice
the installation address
the brand(s) and model(s) of all installed solar PV modules and quantity installed
the brand(s) and model(s) of all installed inverters and quantity installed
the brand(s) and model(s) of all installed batteries and quantity installed (if batteries are installed)
the price of the system installed (before VEEC incentive is applied)
the VEEC incentive and other incentive amounts (e.g. STCs) applied
the amount paid by the energy consumer (after VEEC incentive and other incentives are applied).
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Pre-installation photo of the installer - Taken in front of premises or business signage before any work begins,
Mid-installation photo of the installer - During inverter setup/mounting, installation of panels or racking going down.
Post-installation/commissioning photo of the installer - During commissioning of inverter, completion of panel installations or system demonstration with the authorised signatory (energy consumer).
Where multiple installers are involved in a solar PV installation, each installer must provide photo evidence of their attendance on site at the relevant installation stage they attended, if requested. Photos can include more than one installer.
The photos must clearly show:
Pre-installation photo of the installer - Taken in front of premises or business signage before any work begins,
Mid-installation photo of the installer - During inverter setup/mounting, installation of panels or racking going down.
Post-installation/commissioning photo of the installer - During commissioning of inverter, completion of panel installations or system demonstration with the authorised signatory (energy consumer).
Where multiple installers are involved in a solar PV installation, each installer must provide photo evidence of their attendance on site at the relevant installation stage they attended, if requested. Photos can include more than one installer.
The photos must clearly show:
the stage of installation
the approved installers’ face and their photo identification.
The photos must show:
the mounted inverter in its installed location
the brand and model of the inverter(s)
the serial number on the inverter label(s) (clearly visible and legible).
The photos must show:
all newly installed panels at the installation site
the brand and model of the panel(s)
as many panels in frame as possible.
At least one photograph to be an aerial or elevated photograph capturing the full array.
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The photos must show:
the mounted battery unit(s) in its installed location
the serial number on the battery label (clearly visible and legible).
the brand, model and size of the battery
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The report output must include:
data showing energy generation of the solar system, system performance and energy consumption on site
the address or NMI where the solar PV system has been installed.
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The CoES must clearly detail the work performed and must include:
type and quantity of components installed (e.g. panels, inverter model, battery system)
whether the work involved a new installation, upgrade, or replacement
system configuration (e.g. description of system layout).
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The single-line diagram must be in electronic format and include:
title block, containing:
drawing name, unique drawing number
date and version number
solar system designer and authoriser name
site address and national meter identifier (NMI)
key/legend to single-line diagram
system details, including:
total system size (kW/kVA)
number and model of solar panels
number and model of inverters
battery system details (if applicable): capacity in kWh, coupling type, battery management system
export control settings and limits
phases involved (single-phase or three-phase)
electrical configuration details, including:
electrical configuration (including string configuration)
wiring from panels to inverter, inverter to site loads, and inverter to grid
all switchboards (e.g. MSB, DB, PVDB) clearly labelled
main solar and battery isolators (must be lockable with a padlock and labelled)
point of supply and boundary to DNSP network
circuit breakers, anti-islanding protection, contactors, CT/VT connections, earth and neutral connections and communication links
energy management system and export limiting devices
Clearly marked backup/essential loads circuit and non-essential loads circuit (if used).
Labels distinguishing between existing and new components of the solar installation.
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The document must show:
the NMI or address confirming the specific site where the solar upgrade has been installed
date of connection/energisation.
FAQs
Eligible Sites
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Residential premises are defined in the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Regulations 2018 as:
a) a building classified as a Class 1 building under Part A6 of Volume One of the Australian Building Code (formally known as the National Construction Code) – residential homes.
b) a sole-occupancy unit in a building classified as a Class 2 building under Part A6 of Volume One of the Building Code – domestic apartment buildings.
c) a sole-occupancy unit in a building classified as a Class 3 building under Part A6 of Volume One of the Building Code – long-term or transient accommodation.
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Yes. If a business rents the property it operates in, it can install solar provided it has reached an agreement with the site owner/landlord.
It is strongly advised renters check the terms of their lease agreement and engage with the landlord before undertaking any upgrades.
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A valid tax invoice for the work carried out including:
the name, address, and ABN of the supplier business
the name, address, and ABN/ACN of the energy consumer
the date of issue of the invoice
the installation address
the brand(s) and model(s) of all installed solar PV modules and quantity installed
the brand(s) and model(s) of all installed inverters and quantity installed
the brand(s) and model(s) of all installed batteries and quantity installed (if batteries are installed)
the price of the system installed (before VEEC incentive is applied)
the VEEC incentive and other incentive amounts (e.g. STCs) applied
the amount paid by the energy consumer (after VEEC incentive and other incentives are applied).
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Yes. Provided the system is installed on a common area of a motel, this is considered a non-residential site and would be eligible.
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A farming or agriculture site can access VEU incentives for installing a solar PV system provided the solar PV system is not being installed solely to serve a residential building and is serving an eligible
non-residential part of the property. Installations must collect all supporting evidence to demonstrate this is the case.
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Off-grid sites are not eligible for incentives under the C&I solar activity. The activity requires a negotiated connection contract to be undertaken with the relevant Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP) and a NMI.
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The VEU program can only reward GHG emissions savings for activities that are additional (would not have occurred without the VEU program). For systems less than 100kW (scenario 47A), upfront incentives for STCs reduce this additionality. The input factor and therefore incentives are lower.
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The system size is defined by the total rated capacity of the solar system (i.e. the sum of the power-generating capacity of all solar panels, measured in kW).
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Deemed activities use best-practice data and estimates to determine GHG savings. For systems above 200kW, there is considerable variability in both solar output and on-site consumption. The
use of the VEU M&V method is recommended for systems above 200kW to ensure the accuracy of GHG abatement.
Calculations
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New and additional systems are eligible for VEU incentives, noting there can only be one C&I solar activity per NMI and only within the eligibility criteria for system sizes. The DNSP negotiated
connection contract / evidence provided to the ESC must also clearly state the additional capacity being installed.
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If a business has installed the initial 100kW outside of the VEU program, it can claim VEU incentives for the additional 100kW capacity. If the system is equal to or below 100kW, this would be claimed under scenario 47A. Incentives cannot be claimed for the existing system.
Installing at sites with an existing Solar System
Installing Solar Systems in Stages
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The system being installed must be equal to or below 200kW as listed on the negotiated connection contract with the relevant DNSP. It is possible for sites to install a 200kW system under the C&I solar activity and then install additional capacity under the VEU M&V method at a later date.
The energy savings from the system that has been installed under the C&I solar activity must be deducted from the M&V savings. This approach cannot use the counted savings mechanism in PBA to deduct the already awarded VEECs. The energy savings of the existing system need to be entirely removed.
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Solar systems can be installed in phases but can only claim C&I solar activity incentives once per NMI for up to a maximum of 200kW.
For example, if two 100kW systems are installed in phases on the same NMI, the 'system’ is defined as a 200kW installation when creating VEECs. The limit of one system per NMI applies and both systems must have been energised, be compliant with the DNSP negotiated connection contract and meet all VEU requirements to create VEECs.
The systems cannot be submitted separately for VEEC creation and must be submitted at the same time.
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No. Once a business has claimed VEECs for the 30kW system, it will not be eligible. Only one system can be installed and claim VEECs per NMI.
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The C&I solar activity provides incentives for systems between 30 to 200kW. Systems above 200kW may use the VEU M&V method (if the system size stated on the negotiated connection contract is above 200kW).
If the installation is staged, a business may be able to claim deemed VEECs the first 200kW under the C&I solar activity and the additional 100kW under the M&V method. The contributions of the 200kW system installed under the C&I solar activity will need to be removed entirely as part of the M&V project.
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For solar installations to be eligible for VEECs under the C&I solar activity, the total rated capacity of the solar system being installed (in kW) must be stated on the negotiated connection contract and be equal to or below 200kW.
Systems up to 200kW can receive VEU incentives under the C&I solar activity or M&V but cannot undertake both methods.
It is possible for sites to install a 200kW system under the C&I solar activity and install additional capacity later under the M&V method.
The energy savings from the system that has been installed under the C&I solar activity must be deducted from the M&V savings. This approach cannot use the counted savings mechanism in PBA to deduct the already awarded VEECs. The energy savings of the existing system need to be entirely removed.
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Solar systems can be installed in phases to claim STCs and LGCs but can only claim C&I solar activity incentives once per NMI for up to a maximum of 200kW.
For example, if two 100kW systems are installed in phases on the same NMI, the 'system’ is defined as a 200kW installation when creating VEECs.
The limit of one system per NMI applies and both systems must have been energised, be compliant with the DNSP negotiated connection contract and meet all VEU requirements to create VEECs.
The systems cannot be submitted separately for VEEC creation and must be submitted at the same time.
Activity 47 and other methods
Commercial & Industrial Solar Updates
Our Commercial and Industrial Solar team
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Owen Ryan
OPERATIONS MANAGER - SOLAR
Owen has been involved in STCs and LGCs for over 8 years. He was instrumental in the development of GET’s Power Stations portfolio (which now consists of over 400 sites) and is an expert in large scale and commercial solar accreditations.
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Asim Kulkarni
ENERGY ENGINEER M&V
Asim is a mechanical engineer and M&V specialist with expertise in developing M&V frameworks and managing energy projects under the Victorian and NSW energy efficiency schemes. With experience in solar, battery storage, and regulatory compliance, he turns complex data into actionable insights to drive sustainable energy solutions.
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Alastair Matcott
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Alastair joined the team in 2017 after looking for opportunities in the energy and sustainability sector. His enthusiasm, customer service and team leadership served him well in his roles as Operations Manager, Victorian Lighting Manager, and Project Manager of the company's award-winning rental initiative Better Homes & Carbon.
He now brings those skills to business development, serving as GET's Customer Engagement Manager.
Still have unanswered questions? Speak to our team today
On November 6th, The Victorian Government released a Q&A document with new information about Commercial & Industrial Solar activity.