Advocates for the energy transition argue that the commercial and industrial sector represents the most significant untapped opportunity for Australia to meet its renewable energy targets. While residential solar has been a resounding success, the vast, unshaded roof spaces of warehouses, factories, and office buildings remain largely underutilized. By incentivizing businesses to install solar, Australia could generate massive amounts of clean power closer to where it is consumed, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming new transmission line projects. This approach would not only lower operational costs for businesses but also provide a more stable and efficient energy supply for the entire grid.
Proponents suggest that policy reforms, such as increasing the instant asset write-off for solar and battery systems, could bridge the gap for the 'missing middle'—businesses that are too large for residential programs but lack the scale of utility-scale projects. Furthermore, creating 'urban solar parks' on commercial rooftops could allow for localized energy storage and distribution. This strategy would help mitigate the strain on the grid by keeping energy generation local, effectively turning industrial zones into hubs of renewable production. By focusing on these existing structures, the country can accelerate its transition without the environmental and planning hurdles associated with large-scale, remote energy developments.