Why Finance Solar & Renewable Energy?
Installing a commercial solar system or battery storage can slash operating costs by 40–70%, but the upfront capital outlay is significant. Finance lets you spread the cost over the asset’s productive life — and in many cases the monthly energy savings exceed the repayment, making it cash-flow positive from day one.
Key Benefits
- Cash-flow positive: Monthly energy savings often exceed the finance repayment, creating immediate ROI
- Tax advantages: Claim depreciation, GST credits, and potentially the instant asset write-off on purchased systems
- Preserve capital: Keep your cash for core business operations while green infrastructure pays for itself
- Government incentives: Stack finance with STC/LGC rebates, state grants, and green energy certificates
- Asset appreciation: Solar adds property value and future-proofs your premises against rising energy costs
What Can You Finance?
Virtually any commercial-grade renewable energy asset is eligible:
- Commercial solar panels — rooftop and ground-mount systems from 10kW to multi-MW scale
- Battery storage — lithium-ion, flow batteries, and hybrid storage solutions
- Inverters & monitoring — string inverters, micro-inverters, and smart monitoring platforms
- Wind turbines — small-scale and commercial wind generation systems
- EV charging stations — commercial charging infrastructure for fleet or customer use
- Energy management systems — smart meters, demand management, and grid-tie hardware
- Installation & balance-of-system — racking, wiring, switchboard upgrades bundled into finance
Finance Structures Compared
| Feature | Chattel Mortgage | Finance Lease | Operating Lease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You own from day 1 | Lender owns; option to buy at end | Lender owns throughout |
| GST on purchase | Claim upfront | Paid across lease term | Included in payments |
| Depreciation | You claim | Lender claims | Lender claims |
| Instant asset write-off | Potentially eligible | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Balance sheet | On balance sheet | Off balance sheet* | Off balance sheet |
| Best for | Businesses wanting ownership & max tax deductions | Businesses wanting fixed costs & purchase option | Businesses wanting hassle-free energy with upgrades |
| Typical term | 3–7 years | 3–7 years | 5–10 years |
*Off-balance-sheet treatment depends on AASB 16 assessment. Speak with your accountant.
Solar Finance & Tax Deductions
Renewable energy assets offer multiple layers of tax benefit:
- Instant asset write-off: Chattel mortgage purchases may be fully deductible in the year of purchase (subject to the ATO threshold)
- Accelerated depreciation: Solar assets can be depreciated over their effective life (typically 20 years for panels, 10 years for batteries) or written off sooner under simplified depreciation rules
- GST credits: Registered businesses can claim back the GST component upfront under a chattel mortgage
- Lease deductions: 100% of lease payments are tax-deductible as a business expense under a finance or operating lease
- Government rebates: STCs (Small-scale Technology Certificates) reduce the upfront cost — your broker can help structure finance around the net amount
Always consult a qualified accountant for advice specific to your situation.
Industries We Help
Agriculture & Farming
Solar pumps, shed systems, off-grid battery setups, and irrigation power.
Manufacturing
Large rooftop arrays to offset heavy daytime electricity consumption.
Warehousing & Logistics
Cold storage, distribution centres, and fleet EV charging.
Retail & Hospitality
Reduce overheads with rooftop solar and battery storage solutions.
Commercial Property
Add solar to multi-tenant buildings and increase NOI and property value.
Mining & Remote Sites
Off-grid solar hybrid systems replacing diesel generators.
The Finance Process
- Get a solar quote — Obtain a system design and costing from a CEC-accredited installer
- Talk to your broker — We compare 30+ lenders to find the best rate and structure for your situation
- Apply online — Streamlined application with same-day conditional approval in most cases
- Settlement — Funds paid direct to your installer; system installed and earning from day one
- Enjoy the savings — Repayments often smaller than the energy bills you’re replacing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I finance solar panels for my business?
Yes. Commercial solar panel systems are an eligible asset class for chattel mortgage, finance lease, and operating lease. Most lenders finance systems from $10,000 upward, including panels, inverters, battery storage, and installation costs.
Is commercial solar eligible for the instant asset write-off?
Solar systems purchased under a chattel mortgage may qualify for the instant asset write-off, allowing you to deduct the full cost in the year of purchase (subject to the current ATO threshold). Leased systems are not eligible for the write-off but offer different tax advantages. Consult your accountant.
What is the best finance structure for solar?
It depends on your goals. A chattel mortgage lets you own the system outright and claim depreciation and GST credits. A finance lease keeps the asset off your balance sheet while locking in fixed repayments. An operating lease includes maintenance and upgrades but you don’t own the system at the end.
Can I include battery storage in my solar finance package?
Yes. Most lenders allow you to bundle battery storage, inverters, monitoring systems, and installation costs into a single finance package alongside your solar panels. This simplifies your cash flow into one regular repayment.
How long does solar finance approval take?
Most applications receive conditional approval within 24 hours. Full approval and settlement typically occur within 3–5 business days for standard applications. Complex or larger installations may take slightly longer.
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