For years, Victorian businesses installing mid-sized solar fell between schemes. Under 100 kW they got STCs. Above that, there was nothing upfront, only LGCs after the fact. Activity 47 of Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU), introduced in September 2025, fills part of that gap with VEECs.
What activity 47 covers
The amendment regulations introduced a commercial and industrial solar PV activity from 29 September 2025. It applies to grid-connected systems between 30 kW and 200 kW at commercial and industrial premises: factories, warehouses, offices, schools, healthcare and large retail sites. Certificates are created under activities 47A and 47B. Systems of 200 to 400 kW can use streamlined measurement and verification, and larger systems can use advanced measurement and verification, which are project-based pathways.
The idea is simple. The energy a system will save over time is converted into certificates upfront, and the discount reduces the capital cost for the business.
How much is the discount?
There is no flat answer. Industry commentary has pointed to upfront incentives of up to around $34,000 on a maximum-size system, but that is a headline from advisers, not an ESC guarantee, and the real figure depends on size, product and the VEEC price (about $85 to $95 at the time of writing). Any quote should come in writing from the accredited person, showing the certificates created and the price applied.
VEECs, STCs and LGCs on the same system
Below 100 kW, a system can also be eligible for STCs, giving two incentive streams on one installation. That is why the rules on stacking VEECs and STCs matter: each certificate needs to be created lawfully, with no double counting. Above 100 kW the federal side has changed too. From 1 October 2026, systems above 100 kW and up to 1 MW can create STCs with a fixed five-year deeming period, with applications opening in mid to late November 2026. See mid-scale solar STCs for how that works. Whether a given 100 to 200 kW system can draw on both schemes is a point to confirm with the ESC and the Clean Energy Regulator before you quote.
What this means for installers
- Check the accreditation. Only an accredited person under the VEU program can create these VEECs, so partner with one or apply yourself.
- Check the product list for the activity, not only the CEC panel and inverter lists.
- Size the quote around both streams, and show the customer which certificates fund which part of the discount.
- Plan cash flow. Larger parcels make a settlement partner more valuable than on small appliance jobs.
For how the certificates travel from lodgement to payment, read how VEECs work and the VEEC trading pillar. Our rate is on /pricing/, and you can start trading once you hold accreditation or have a partner who does.