Businesses urged to install solar and sell power to generate revenue as market softens

Australian businesses are being urged to act quickly as government support for solar and battery installations continues to expand, with energy experts warning many organisations are unaware they can dramatically reduce power costs without taking on additional debt.
 

At a time when electricity prices remain one of the biggest threats to profitability, Agile Energy CEO Jack Kapoor said a surprising number of businesses still believe clean energy systems are too expensive or require substantial upfront capital.
 

"That perception is completely outdated," Kapoor said.
 

"The reality is that government support remains available, battery incentives are increasing and there are now financing models that allow businesses to install solar and batteries without putting debt on their balance sheet."
 

The biggest business opportunity nobody is talking about
 

Kapoor believes many Australian businesses are unknowingly paying far more for electricity than necessary.
 

"Every month businesses are writing enormous cheques to energy retailers while valuable government support sits untouched," he said.
 

"We are seeing organisations spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on electricity while delaying projects that could dramatically reduce those costs."
 

He said the opportunity is particularly significant for manufacturers, warehouses, shopping centres, healthcare facilities, schools, clubs, pubs, hotels, aged care providers and commercial property owners.
 

"Many of these organisations are ideal candidates for solar and battery systems and don't realise how much assistance is available."
 

Government support remains stronger than many businesses realise
 

Kapoor said one of the biggest misconceptions in the market is that government incentives for solar have disappeared.

"Many business owners assume all the support ended years ago. In reality, governments continue to invest billions of dollars into helping businesses reduce energy costs and transition away from expensive traditional energy sources," Kapoor said.
 

He said support currently exists through a combination of federal and state-based initiatives.
 

Federal incentives still reducing upfront costs
 

Businesses installing eligible solar systems can continue to benefit from the Federal Government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which can significantly reduce installation costs.
 

"Many businesses are still eligible to receive substantial discounts through STCs, yet surprisingly few understand how the scheme works," Kapoor said.
 

"These incentives can remove a meaningful portion of the upfront investment and improve project returns from day one."
 

Battery support gaining momentum
 

Kapoor said battery storage is becoming a major focus for governments as Australia seeks to strengthen energy security and reduce pressure on the grid.
 

"We are seeing increasing support for battery deployment because governments understand batteries are critical for grid stability, resilience and managing peak demand," Kapoor said.
 

"Battery incentives are emerging as one of the most exciting opportunities available to Australian businesses."
 

States stepping up with additional assistance

According to Kapoor, many state governments are also providing grants, rebates, financing support and energy-efficiency programs designed to encourage businesses to invest in clean energy infrastructure.
 

"Programs vary across Australia, but the common theme is clear: governments want businesses generating and storing their own energy," Kapoor said.
 

"We regularly see business owners shocked by the level of support available once they begin exploring their options."
 

Install solar without adding debt
 

Kapoor said perhaps the biggest development in recent years is the rise of Energy as a Service (EaaS) models.
 

"Traditionally businesses either paid cash or borrowed money to install solar," Kapoor said.
 

"Today there are solutions that allow organisations to install solar and batteries with little or no upfront capital while avoiding additional debt on their balance sheet."

Under Agile Energy's Energy as a Service model, the infrastructure can be funded, owned and operated externally while the customer simply purchases the energy generated at a lower rate than grid electricity.
 

"For CFOs, boards and business owners, this is a game changer because they preserve capital, maintain borrowing capacity and still benefit from lower energy costs," Kapoor said.
 

Why energy retailers don't want you to know
 

Kapoor said many businesses remain trapped in a cycle of rising electricity bills because they continue viewing energy as a fixed cost.
 

"Energy retailers have built their business around selling more electricity," Kapoor said.
 

"The smartest businesses are now asking a different question: why continue buying something you can increasingly generate yourself?
 

"Solar and battery technology is fundamentally changing the economics of energy. For many organisations, energy is shifting from a major expense to a controllable business asset."
 

Businesses are becoming their own power stations
 

Kapoor said the commercial sector is entering a new era.
 

"We are seeing businesses effectively become mini power stations," Kapoor said.
 

"They are generating electricity onsite, storing excess energy and reducing exposure to volatile energy markets."
 

This shift is delivering both financial and strategic benefits.
 

"The organisations acting now are positioning themselves ahead of competitors who remain dependent on rising grid prices," Kapoor added.
 

Delay could become expensive
 

Kapoor warned that businesses waiting for the perfect time may ultimately pay a price.
 

"Every month spent delaying is another month paying avoidable energy costs. Doing nothing is often the most expensive option," Kapoor said.
 

"Rising electricity prices, increasing network charges and growing energy demand are unlikely to reverse.
 

"The pressure on energy costs is not disappearing. The question is whether businesses continue absorbing those costs or take advantage of the support available to reduce them."
 

A once-in-a-generation energy shift
 

Kapoor believes Australia is experiencing one of the biggest changes in business energy economics in decades.

"You have rising electricity prices, improving technology, government incentives, battery support and innovative financing all occurring at the same time," Kapoor said.
 

"It is difficult to imagine a better environment for businesses to take control of their energy future. Governments are actively helping businesses transition to cheaper, cleaner energy.
 

"The businesses that move first will be the ones that benefit most. The businesses that wait may discover the opportunity has already passed."
 

About Agile Energy
 

Agile Energy is one of Australia's fastest-growing clean-energy companies, delivering large-scale solar, battery and electrification solutions for the commercial, industrial, healthcare and property sectors. The company designs, finances, builds and operates integrated clean-energy systems that help businesses reduce costs, decarbonise operations and participate in virtual power networks. With deep engineering expertise, financial discipline and a long-term ownership mindset, Agile Energy is redefining how organisations generate, store and trade electricity creating measurable financial and environmental performance across Australia's transition to a smarter, more resilient energy future. Further information can be found at: agileenergy.com.au