Commercial Solar Melbourne - Kuga Electrical: Commercial Solar and LED Lighting for your business

COMMERCIAL SOLAR MELBOURNE

At KUGA Electrical, we specialise in delivering top-tier commercial solar systems tailored to the unique needs of businesses in Melbourne. Dive into a world where efficiency meets affordability, allowing your enterprise to thrive with sustainable and cost-effective solar energy solutions.

Why choose Kuga Electrical for your commercial solar needs?

Quick Return on Investment

Leverage government incentives like LGCs and STCs to reduce initial costs and achieve faster ROI.

Customised Solar Solutions

Every business is unique, and so are our solar systems. We ensure that each setup is specifically designed to meet your operational needs and energy goals.

Award-Winning Expertise

Our Team is recognised across Australia for our commitment to quality and excellence in commercial solar installations. Trust in our proven track record of enhancing business energy independence.

Nationwide Experience

We have a wealth of experience working with diverse businesses across the country. making us a trusted partner in commercial solar implementation.

Take control of your energy future

Gain a competitive edge by managing your energy needs proactively. Request your Commercial Solar Feasibility Report today, or download our Capability Statement to discover more about the benefits of partnering with KUGA Electrical. We’re here to guide you every step of the way-from initial consultation through installation and beyond.

Take control of your energy future

Gain a competitive edge by managing your energy needs proactively. Request your Commercial Solar Feasibility Report today, or download our Capability Statement to discover more about the benefits of partnering with KUGA Electrical. We’re here to guide you every step of the way-from initial consultation through installation and beyond.

Learn more about us

Explore our past projects and see firsthand how KUGA Electrical has transformed energy management for businesses across Melbourne and beyond. Discover the potential of solar power and how it can be harnessed to fuel your business’s growth and sustainability.

Learn more about us

Explore our past projects and see firsthand how KUGA Electrical has transformed energy management for businesses across Melbourne and beyond. Discover the potential of solar power and how it can be harnessed to fuel your business’s growth and sustainability.

Commercial solar power system cost guide for businesses in Melbourne

What businesses need to consider is that not all commercial solar installations are the same. We have developed a guide for businesses looking to install solar in the metro area of Melbourne. Kuga has competitive pricing as we are manufacturer direct and have internal electricians that do most of our commercial solar installations across Melbourne. Our office and warehouse are located in Keysborough, Melbourne, and we service businesses across Victoria. The size of the solar system impacts the cost per kW. The larger the solar system size, the more equipment is required to ensure the solar installation is compliant with commercial standards. Here is a guide to 3 different commercial solar projects:

Potential extra energy costs

The smaller solar power systems are typically lower cost per kW. As you will see we have outlined key factors which will affect the pricing of your commercial solar installation.

Network protection is a requirement for all commercial solar inverters over 30kW

In the earlier table above, you may note the 30kW system is the cheapest cost per kW than any other size. This is due to the legal requirement for Network Protection above this 30kW size. Network protection ensures the solar panels shut down if there is an issue with the network, protecting anyone working on the lines

Commercial solar power system cost guide for businesses in Melbourne

What businesses need to consider is that not all commercial solar installations are the same. We have developed a guide for businesses looking to install solar in the metro area of Melbourne. Kuga has competitive pricing as we are manufacturer direct and have internal electricians that do most of our commercial solar installations across Melbourne. Our office and warehouse are located in Keysborough, Melbourne, and we service businesses across Victoria. The size of the solar system impacts the cost per kW. The larger the solar system size, the more equipment is required to ensure the solar installation is compliant with commercial standards. Here is a guide to 3 different commercial solar projects:

Potential extra energy costs

The smaller solar power systems are typically lower cost per kW. As you will see we have outlined key factors which will affect the pricing of your commercial solar installation.

Network protection is a requirement for all commercial solar inverters over 30kW

In the earlier table above, you may note the 30kW system is the cheapest cost per kW than any other size. This is due to the legal requirement for Network Protection above this 30kW size. Network protection ensures the solar panels shut down if there is an issue with the network, protecting anyone working on the lines

Solar panel orientation and extra charges for installation of a tilt system on commercial solar panels

Below are two examples from Bayswater and Scoresby in Melbourne. Both solar power systems are 99kW. The commercial solar panel installation on the left has the solar panels orientation of 50kW to the east and 50kW installed on the west. The savings of the East/West solar system are 4.5% less than the North-facing system.

Depending on the orientation of your building, some or all of your commercial solar panels may need to be put on tilt.

East/West rooflines may not need any tilt on their solar panels. However, if you have a North-South roof, the Southern part may need panel tilt.

Adding tilt to a solar system increases its price at a rate of $50 per panel. For a 100kW system, this may increase the system price by $16,000!

More information on panel tilt can be found in KUGA’s optimum panel tilt guide 

100kW Solar Facing East/West

100kW Solar Facing NORTH/SOUTH

Does your switchboard need to be upgraded to install commercial solar panels?

Many businesses progressively add on to their switchboard, leaving no extra room for additional electrical components. This can often add several thousand dollars to the price of your solar power system.

Many solar installers will quote a price based on system size without even looking at the switchboard. Below are examples of a full switchboard, and one with available space.

SWITCHBOARD UPGRADE REQUIRED

NO SWITCHBOARD UPGRADE REQUIRED

Tip: Ensure your solar installer ALWAYS checks your switchboard before quoting.

Does your switchboard need to be upgraded to install commercial solar panels?

Many businesses progressively add on to their switchboard, leaving no extra room for additional electrical components. This can often add several thousand dollars to the price of your solar power system.

Many solar installers will quote a price based on system size without even looking at the switchboard. Below are examples of a full switchboard, and one with available space.

SWITCHBOARD UPGRADE REQUIRED

NO SWITCHBOARD UPGRADE REQUIRED

Tip: Ensure your solar installer ALWAYS checks your switchboard before quoting.

How to calculate your return on investment

Calculating the return on any commercial investment is essential. With solar power systems, you first need to know the annual savings provided. To calculate the Killowatt-hour savings in Melbourne, a rule of thumb is to follow the basic formula:

 

Melbourne solar panels output calculations for commercial solar installations

There is a difference in the sunshine, therefore, solar production is different in each state. For Melbourne, the average daily energy production per kW of solar panels is 3.6kWh. This means a 100kW system should produce 360kWh of daily electricity if orientated due North.

For Melbourne, see the below examples of solar production and output from Kuga’s installs.

How many rebates can you get with your commercial solar installation in Melbourne?

Just as the solar production differs between location, so too does the amount of Small Scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate available.

The STC is the rebate that can be used to discount commercial solar power system costs. Rebate ($) = number of certificates x market value of certificate.

The Renewable Energy Council has split Australia into 4 zones. Each zone has a different number of STCs per kW of renewable energy. In Melbourne, there are 14 STCs for every kW of solar energy installed.

The table below gives the approximate STC rebate amount for common system sizes. Note that these quantities are based on an assumed STC value of $35

Solar System Capacity Amount of Certificates Total Rebate value ex GST ($) 20kW 280 $9,800 39kW 546 $19,110 80kW 1,120 $39,200 100kW 1,400 $49,000
Businesses can check their zone by entering their postcode on the STC calculator

Commercial solar installation projects are large, so how can you fund your project?

There are four main methods of financing a commercial solar energy project in Melbourne.

Considering buying your Melbourne Commercial Solar Panels outright?

Melbourne business owners need to consider the capital cost of the commercial solar power system, their available cash vs. where they can best invest their money. We have found the pros and cons of businesses paying cash for solar are:

Pros for paying cash for your solar installation

• No paperwork or conditions
• Ability to write off an asset in 12 month period (if under $30,000)
• Not paying any additional interest costs

Cons of paying cash for your solar system

• Often requires deposit
• Requires upfront commercial solar investment of cash
• Low-interest rates can mean your cash is better spent elsewhere

Financial Benefits of Commercial Solar in Melbourne for Business Owners

Pros of leasing your solar installation

• $0 upfront investment
• Cashflow positive
• All repayments are tax-deductible

Cons of leasing your solar installation

• Subject to finance conditions
• Repayments include interest

Why Melbourne Businesses consider power purchasing agreements for solar

Pros of a PPA for your solar installation

• $0 upfront investment
• Cashflow positive
• The system is ensured and maintained by a third party

Cons of a PPA for your solar installation

• The highest amount of fees
• Requires longer terms to be cashflow positive (7-10 years)

Environment Upgrade Agreement (EUA)

Pros of an EUA for your solar installation

• $0 upfront investment
• Cashflow positive
• All repayments are tax-deductible
• Transferable ownership with the property title

Cons of an EUA for your solar installation

• Subject to finance conditions
• Repayments include interest
• Not currently offered by all Councils

In 2002, Sustainable Australia Fund (formally Sustainable Melbourne Fund) was founded by the City of Melbourne Council. This allowed renewable energy projects to be funded by attaching a loan to a property title. The repayments are collected through council rates, and terms can be up to 20 years.
Commercial solar systems in Melbourne can be funded in this way, provided the business is located in a participating Council.

Environment Upgrade Agreements (EUAs) are available in:

Baw Baw Shire Council, Brimbank City Council, Campase Shire Council, Cardinia Shire Council, Central Goldfields Shire, City of Greater Bendigo Council, City of Greater Geelong Council, City of Kingston, City of Melbourne, City of Monash Council, City of Port Phillip, Darebin City Council, Greater Dandenong Council, Greater Shepparton Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Hobsons Bay City Council, Horsham Rural City Council, Hume City Council, Indigo Shire Council, Knox City Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Mildura Rural City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Moira Shire Council, Moonee Valley Council, Moreland City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Mount Alexander Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council, Wangaratta Rural City, Warrnambool City Council, Wellington Shire Council, Wyndham City Council, Yarra Ranges Council

KUGA Electrical is the leading commercial solar installers Australia wide and has completed several solar installations using this finance offer. The latest EUA was completed for the Railway Hotel, located in the Baw Baw Council

In 2002, Sustainable Australia Fund (formally Sustainable Melbourne Fund) was founded by the City of Melbourne Council. This allowed renewable energy projects to be funded by attaching a loan to a property title. The repayments are collected through council rates, and terms can be up to 20 years.
Commercial solar systems in Melbourne can be funded in this way, provided the business is located in a participating Council.

Environment Upgrade Agreements (EUAs) are available in:

Baw Baw Shire Council, Brimbank City Council, Campase Shire Council, Cardinia Shire Council, Central Goldfields Shire, City of Greater Bendigo Council, City of Greater Geelong Council, City of Kingston, City of Melbourne, City of Monash Council, City of Port Phillip, Darebin City Council, Greater Dandenong Council, Greater Shepparton Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Hobsons Bay City Council, Horsham Rural City Council, Hume City Council, Indigo Shire Council, Knox City Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Mildura Rural City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Moira Shire Council, Moonee Valley Council, Moreland City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Mount Alexander Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council, Wangaratta Rural City, Warrnambool City Council, Wellington Shire Council, Wyndham City Council, Yarra Ranges Council

KUGA Electrical is the leading commercial solar installers Australia wide and has completed several solar installations using this finance offer. The latest EUA was completed for the Railway Hotel, located in the Baw Baw Council

Recent Case Studies for Commercial Solar installations in Melbourne

KUGA Electrical has produced over 3 GWh of clean energy for Australian businesses since the beginning of the year. The majority have been in Melbourne. Some notable examples can be seen below:

1.56MW Commercial Solar Installation

KUGA’s solution was to develop a cutting-edge 1.56MW single-axis tracking ground-mounted system, which significantly enhances solar yield by approximately 30%. This solar installation is projected to deliver a substantial 2608MWh of clean energy annually to the site, significantly reducing 2597 Tonnes of carbon footprint. By completing all elements of the civil, electrical, and mechanical works in-house and with KUGA’s own assets, the return of the project was able to hit the metrics set by Americold.

Business Name:

Location:

Solar Panels:

Solar Inverters:

Americold

Laverton, Melbourne

Astronergy 625W Bi Facial

Sungrow 110Kw 3P

723kW Solar Carport Installation

DC System Size of 723kW, consisting of 1680 Trina Bi-facial N-type Panels, maximizing energy production. This is powered by 5x110kVA SMA CORE2 STP 110-60 inverters, with an AC System size of 550kVA, ensuring reliable and efficient energy conversion. This solution not only addresses the energy requirements of Monash University’s Clayton campus but also aligns with its commitment to sustainability. By harnessing solar power, the university can reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources.

Business Name:

Location:

Solar Panels:

Solar Inverters:

Monash University

Clayton, Melbourne

Trinasolar Bi-Facial 440W

Sunny Tripower STP 110-60

1.45MW Commercial Solar Installation

Etex Australia Pty Ltd is embarking on a journey to sustainability for 2030, and Kuga Electrical is proud to be the chosen partner for the first phase of their ambitious seven-site solar rollout! Overall, Kuga Electrical has installed 3,199 solar panels for Etex.

This solar installation is projected to deliver a substantial 1,734GWh of clean energy annually to the site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Kuga has contributed to Etex’s sustainability goals by covering 34% of the site’s energy needs.

Business Name:

Location:

Solar Panels:

Solar Inverters:

SPA Industries

Clayton, Melbourne

Trinasolar Bi-Facial 440W

Sunny Tripower STP 110-60

Contact Kuga Electrical for Your
Melbourne Commercial Solar Solutions

Wondering if solar power is right for your Melbourne business? Have more questions regarding specific costs and returns?

Contact us today through our website, over the phone at 03 8797 0190 or via email service@13kuga.co

Contact Kuga Electrical for Your
Melbourne Commercial Solar Solutions

Wondering if solar power is right for your Melbourne business? Have more questions regarding specific costs and returns?

Contact us today through our website, over the phone at 03 8797 0190 or via email service@13kuga.co

Capability Statement

Download our Capability Statement to read more on our company, our people, our capabilities and our projects.

Capability Statement

Download our Capability Statement to read more on our company, our people, our capabilities and our projects.

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Clean Energy Project of the year National Emerging Business of the Year
Top 5 Commercial Overall
Clean Energy Project of the year National Master Electrician of the Year

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Licence numbers:

VIC REC 27103

NSW REC 318148C

QLD REC 88831

TAS REC 784865990

ACT REC 20211556

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