Think Piece
Compare Commercial Solar Quotes
Prices vary wildly between providers. We’ll show you what your system should cost — or compare quotes for you.
If you’re getting or comparing commercial solar quotes, you’ve probably already noticed one thing:
The prices don’t always line up. One provider might quote $80,000. Another might quote $120,000 for what looks like the same size system.
So what’s the difference?
Sometimes it’s the panels, inverter, system design or installation scope. Other times, it’s the assumptions behind the savings, payback period, warranties or ongoing support.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
Commercial Solar Finance Options
Purchase upfront (Capex) or install with $0 upfront finance. Every option comes with clear savings modelling so you can see the financial impact before you commit.
#Why Commercial Solar Quotes Vary
Commercial solar quotes can differ significantly between providers, even when the system size looks similar on paper. The difference usually comes down to what has been included, what has been assumed, and how the system has been designed.
1. System Design
Not all commercial solar systems are designed the same way. Panel layout, inverter selection, roof orientation, shading, energy usage patterns and overall system efficiency can all impact performance and cost.
What to check: Has the system been designed around your actual energy usage, site layout and operating hours?
2. Equipment Quality
Tier 1 panels and quality inverters may cost more upfront, but they can deliver stronger long-term performance, reliability and warranty support. Cheaper components can reduce the initial price, but may affect output, durability and long-term value.
What to check: Are the panel and inverter brands clearly listed, and do the warranties match the expected life of the system?
3. Installation Complexity
Roof type, access, safety requirements, switchboard upgrades, cable runs, structural considerations and grid connection requirements can all influence the final price.
What to check: Does the quote clearly explain installation scope, exclusions and any potential additional costs?
4. Provider Margins
Some providers price aggressively low to win the job. Others build in higher margins, sometimes without delivering additional value. The cheapest quote is not always the best quote, but the most expensive one is not automatically better either.
What to check: Are you paying for better design, equipment, support and performance — or just a higher margin?
5. Incentives & Assumptions
Government incentives, energy tariffs, export rates and savings projections can be calculated differently between providers. This can make some quotes look more attractive than they actually are.
What to check: Are the projected savings based on realistic energy usage, electricity rates and export assumptions?
Case Study
#Commercial Solar Case Study: 474kW Warehouse Install for Dincel
See how Sharp EIT Solutions designed, financed and installed a 474kW rooftop solar system for Dincel — an Australian-owned engineering manufacturer. In this commercial solar case study, Bora from Dincel shares why they invested in solar and the results they're seeing across their warehouse facility.
#Common Mistakes When Comparing Solar Quotes
Most businesses don’t choose the wrong system on purpose — they choose based on a quote that doesn’t tell the full story.
Here are some of the most common mistakes:
- Comparing price only, not performance
- Overestimating energy savings
- Ignoring system design differences
- Choosing based on payback alone
- Not understanding what’s included or excluded
- Assuming all panels, inverters and warranties are the same
A cheaper commercial solar quote may look appealing upfront, but if the system is poorly designed, undersized, overpromised or missing key inclusions, it can cost more over the long term.
Before you request quotes or sign off on a proposal, it’s worth understanding what should be compared beyond the final price.
#Government Incentives And How They Impact Solar Quotes
Government incentives can reduce the upfront cost of a commercial solar system, but they are not always presented the same way across quotes.
Some providers may apply incentives differently or use assumptions that make the quote look more attractive upfront.
Common issues include:
- Incentives shown without clear explanation
- Savings projections based on unrealistic usage
- Payback periods that do not reflect actual business energy patterns
- Missing details around eligibility, system size or installation requirements
- Headline prices that look low but exclude important costs
This is why it is important to look beyond the headline price and understand the real cost of the system, the assumptions behind the savings and what is actually included in the quote.
Sharp EIT can help you compare commercial solar quotes and understand how incentives, system design and projected savings affect the final outcome.
#🎥 Case Study - 100kW Rooftop Solar Installation - North Ryde RSL
"Sharp EIT made the switch to solar effortless. The install was fast, the team was great to deal with". Joe Kelly, CEO of North Ryde RSL.
Want pricing and payback for your site? No-obligation. We’ll confirm suitability, pricing and estimated payback.
#What A Fair Commercial Solar Quote Looks Like
Every commercial solar project is different, but most systems fall within broad pricing ranges depending on the system size, site complexity, equipment selection and installation requirements.
As an indicative guide:
- 30kW commercial solar system: approximately $35,000–$55,000
- 100kW commercial solar system: approximately $90,000–$140,000
- 250kW+ commercial solar system: usually from $200,000+
These figures are useful as a starting point, but they should not be treated as a fixed price. A fair commercial solar quote should clearly explain what has been included, what has been excluded, and why the system has been designed that way.
Pricing can shift depending on factors such as:
- Roof type, access and safety requirements
- Switchboard or electrical upgrades
- Grid connection requirements
- Panel and inverter selection
- System layout and expected performance
- Monitoring, warranties and ongoing support
If a quote sits well outside the expected range, there may be a valid reason. The important thing is understanding why.
Before comparing quotes or moving forward with a provider, make sure you are comparing the full system, not just the final price.
Want to understand what your commercial solar system should cost?
Sharp EIT can assess your site, energy usage and business requirements, or help you compare an existing quote before you commit. Request a solar assessment.
#Finding The Right Commercial Solar System Size
Choosing the right system size is just as important as choosing the right provider.
A system that is too small may not reduce your electricity costs as much as it could. A system that is too large may produce more energy than your business can use, which can affect the return on investment.
The right commercial solar system size should be based on:
- Your current electricity usage
- When your business uses the most power
- Site operating hours
- Available roof or ground space
- Future growth plans
- Battery storage requirements
- Network and export limits
A good commercial solar quote should clearly explain why a particular system size has been recommended, how much energy it is expected to produce, and how that compares to your actual usage.
If you are unsure what size system is right for your business, Sharp EIT can assess your site, review your energy usage and recommend a system designed around your operations.
Need help working out the right system size?
Book a commercial solar assessment or compare your existing quote with Sharp EIT before you commit.
Case Study
#Commercial Solar Installation: Kongsberg Maritime Fremantle, WA.
Sharp EIT Solutions delivered a 33.66kW commercial rooftop solar system for Kongsberg Maritime in South Fremantle, WA.
Completed over three days with zero disruption to operations, the system is designed to help reduce reliance on grid electricity, lower ongoing electricity costs and support the business’s sustainability goals.
Why Sharp EIT for Commercial Solar?
We're an Australian-owned business with an in-house commercial solar team — design, installation, and ongoing support delivered Australia-wide. Our commercial solar division is led by Neil Armstrong, General Manager – Green Energy. The same team that scopes your site stays with you through commissioning and beyond.
- A site-specific energy and tariff assessment before we propose anything
- System design tailored to your load profile and operational patterns
- Transparent modelling — projected savings vs repayments, shown side by side
- Payback periods typically 1.8 to 4 years
- Ongoing monitoring and support from the team that installed it
#Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Solar Quotes
In most cases, getting two to three commercial solar quotes is enough to compare system design, pricing, and assumptions. The key is understanding how each solar quote has been structured, rather than simply comparing total cost.
Commercial solar quotes can vary significantly depending on system size, equipment quality, installation scope, and how energy savings are calculated. Different assumptions around usage and pricing can make quotes look very different, even for similar systems.
When comparing commercial solar quotes, you should review system sizing, estimated energy production, equipment specifications, installation scope, and how savings and return on investment are calculated. It’s also important to check for any exclusions or additional costs.
The average cost of a commercial solar system in Australia typically ranges from $800 to $1,400 per kW installed. Pricing varies based on system size, site complexity, and equipment selection, which is why quotes can differ between providers.
Solar comparison websites can be useful for gathering multiple commercial solar quotes quickly, but they don’t always assess system design accuracy or long-term performance. It’s important to review each proposal in detail to ensure a fair comparison.
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