Western Australia's Synergy DEBS Solar Feed-In Tariff Explained

Key Takeaways

• The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) is Western Australia's current solar export program, offered by Energy Policy WA.
• DEBS provides time-of-export payments for electricity sent to the grid, with different rates for peak and off-peak periods.
• The scheme encourages households to use or store solar energy during the day and can incentivise west-facing panel installations.
• Eligibility includes system size limits (500W to 5kW generating capacity) and a daily buyback cap of 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per premises.

What is the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) in Western Australia?

The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) is a program established by the Government of Western Australia through Energy Policy WA. It offers eligible customers a payment for electricity they export to the grid. This scheme is specifically designed for Western Australian residents and organisations connected to the state's electricity network.

DEBS replaced the previous Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) for new and upgraded distributed energy resources installations as of 8 September 2020. Customers who were already on REBS continue to receive REBS rates unless they make changes to their solar PV system or request to switch to DEBS.

How the DEBS scheme works

The DEBS scheme provides a time-of-export payment, meaning the rate you receive for exported electricity varies depending on when it is sent to the grid. This electricity can come from various sources, including rooftop solar PV systems, batteries, and electric vehicles.

The pricing structure of DEBS is designed to encourage specific behaviours. It aims to incentivise households to either use their solar energy directly or store it in batteries during the middle of the day when generation is plentiful. Additionally, the scheme promotes the installation of west-facing solar panels, which generate electricity later in the day, aligning with peak demand periods. The DEBS rates are reviewed and adjusted annually, similar to other electricity prices in Western Australia.

Current DEBS Payment Rates for Synergy and Horizon Power Customers

The DEBS rates vary based on your electricity retailer and the time of day. The following rates are effective as of 1 July 2024.

Synergy Customers

Horizon Power Customers

DEBS rates are generally higher in Horizon Power areas compared to Synergy areas. This difference is due to the higher cost of generating electricity in some regional Horizon Power locations. It is important to note that the buyback rates paid for exports into the grid are lower than the residential tariff rate households pay for electricity. This is because the residential tariff includes additional components beyond the cost of electricity, such as the expenses associated with building and maintaining the electricity network and ensuring sufficient generation capacity for peak demand.

Who is eligible for the DEBS scheme?

To participate in the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme, specific eligibility criteria must be met:

1. Customer Type:

• • Residential customers who consume not more than 50 MWh of electricity per annum.
  • Educational institutions, including schools, universities, or other learning organisations.
  • Non-profit-making organisations.

2. Renewable Energy System Capacity:

• • The system must have a generating capacity between 500W and 5kW.
  • A 6.6kW solar PV system paired with a 5kVa inverter is accepted as having a generating capacity of 5kW for eligibility purposes.

3. Battery and EV Storage:

• • There is no eligibility limit on the size of home batteries or electric vehicle batteries connected to the system.

4. Daily Buyback Cap:

• • Retailers are only obligated to offer buyback payment for a maximum of 50 units (kWh) per day per premises. Exports beyond this daily limit may not receive a buyback payment.

Applying for the DEBS scheme

If you are installing a new renewable energy system or upgrading an existing one, the application for DEBS must be made through your electricity retailer. This will be either Synergy or Horizon Power, depending on your location. You or your accredited solar installer will typically complete the application process via your retailer's website. It is crucial to apply through your retailer to ensure your system is correctly registered and you can begin receiving buyback payments for your exported electricity.

What the published sources do not tell you

While the Energy Policy WA website provides a comprehensive overview of the DEBS scheme, some specific details are not fully elaborated. For instance, the exact terms and conditions for DEBS are not detailed on the Energy Policy WA page; instead, users are directed to the individual retailer websites (Synergy or Horizon Power) for this information.

Similarly, the specific DEBS rates for "some Horizon Power towns" that have considerably higher generation costs are not explicitly listed. The document advises users to consult the Horizon Power website for these specific rates. The precise rates and full terms and conditions for the older Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) are also not provided, with customers advised to contact their retailer directly. Details regarding Western Australia's residential Feed-in Tariff scheme, beyond its operational dates and premium buyback rate for 10 years, are also not fully outlined in the primary source.