How Smart Commercial Solar Became a Game-Changer in Australia’s Solar Industry
Smart Commercial Solar, led by its founder Huon Hoogesteger, has emerged as a powerhouse in Australia’s renewable energy sector. With a focus on delivering reliable and cost-effective solar solutions to businesses, the company has successfully carved out a niche in commercial solar installations. This article delves into the story of Smart Commercial Solar, its strategies for success, and its vision for the future of energy in Australia.
Smart Commercial Solar: Leading Australia’s Renewable Energy Revolution
The story of Smart Commercial Solar began with a challenge that many Australians face: the cost of connecting to the grid. In 2012, Huon Hoogesteger purchased a property in Glenorie that would have cost $250,000 to connect to the grid. This led him to install an off-grid solar system, sparking his interest in the industry.
Initially working for LJW Solar, one of Australia’s oldest solar companies, Hoogesteger honed his skills in residential and off-grid solar. In 2012, he launched Smart Commercial Solar with a singular focus: commercial solar installations. At the time, the market lacked a dedicated player in this space, and Hoogesteger seized the opportunity.
Building Success Through Relationships
For Hoogesteger, business is about more than numbers—it’s about building trust. “Business is relationships—that’s all it is,” he explains. This ethos drives Smart Commercial Solar’s customer-first approach, focusing on delivering long-term value rather than chasing short-term wins.
By prioritising customer needs and fostering trust, the company has established itself as a market leader. According to the SunWiz report, Smart Commercial Solar consistently outpaces its competitors in large-scale commercial solar installations.
Off-Grid Origins and Scaling to Megawatts
Hoogesteger’s early experience in off-grid solar was instrumental in shaping the company’s expertise in system design and energy management. Off-grid projects taught him to think critically about energy loads, system efficiency, and long-term reliability—skills that now translate seamlessly into large-scale commercial installations.
Today, Smart Commercial Solar handles projects ranging from 30 kW to multi-megawatt systems, catering to diverse businesses across Australia.
The Power of PPAs: Making Solar Accessible
One of Smart Commercial Solar’s key innovations is its use of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
How PPAs Work
Under a PPA, Smart Commercial Solar installs, owns, and maintains the solar system on a client’s property at no upfront cost. The client simply pays for the energy the system generates—at rates that are typically 30–40% lower than grid electricity.
This model eliminates financial barriers for businesses, making it easier to adopt renewable energy. Over the years, Smart Commercial Solar has funded and maintained thousands of systems using this approach.
Navigating Challenges in Australia’s Solar Industry
The solar industry in Australia has faced its share of challenges, from fluctuating government policies to cutthroat competition. Many competitors who were once prominent in the commercial space have since exited the market.
So, what has kept Smart Commercial Solar thriving?
- Focus on Quality: While competitors have cut costs to win bids, Smart Commercial Solar has maintained its commitment to delivering high-quality systems designed for long-term performance.
- Data-Driven Approach: The company monitors the performance of every system it installs, providing clients with regular updates and ensuring issues are resolved quickly.
- Customer Education: By helping clients understand the long-term benefits of solar and providing clear, transparent solutions, they’ve built trust in a market often clouded by skepticism.
Rooftop Solar: The Key to Australia’s Renewable Future
Australia has some of the best conditions for solar energy in the world, but Hoogesteger believes the focus should shift from large-scale solar farms to distributed rooftop solar.
Why Rooftop Solar Makes Sense
- Efficiency: Rooftop solar eliminates the need for costly transmission lines required by remote solar farms.
- Stability: Distributed solar systems reduce the risk of grid instability caused by single, centralised generation points.
- Unused Potential: While 40% of Australian homes have rooftop solar, the commercial sector lags, with only a fraction of rooftops being utilised.
Hoogesteger advocates for stronger regulations to ensure new commercial buildings are designed to support solar installations. He highlights that for an additional $19 per square meter in construction costs, buildings can accommodate solar systems that deliver significant long-term savings.
Embracing Batteries: The Next Frontier
While solar panels have become mainstream, the adoption of battery storage is gaining momentum. Hoogesteger acknowledges that batteries were financially unviable a few years ago but notes that falling costs and improved technology have made them a smart investment for many businesses.
The Role of Batteries in Energy Independence
Batteries allow businesses to store excess energy generated during the day and use it during peak demand periods, reducing reliance on the grid. With innovative financing models, Smart Commercial Solar is now exploring how to make battery systems accessible through PPAs.
Why Choose Smart Commercial Solar?
Smart Commercial Solar stands out for its:
- Proven Expertise: Over a decade of experience and hundreds of megawatts installed.
- Customer-First Approach: Tailored solutions backed by data and transparent reporting.
- Innovative Financing: Industry-leading PPA models that remove financial barriers.
- Commitment to Quality: Reliable systems built to last, with ongoing monitoring and support.
