New Energy Support for WA Manufacturers: What It Means for Solar and Battery Storage

There could be good news for Western Australian manufacturers looking to reduce their electricity costs.

The WA Government is highlighting new financial support to help local manufacturing businesses invest in solar, battery storage and energy-efficient equipment.

As part of its broader Plan for Affordable Energy, the Government has committed $150 million in low-interest loans to support eligible WA manufacturers investing in technology that could help reduce their ongoing energy expenses.

For businesses operating warehouses, factories, workshops and manufacturing facilities, this could create an opportunity to reassess how they generate and use electricity.

Here’s what we know so far.

What’s Being Announced?

The WA Government’s Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program is designed to help manufacturers invest in equipment that can improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs.

The Government has outlined $150 million in low-interest loan funding, with loans of up to $15 million proposed for eligible businesses.

The types of investments identified include:

• Commercial solar installations

• Industrial battery storage

• Energy-efficient manufacturing equipment

• Advanced manufacturing technology

• Equipment upgrades that improve energy efficiency

The aim is to help local manufacturers manage energy expenses while supporting investment in modern equipment and infrastructure.

Importantly, this is a loan initiative rather than a solar rebate. Businesses will need to assess the applicable finance terms, eligibility requirements and overall project costs before proceeding.

Why Does This Matter for WA Manufacturers?

Electricity can be a significant operating expense for manufacturing businesses.

Machinery, production equipment, refrigeration, processing facilities and other electrical systems can require substantial amounts of energy throughout the working day.

For businesses with consistent daytime electricity consumption, commercial solar may offer an opportunity to generate a portion of that electricity onsite.

Rather than purchasing all their power from the grid, businesses can use electricity generated by their own solar installation.

Depending on the system and the property’s energy requirements, this can help reduce grid electricity consumption and ongoing operating costs.

Could Your Business Benefit From Commercial Solar?

Manufacturing facilities are often well suited to commercial solar because they may have large roof areas and significant electricity requirements during daylight hours.

Potential applications include:

• Manufacturing and production facilities

• Food processing businesses

• Agricultural processing operations

• Industrial workshops

• Warehouses with manufacturing operations

• Businesses operating energy-intensive machinery

However, the right solar system depends on more than the size of the roof.

Understanding when and how electricity is used is essential to designing a system that provides practical benefits.

At Green Wave Solar, we look at the property’s electricity consumption, available installation space, existing infrastructure and future energy requirements before recommending a solution.

What About Commercial Battery Storage?

Battery storage could also play a role in helping WA manufacturers manage electricity consumption.

While solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours, batteries can store some of the excess energy for use later.

For businesses that continue operating into the evening or have changing electricity requirements throughout the day, battery storage may provide additional flexibility.

Depending on the system design and electricity tariff, battery storage may help businesses:

• Store excess solar energy for later use

• Increase their use of onsite-generated electricity

• Reduce electricity purchased during certain higher-cost periods

• Manage energy consumption more effectively

• Support selected backup power requirements where appropriately designed

Not every business needs a battery, and the financial benefits will vary.

The best approach is to assess solar and battery storage together to determine what makes sense for the property.

More Opportunities for Commercial Solar in 2026

The new WA manufacturing loan initiative comes alongside changes to Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

From 1 October 2026, eligible solar PV systems above 100kW and up to 1MW can participate in the expanded SRES.

This means qualifying mid-scale commercial solar installations can now access upfront financial support through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs).

For eligible manufacturing businesses considering larger solar installations, the expanded SRES may provide an additional reason to investigate their options.

However, the two initiatives are separate. Eligibility for one does not automatically establish eligibility for the other, and any financial assessment should account for the applicable rules and requirements.

What Should WA Businesses Do Next?

If your manufacturing business has been considering solar or battery storage, now could be a good time to revisit those plans.

Before investing, it’s worth understanding:

• How much electricity your business consumes

• When your electricity demand is highest

• Whether your roof or property is suitable for solar

• What system capacity would best suit your operations

• Whether battery storage would provide additional benefits

• What financial incentives or support may be available

• How your energy requirements could change as your business grows

It’s also important to confirm the latest eligibility and application details for the Made in WA Energy Affordability Investment Program before making financial commitments.

Commercial Solar Solutions With Green Wave Solar

Green Wave Solar is a WA-owned and operated solar and electrical company based in the South West, providing commercial solar and battery solutions across Western Australia.

Our experienced electricians design and install renewable energy systems using quality products selected for long-term performance and reliability.

We understand that every commercial property has different requirements, which is why our approach begins with understanding your electricity consumption, infrastructure and business needs.

Whether you’re considering a new commercial solar installation, expanding an existing system or exploring battery storage, our team can help you assess your options.

Thinking About Solar for Your Manufacturing Business?

With new government support being highlighted for WA manufacturers and expanded federal incentives for eligible commercial solar systems, there are good reasons to investigate your property’s solar potential.

If you’re looking to reduce reliance on grid electricity and make better use of your commercial roof space, get in touch with Green Wave Solar.

Our team can help you understand what solar and battery storage could look like for your business.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information as at October 2026. Government funding, loan eligibility, application requirements and financial arrangements are subject to the relevant program conditions. Green Wave Solar does not provide financial advice or guarantee eligibility for government assistance. Businesses should confirm current program details with the administering government agency before making investment decisions.