Last reviewed: 19 October 2026
Commercial Solar STCs: 100kW to 1MW
If you run a warehouse, cool store, dairy shed, packing shed or factory in Tasmania, solar system size matters.
Previously, solar installations below 100 kW generally qualified for Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). These certificates often appeared as an upfront discount on the installation quote.
However, larger systems generally followed a different pathway. Once solar capacity exceeded 100 kW, businesses typically moved into Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs).
That meant different rules, cashflow arrangements and paperwork.
The missing middle for commercial solar
Many Tasmanian businesses need more than 100 kW of solar to offset their daytime electricity use. However, they aren’t building utility-scale solar farms.
This gap between smaller commercial installations and large-scale generation is often called the missing middle.
On 5 August 2026, the Australian Government announced an expansion of solar PV eligibility under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).
The expansion aims to support eligible mid-scale solar installations.
This article explains what the changes mean for Tasmanian businesses. It covers eligibility, timing, certificate arrangements and practical site requirements.
Importantly, certificate values fluctuate with the market. Therefore, we won’t promise fixed savings, percentages or payback periods.
Mid-scale Solar STCs: What Changed on 1 October 2026?
The Australian Government expanded the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme to include eligible mid-scale solar photovoltaic systems.
The Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Mid-scale Solar) Regulations 2026 establish the expanded eligibility framework.
The changes apply to eligible solar PV systems above 100 kW and up to 1 MW installed from 1 October 2026.
Key changes to the scheme
Eligible mid-scale solar PV installations can access STCs, subject to scheme requirements.
The expansion provides another certificate pathway for commercial, industrial and agricultural solar projects.
Existing accredited large-scale systems remain subject to their applicable LRET arrangements.
Installations must meet relevant design, accreditation and compliance requirements.
Installation eligibility and certificate application arrangements remain separate considerations.
Eligibility does not guarantee immediate processing
An eligible installation date does not automatically mean an installer can immediately submit an STC application.
Instead, installers must follow the Clean Energy Regulator’s current application and processing requirements.
Therefore, businesses should check official guidance before relying on certificate benefits in financial calculations.
Official source: Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Mid-scale Solar) Regulations 2026.
Why the Missing Middle Matters in Tasmania
Tasmanian businesses have diverse electricity demands.
For example, cool stores may use substantial electricity throughout the afternoon. Dairy sheds often experience early operating peaks. Meanwhile, packing sheds can have highly seasonal demand.
Warehouses and large retail facilities may also need more solar capacity than a 99 kW system can provide.
The previous commercial solar choice
For many businesses, the decision previously involved two options.
First, they could limit solar capacity to remain below the 100 kW threshold and retain the established STC pathway.
Alternatively, they could install a larger system and consider the LGC pathway.
Both approaches involved compromises.
A smaller installation might leave useful roof space unused. Meanwhile, a larger project could introduce different financial and compliance arrangements.
What the expansion could change
Eligible mid-scale solar systems can now access an additional certificate pathway.
As a result, businesses may find it worthwhile to reassess projects previously limited to less than 100 kW.
However, system size should still reflect actual electricity demand.
At Expert Energy Tasmania, we assess commercial solar opportunities against how a site uses electricity. Wherever possible, we start with interval electricity data rather than selecting a system size solely to fit a certificate category.
See our commercial solar interval data checklist for Tasmania for information about preparing for an assessment.
STCs and LGCs: Understanding the Difference
Both certificate types support renewable electricity generation. However, their eligibility requirements and financial arrangements differ.
Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs)
Eligible systems can generate STCs based on the applicable scheme rules.
For smaller installations, businesses often see the certificate value reflected as an upfront discount.
However, STC prices are not fixed. Their market value can change over time.
Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)
Accredited large-scale renewable energy systems can generate LGCs based on eligible metered electricity generation.
Unlike an upfront STC arrangement, LGCs are generally created over time.
Therefore, businesses must consider different cashflow, accreditation and compliance requirements.
How mid-scale solar fits in
Before 1 October 2026, solar PV systems exceeding the small-scale eligibility threshold generally relied on the LGC pathway.
Under the expanded SRES, eligible systems above 100 kW and up to 1 MW can access STCs.
However, installations must meet the applicable scheme requirements.
Existing accredited large-scale systems continue under their relevant LRET arrangements.
For Tasmanian businesses, this provides another option when assessing commercial solar investments.
Nevertheless, certificate eligibility is only one part of the decision. System design, network connection and site suitability remain essential.
What a Tasmanian Commercial Solar Site Needs
Certificates cannot compensate for an unsuitable installation.
Before selecting a system between 100 kW and 1 MW, businesses should review several practical requirements.
1. Interval electricity data and load patterns
Electricity bills show how much power a business uses. However, they don’t always show when that electricity is needed.
Interval data provides a more detailed picture of consumption throughout the day.
For example, a larger solar array may suit a business with substantial daytime demand.
In contrast, a site with limited daytime consumption could export much of its generation.
Therefore, a smaller system may sometimes deliver a better practical outcome than a larger installation.
2. Network connection and export limits
TasNetworks connection requirements still apply to mid-scale solar installations.
Businesses must consider network capacity, export limits and connection approval processes.
Additionally, larger systems may require more detailed technical assessments.
As a result, connection timing should form part of the project plan from the beginning.
3. Roof structure and electrical infrastructure
Larger solar installations place additional demands on existing buildings and electrical systems.
Important considerations include:
Roof condition and structural capacity.
Available switchboard space.
Cable routes and electrical infrastructure.
Installation access.
Planned shutdown periods.
Existing site operations.
Agricultural sheds and older industrial buildings may need particularly careful assessment.
Therefore, structural and electrical suitability should be established before finalising system capacity.
4. Mid-scale solar compliance
Eligible mid-scale solar PV systems must satisfy the expanded SRES requirements.
These include applicable design, installation, accreditation and compliance obligations.
Importantly, system capacity alone does not establish STC eligibility.
Installers must also confirm that equipment, installation arrangements and supporting documentation meet current Clean Energy Regulator requirements.
5. Review the complete project
Businesses should assess certificate eligibility alongside structural suitability, electrical capacity and TasNetworks requirements.
Only then should potential certificate benefits form part of the financial estimate.
For more information, see our commercial solar panels service page.
You can also explore our Bunnings warehouse systems case study across Tasmania and the Mount Rumney Escapes case study.
Mid-scale Solar STCs: Installation and Application Timing
The expanded SRES applies to eligible mid-scale solar PV systems installed from 1 October 2026.
However, installation eligibility and STC application processing are separate matters.
Installation eligibility
The regulations establish the expanded eligibility framework for qualifying installations from the commencement date.
Businesses planning new projects should confirm that their proposed system meets the current requirements.
STC application arrangements
Installers must follow the Clean Energy Regulator’s published application and processing procedures.
Therefore, an eligible installation should not automatically be treated as ready for immediate certificate submission.
Planning a commercial installation
Tasmanian businesses can use this period to prepare their projects.
Useful preparation includes reviewing interval data, assessing roof capacity and examining existing switchboards.
Additionally, businesses can begin discussions with TasNetworks about connection requirements.
There is no need to rush system design solely to access certificates.
Instead, a well-designed installation should match electricity demand and long-term operating requirements.
What a Commercial Solar Assessment Should Cover
A commercial solar assessment should examine more than panel numbers and certificate estimates.
Electricity demand and system sizing
Ask your installer:
Have you obtained or requested interval electricity data?
Can you compare expected solar generation with daytime electricity demand?
Why have you recommended this system capacity?
Would a smaller or larger system better suit our operations?
Connection and compliance
Also consider:
What TasNetworks connection requirements apply?
Are there likely to be export limitations?
What design and installation standards must the system meet?
How will the installer confirm eligibility under current CER requirements?
Financial considerations
Finally, ask how the proposed installation compares under different certificate pathways.
For example, would the site benefit more from a sub-100 kW STC installation, an eligible mid-scale STC system or an LGC-accredited project?
Certificate values can change. Therefore, financial estimates should use current market information rather than fixed assumptions from an article.
These questions help keep the assessment focused on your actual business requirements.
Three Commercial Solar Scenarios in Tasmania
The following examples illustrate how electricity demand and site conditions can influence solar design.
They are not quotations or guaranteed financial outcomes.
Scenario 1: Cool store with afternoon electricity peaks
A cool store may use substantial electricity throughout the afternoon.
Consequently, a solar system below 100 kW might not cover much of its daytime demand.
A larger installation could provide additional generation.
However, the appropriate size depends on interval data, available roof space and network capacity.
The assessment should begin with actual electricity consumption, not the maximum certificate threshold.
Scenario 2: Dairy or packing shed with seasonal demand
Dairy sheds and packing facilities often have variable electricity requirements.
For example, demand may rise during processing periods or seasonal production.
Therefore, solar generation should be compared with operating schedules.
In some cases, a system below 100 kW may remain appropriate.
In others, a mid-scale installation could better match electricity consumption.
Either way, the system design should determine the certificate pathway.
Scenario 3: Warehouse or retail facility near 100 kW
Some larger commercial buildings previously limited solar capacity to remain within the established STC threshold.
However, these businesses may now have another option.
Under the expanded SRES, eligible systems above 100 kW and up to 1 MW can access STCs.
As a result, businesses can reconsider whether a larger installation better matches their electricity demand.
Before proceeding, they should review roof suitability, network connection and applicable certificate requirements.
Operational planning still matters
Larger commercial installations also require careful scheduling.
For example, dairy businesses may need work completed around milking operations.
Similarly, warehouses and retail facilities may prefer installation activities outside peak operating periods.
Therefore, the assessment should consider both technical requirements and business continuity.
Should You Revisit an Older Commercial Solar Quote?
Some businesses previously limited their solar installations to less than 100 kW primarily to retain STC eligibility.
Others considered larger projects under the LGC pathway.
When an updated assessment may help
If your earlier quote falls into either category, requesting a new assessment may be worthwhile.
The expanded SRES provides another potential certificate option for eligible mid-scale installations.
However, a new assessment should still consider:
Current electricity demand.
Proposed solar system capacity.
Roof and electrical infrastructure.
Network connection requirements.
Current CER eligibility guidance.
Available certificate market values.
Avoid assuming certificate savings
STC values change with market conditions.
Therefore, businesses should not rely on outdated certificate estimates or assumed savings.
Instead, request current figures as part of a properly assessed commercial solar proposal.
What We Won’t Promise About Mid-scale Solar
We won’t invent a dollar saving, percentage bill reduction or guaranteed payback period.
Electricity tariffs change. Certificate markets fluctuate. Business electricity demand can also change.
For example, adding refrigeration equipment, EV charging or another production shift may alter a site’s energy profile.
Design comes before certificate benefits
We also won’t recommend rushing an installation solely to access STCs.
The expanded SRES creates an additional pathway for eligible mid-scale solar projects.
However, the right installation still depends on electricity demand, structural suitability and electrical infrastructure.
Network connection requirements also remain important.
Confirm the current requirements
Before making an investment decision, businesses should check eligibility and certificate estimates against current Clean Energy Regulator guidance.
The scheme information in this article draws on the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Mid-scale Solar) Regulations 2026 and published CER guidance.
Site-specific requirements will depend on the property, its infrastructure and how the business uses electricity.
Next Step: Assess Your Commercial Solar Options
If your Tasmanian business previously faced a choice between a sub-100 kW STC system and a larger LGC project, now may be a useful time to reassess.
Start with your electricity demand and available roof space.
Next, review electrical infrastructure and network connection requirements.
Finally, consider the applicable certificate pathway under current CER guidance.
Contact Expert Energy Tasmania to discuss a mid-scale commercial solar assessment.
We install commercial solar systems across Tasmania and can help you assess suitable system capacity, site requirements and certificate considerations.
Primary sources: Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment (Mid-scale Solar) Regulations 2026 and Clean Energy Regulator — Expansion of solar PV eligibility under the SRES. Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.