Australia’s commercial solar sector has reached a major milestone. In this episode of Solar Insiders by Renew Economy, Smart Energy Council Head of Policy & Advocacy Rob Potter discusses the Federal Government’s decision to expand the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) from 100 kW to 1 MW—a reform the Smart Energy Council has long advocated for through its Missing Middle campaign.
Rob explains how this policy change will unlock thousands of commercial solar projects, reduce electricity costs for Australian businesses, and help turn millions of square metres of unused rooftop space into clean energy generation.
The conversation also explores: Why the previous 100 kW limit held back commercial solar investment. How the Smart Energy Council’s Missing Middle report helped shape this reform. The network connection and approval barriers that still need to be addressed. Why battery storage is the next critical step for commercial and industrial customers.
The future opportunities for logistics, manufacturing, agriculture and regional Australia. This is a significant step forward for Australia’s smart energy transition—but the work isn’t finished. The Smart Energy Council will continue advocating to remove the remaining barriers and unlock the full potential of commercial solar and battery storage.
Read the research report here
Read the Smart Energy Council media release here
Listen to the whole podcast here
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Media Contact: Tim Lamacraft, General Manager, Media & Communications
