Victoria
New South Wales
South Australia
QueenslandQuantified, Streamlined Savings.
With the introduction of Specified Measurement Method 4 (SMM4) for Measurement & Verification (M&V) in 2025, quantified energy savings for solar projects became a significantly smoother process. Organisations installing solar PV systems are able to measure, verify and monetise the project with less paperwork and therefore lower fees, making it a more attractive proposition to invest in the infrastructure upgrade.
Where SMM4 is Used.
Under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) scheme, solar PV projects can be measured under standard M&V PBA methods. These measurements involve some complexity in the calculations, and often require a reasonable amount of ongoing involvement from the site. SMM4 can be utilised when the standard M&V model is not suitable and site variables aren’t a factor. Instead of the complex, extensive modelling required for large energy projects, SMM4 uses a straightforward approach, allowing self-consumption of solar PV generated on-site to be turned into Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs). The downside for solar PV only projects is a lower decay factor resulting in approximately 9% less certificates than using Standard M&V, though it caters to projects that would have otherwise been ineligible. However, if your project is solar PV and a battery, SMM4 is an improvement in the certificate outcome compared to standard M&V.
SMM4 in Practice.
Schur Star Systems is a manufacturer in Thomastown, Victoria, with a new 383kW solar PV system installed in 2024. Ecovantage was engaged to quantify the energy savings delivered by the system, generate the corresponding VEECs and monetise them for the client. Through interval data collected for both grid energy consumption and the export of generated energy, Ecovantage’s M&V Specialists converted this data into daily energy usage and export figures. Calculations then delivered the actual energy savings achieved through the solar system, through the SMM4 methodology.
A Win for the Client.
Whilst Ecovantage was not involved in the installation of Schur’s new solar PV system, our team stepped in to maximise the incentives available under the VEU scheme. Significant baseline savings of 68.6% were achieved, and over 10 years, a total of 3,771MWh is forecast to be supplied through the system rather than grid energy. These savings resulted in the creation of over 1,900 VEECs at a value of almost $150,000 to the client.
M&V Specialists.
Ecovantage has been delivering M&V projects for 5 years, with in-house engineers certified for all of the major methods under the state and federal schemes, and NABERS. We have proudly delivered 100% of M&V projects, realising positive financial returns for every one of our clients. With the introduction of SMM4 we are equipped to verify all system sizes and configurations, so reach out to our team to discuss your next project and how we can help mitigate upgrade costs.
See more information about Ecovantage’s Energy Audit and NABERS Ratings services.
