Buildings rated between five and six stars can command rent premiums of 5-10 per cent and lease up to 20 per cent faster than unrated stock. Tenants increasingly use these ratings as shorthand for corporate responsibility and cost efficiency, and financiers are beginning to assess carbon exposure in lending decisions.
In this context, renewable energy systems such as rooftop solar and battery storage have moved from optional sustainability features to core infrastructure assets.
Building Energy into the Blueprint
When solar and storage are considered early in the design process, they become part of the building fabric rather than being a later addition. Structural load allowances, roof geometry, switchboard capacity and cable routing can all be planned from the outset. This reduces redesigns and costs, avoids retrofit risk and keeps approval pathways clear.
For developers this means fewer surprises, clearer budgets and tighter delivery programs. Smart works with development teams during concept, design and DA phases to map how solar, battery and EV infrastructure will integrate with the base building. This planning delivers measurable energy performance from day one rather than requiring upgrades once the site is operational.
From One-Off Installs to a Portfolio Strategy
Many national developers still treat solar as a subcontracted package handled by different local suppliers. This can lead to inconsistent designs, variable documentation, warranty complexity and uneven performance. It also creates challenges for corporate ESG reporting when assets are assessed collectively.
A single national energy partner provides consistency in design, engineering, procurement, monitoring and documentation across all sites. It simplifies NABERS verification because data is captured in a unified format. Smart provides end-to-end capability from feasibility and grid approvals through to commissioning and ongoing monitoring, giving developers a clear line of accountability and a repeatable model that scales nationally. Our 0.8% average variation rate – yes, that’s under 1% - is industry leading, and means it’s very rare you’ll end up paying more than you budgeted for.
For large developers and funds, this consistency is a commercial advantage that aligns with investor expectations for quality, transparency and performance.
Case Study: Frasers Property Industrial, Kemps Creek
Frasers Property Industrial’s logistics facility at Kemps Creek demonstrates what is possible when renewable energy systems are designed in from day one. Smart Commercial Solar delivered a 1.75 MW rooftop solar system and an 808 kWh battery as part of the base build.
Because the system was planned early, no structural modifications or switchboard upgrades were needed later. The installation used heli-lift techniques to accommodate large roof spans and restricted crane access, allowing construction to continue smoothly.
The result is an asset that supports Frasers’ carbon-neutral operational goals, lowers tenant energy costs and strengthens the building’s NABERS rating potential. For a developer that retains ownership of its assets, that creates long-term financial and reputational value.
Understanding the NABERS Advantage
Speaking of NABERS, there’s no doubt this system has become the national benchmark for energy performance in Australian property. More than 1,400 buildings hold active NABERS Energy ratings, and many institutional owners now mandate a minimum of five stars for new developments. The Renewable Energy Indicator recognises on-site renewables such as solar and battery systems, giving developers direct credit for these features at design stage.
“Improving the NABERS rating of your commercial building saves energy, lowers bills and cuts carbon,” says Luke Menzel, Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Efficiency Council and a member of the NABERS National Steering Committee.
Research shows that offices with higher NABERS ratings have lower vacancy rates, increased capital value and lower cost of operation. Integrating solar and battery systems early provides the verified data trail needed to support these outcomes and maintain consistent ratings across portfolios.
The Development Opportunity
Energy strategy has become infrastructure. It influences approvals, financing, occupancy and long-term return. Developers who embed renewable energy in their base-build design are creating assets that meet the expectations of tenants, investors and regulators today and remain competitive well into the future.
Smart Commercial Solar partners with developers and design teams to plan and deliver solar, battery and EV infrastructure at scale. From feasibility through commissioning and performance reporting, our approach provides the consistency and accountability required across national portfolios.
If you are developing a new industrial or commercial site and want to explore how early-stage energy planning can strengthen your next project, contact our experienced team for a design review or feasibility discussion.
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