Western Australia's Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) for Solar Exports

Key Takeaways

• The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) offers payments for electricity exported to the grid in Western Australia.
• Eligibility requires a renewable energy system with a generating capacity between 500W and 5kW.
• Export rates vary for Synergy and Horizon Power customers, with higher payments during peak evening hours.
• Applications for DEBS are made through your electricity retailer, either Synergy or Horizon Power.

Understanding Western Australia's Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)

The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) is a program established by the Government of Western Australia to provide payments for electricity exported to the grid. Managed by Energy Policy WA, DEBS applies to eligible rooftop solar PV systems, batteries, and electric vehicles. This scheme replaced the previous Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) as of 8 September 2020, for new and upgraded distributed energy resources installations.

The primary goal of DEBS is to enable the grid to become greener by integrating more renewable energy systems, while simultaneously maintaining the reliability and security of the electricity system.

How the DEBS Program Works

DEBS offers eligible customers a time-of-export payment for electricity they send back to the grid. This means the rate you receive for your exported power depends on the time of day it is sent. The scheme is designed to encourage exports during periods when the grid can best utilise distributed generation, such as during evening peak demand.

Retailers are obligated to offer buyback payments for up to 50 units (kWh) per day per premises. This daily limit is generally sufficient, as it is more than a 5kW solar PV system would typically generate on any given day.

DEBS Export Rates (as of 1 July 2024)

The rates for electricity exported under DEBS vary depending on your electricity retailer and the time of export.

It is important to note that DEBS rates are higher in Horizon Power areas where the cost to generate electricity is higher. Some Horizon Power towns have considerably higher generation costs, and customers from those towns will receive a corresponding DEBS rate. Specific details for these towns are available on the Horizon Power website.

Eligibility for the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme

To be eligible for DEBS, your renewable energy system must meet specific criteria regarding its generating capacity.

• Generating Capacity: Your system must have a generating capacity of between 500W and 5kW.
• Solar PV System Example: A 6.6kW solar PV system paired with a 5kVa inverter is accepted as having a generating capacity of 5kW for DEBS eligibility purposes.
• Battery Size: There is no eligibility limit on the size of home batteries or electric vehicle batteries connected to the system.

Applying for DEBS

The application process for DEBS is handled through your electricity retailer.

1. New or Upgraded Systems: If you are installing a new renewable energy system or upgrading an existing one, you or your solar installer must apply for the buyback rate.
2. Retailer Application: The application is submitted through your retailer's website.

• • For Synergy customers, apply via the Synergy DEBS application link.
  • For Horizon Power customers, apply via the Horizon Power DER application link.

What You Can Check Yourself, and What You Cannot

As a homeowner, you can check your eligibility against the stated system size limits and confirm the current DEBS rates applicable to your retailer. You can also initiate the application process through your retailer's website or instruct your installer to do so.

You cannot, however, modify the DEBS rates or eligibility criteria, as these are set by the Government of Western Australia and Energy Policy WA. Any technical specifications or grid connection settings for your solar inverter must be configured by an accredited installer to ensure compliance with network rules and safety standards. Changing these settings yourself can breach your connection agreement.

What the Published Sources Do Not Tell You

While network documentation provides clear details on DEBS eligibility and rates, there are some aspects it does not cover in detail:

• Specific Horizon Power Rates: The document mentions that Horizon Power towns with higher generation costs receive higher DEBS rates but does not detail these specific rates. Readers in these areas should consult the Horizon Power website directly.
• Full Terms and Conditions: The specific terms and conditions for DEBS from Synergy and Horizon Power are not included, only links to their respective websites.
• AS/NZS Standards: This document focuses on the DEBS program and does not detail the Australian inverter connection standards standard for grid connection or other general Distributed Network Service Provider (DNSP) grid connection rules. These standards are typically paid documents, and specific inverter trip thresholds are set according to these standards. Your installer or distributor can confirm what is configured on your inverter.
• General Network Rules: Australia has thirteen distribution networks, and their rules genuinely differ. This article focuses on Western Australia's DEBS. Readers in other states should check with their own distributor, which is named on their electricity bill, for local grid connection rules and buyback schemes.
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