Choosing the Right Commercial Solar System on the Central Coast: 30kW vs 100kW vs 250kW

Looking to reduce your energy bills with solar power for your Central Coast business? Whether you run a small office in Gosford or a manufacturing site in Somersby, choosing the right system size — 30kW, 100kW, or 250kW — is key to getting value from commercial solar.

In this guide, we break down the real-world differences in cost, output, and ideal use cases to help you make the right call.

Why Solar System Size Matters for Commercial Sites

Not every business needs a massive system — but going too small can limit your savings. The right commercial solar system should match your daytime energy consumption, roof space, and future plans.

30kW Commercial Solar System

Best for:

  • Small businesses
  • Workshops or trades
  • Medical clinics or cafes
  • Offices with low daytime usage

Estimated Cost (ex-GST):

$25,000 – $40,000

Key Points:

  • Generates approx. 110–130 kWh per day
  • Eligible for STC rebates (Small-scale Technology Certificates)
  • Compact system with lower upfront cost
  • ROI in ~3 years for businesses with $1,500+ monthly power bills

Ideal if you’re looking to offset daytime power use without overcapitalising.

100kW Commercial Solar System

Best for:

  • Warehouses
  • Aged care centres
  • Large retail operations
  • Commercial kitchens or cold storage

Estimated Cost (ex-GST):

$70,000 – $120,000

Key Points:

  • Generates around 400 kWh per day
  • Still eligible for STC rebate (under 100kW threshold)
  • Strong return for medium-to-large power users
  • Common benchmark for businesses wanting serious energy bill reductions

This is one of the most popular system sizes across the Central Coast — especially in areas like Gosford, Terrigal and Wyong.

250kW Commercial Solar System

Best for:

  • Large factories and logistics hubs
  • Agribusiness operations
  • Multi-site or energy-intensive buildings
  • Manufacturers with 24/7 operations

Estimated Cost (ex-GST):

$180,000+

Key Points:

  • Generates 1,000+ kWh per day
  • Ineligible for STCs (must claim LGCs under the Large-Scale Renewable Energy Target)
  • Requires grid application and metering upgrades
  • Strongest ROI for high-load users paying peak commercial rates

A 250kW system is a powerhouse setup — if you’re running heavy machinery or refrigeration, this size delivers major savings long-term.

What Else Should You Consider?

System Size Estimated Cost Daily Output Suited For
30kW $25k–$40k 110–130 kWh Small shops, offices, tradies
100kW $70k–$120k ~400 kWh Retail, warehouse, aged care
250kW+ $180k+ 1,000+ kWh Manufacturing, logistics, agribusiness

What Else Should You Consider?

When comparing system sizes, don’t just look at panel count. Think about:

  • Your energy usage pattern – When and how much power you use
  • Roof space and structural suitability – Flat metal roofs are easiest to work with
  • Local energy tariffs and demand charges – We factor in your current bill to size your system properly
  • Battery compatibility – Larger systems can pair with commercial battery storage to reduce demand charges

What System Do Central Coast Businesses Usually Choose?

  • Tradies, clinics, and offices often start with 30kW systems to reduce day-to-day overheads.
  • Warehouses and schools go for 100kW systems, striking a balance between cost and coverage.
  • Food manufacturers, logistics, and agri-operations tend to go straight for 250kW+ systems to handle their large loads.

Need Help Figuring Out What Size You Need?

No two businesses are the same. That’s why we offer site assessments, usage reviews, and tailored system design — all obligation-free.

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