For Perth homeowners considering the shift to solar power, understanding how your excess energy contributes to your savings is crucial. As of October 2026, Synergy's Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) plays a pivotal role in this equation, offering a mechanism for customers in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) to get credit for the surplus solar electricity they export back to the grid, with current rates of 10 cents per kWh for energy exported between 3pm and 9pm, and 2 cents per kWh at any other time, up to the first 50 kWh exported each day. This article will thoroughly explain the nuances of DEBS, how it interacts with your solar system, and what it means for your electricity bills in Perth, Western Australia, complementing our broader guide on Synergy Solar Feed-In Tariffs and Bills in Perth.
This article is part of our guide to Synergy Solar Feed-In Tariffs and Bills in Perth: The Complete Guide.
Install before 31 December 2026 to lock in this year's rebates.
From 1 January 2027 the federal battery rebate drops by about 16% (STC factor 6.8 → 5.7) and the solar panel rebate by about 20% (deeming period 5 → 4 years). It falls again in July 2027. The WA $1,300 rebate is limited to 100,000 households and is paid until the allocation runs out. Installation slots before Christmas fill fast, so lock in a date now.
The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) is the scheme under which Synergy pays households (and schools, educational institutions and not-for-profits) for the excess solar power they generate and export to the grid in Western Australia's South West Interconnected System (SWIS). Essentially, if your solar panels produce more electricity than your home consumes at any given moment, that surplus energy is fed back into the grid, and under DEBS, Synergy provides a credit on your electricity bill for this contribution. This system encourages the adoption of solar energy by providing a financial incentive for homeowners to maximise their self-consumption and export clean energy.
DEBS pays a different rate depending on the time of day:
The rates apply to the first 50 kWh exported each day, and Synergy confirmed there was no change to them on 1 July 2026. Because most solar is exported around midday, most exports earn 2 cents. Using that power yourself, or storing it in a battery for the evening, is worth far more.
Horizon Power customers in regional WA are paid Horizon Power's own DEBS rates, which depend on the town (for example 10 cents from 3pm to 9pm and 3 cents at other times in lower-cost towns such as Broome and Karratha, and more in higher-cost towns). The rates in this article are for Synergy customers on the SWIS.
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Get Started Now →When you install a solar panel system in Perth, it's connected to your home's electrical system and the broader electricity grid managed by Western Power. During daylight hours, your solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. This electricity first powers your home's appliances. If your solar generation exceeds your immediate consumption, the excess electricity flows back into the grid.
Your meter measures how much electricity you import from the grid and how much surplus solar electricity you export to it. Synergy then uses these export readings to calculate the credit applied to your bill under the DEBS scheme. The more you export, the greater the potential credit, though the ultimate value depends on the time of export and the prevailing DEBS rates.
Two connection rules matter here. DEBS pays for exports from systems with an inverter capacity of up to 5kW; larger systems are subject to export limits. And from 1 May 2026, new and upgraded systems must be able to communicate with Synergy so exports can be managed during grid events; a system without an ongoing internet connection can still export up to a standard 1.5 kW.
To truly get the most out of DEBS, Perth homeowners often look to a combination of smart energy usage and battery storage. Given the different peak and off-peak export rates, strategic energy management becomes key.
By shifting high-energy consumption tasks, such as running washing machines, dishwashers, or pool pumps, to daylight hours when your solar panels are generating electricity, you can maximise your "self-consumption". This reduces the amount of electricity you need to import from the grid, directly lowering your Synergy bill. Every kWh you use yourself saves the retail price, 33.26 cents per kWh on Synergy's Home Plan (A1) from 1 July 2026, compared with 2 to 10 cents for exporting it. Self-consumption is the most valuable use of your solar.
Solar batteries have become increasingly popular for Perth homeowners seeking to enhance their energy independence and optimise their DEBS earnings. A solar battery stores excess electricity generated by your panels during the day, rather than immediately exporting it to the grid. You can then use the stored energy in the evening instead of buying grid power, or export some of it between 3pm and 9pm at the higher DEBS rate.
For example, an illustrative Perth home with a 6.6 kW solar system might generate 30 kWh on a sunny day. If the household uses 15 kWh during the day, 15 kWh would typically be exported. With a 10 kWh battery, up to 10 kWh of that excess could be stored. Exported at midday, those 10 kWh would earn 20 cents. Exported after 3pm they would earn $1.00. Used in the home in the evening, they would save about $3.33 at the A1 rate. That is why a battery is usually best used to cover your own evening use, with only the leftover exported.
Battery brands commonly installed in Perth include Sigenergy, FoxESS, GoodWe, BYD, Alpha-ESS and Growatt.
The year 2026 presents compelling incentives for Perth homeowners considering adding battery storage to their solar setup. Both federal and state government programs aim to make batteries more accessible and affordable.
Since 1 July 2025, the Federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program has been helping Australian households reduce the upfront cost of battery storage. This program is delivered as an upfront discount through Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), which are typically facilitated by your accredited solar installer. For batteries installed from 1 May to 31 December 2026, each kWh of usable capacity earns an STC factor of 6.8 (full value up to 14 kWh, 60% for 14–28 kWh, 15% for 28–50 kWh). Rebates step down on 1 January 2027, when the factor drops to 5.7, about 16% less.
Western Australia also offers its own Residential Battery Scheme for Synergy and Horizon Power customers, providing rebates of up to $1,300 for Synergy customers and up to $3,800 for Horizon Power customers (the maximum is based on 10 kWh of usable capacity). Households with a combined annual income under $210,000 can also apply for a no-interest loan of up to $10,000 over up to 10 years. You must join a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) product from your retailer, and the rebate is paid until all 100,000 planned rebates have been given out.
It's advisable to check the official WA government and Synergy websites for the most current eligibility criteria and support levels as of October 2026.
When you have solar and are participating in DEBS, your Synergy electricity bill will look a little different. Instead of just charges for electricity consumption, you'll see credits for the power you've exported.
Your bill will typically detail:
The net effect is that your DEBS credits directly offset your consumption charges and, if substantial enough, reduce your overall bill.
DEBS is part of Western Australia's broader strategy to integrate more renewable energy into the grid and empower homeowners to be active participants in the energy transition. Western Power, as the operator of the SWIS grid, plays a critical role in ensuring the stability and reliability of the network, which includes rules that let exports from new and upgraded systems be reduced during rare grid emergencies. This ensures that as more Perth homes go solar, the grid can continue to function effectively for everyone.
For a deeper dive into how different tariffs and time-of-use plans interact with your solar setup, see Synergy Time-of-Use Plans: Are They Worth It with Solar?
Selecting the appropriate solar panels, inverter, and battery storage system is crucial for optimising your DEBS benefits. An accredited installer can assess your specific energy consumption patterns, roof space, and budget to design a system that maximises your self-consumption and export potential.
Considerations include:
See how much you can save with solar in under 2 minutes with DEBS considered
Get My Free Quote →Your installer will also ensure your system complies with Western Power's connection and export rules for the SWIS.
A: DEBS is available to Synergy households, schools, educational institutions and not-for-profits in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) whose system meets the DEBS terms and conditions, including an inverter capacity of up to 5kW. Horizon Power customers in regional WA have a separate buyback scheme.
A: The rates are set by the WA Government and reviewed each year. In October 2026 they are 10 cents per kWh from 3pm to 9pm and 2 cents at other times; they did not change on 1 July 2026. Check Synergy's website for the current rates.
A: No, DEBS works in conjunction with your normal Synergy electricity tariff. You still pay for electricity imported from the grid based on your chosen tariff, and DEBS credits are applied against these charges for your exported solar power.
A: Solar systems with an inverter capacity of up to 5kW can join DEBS. Systems with a larger inverter are subject to export limits under Western Power's rules; check with Synergy before choosing a larger system. DEBS does not limit the size of a home battery.
A: Yes. DEBS does not limit battery size, and exports from a battery are paid at DEBS rates. In practice a battery saves most by powering your home in the evening.
Synergy's Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) is a significant incentive for Perth homeowners embracing solar power in 2026. By understanding its time-of-day rates and strategically combining solar generation with smart consumption and battery storage, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable energy future for Western Australia. With ongoing federal and state government support for battery installations, the battery rebates are worth more in 2026 than they will be from 1 January 2027.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information regarding Synergy's DEBS and related government programs as of October 2026. Specific rates, eligibility criteria, and program details are subject to change by Synergy, Horizon Power, Western Power, and government bodies. Financial estimates and examples are illustrative only and do not constitute financial advice. We strongly recommend consulting official Synergy and government websites or a qualified, accredited solar and battery installer for the most current and personalised information relevant to your circumstances before making any investment decisions.
Sun Direct Power installs solar and batteries across Perth and WA and is an approved Plenti vendor for the WA Residential Battery Scheme. Our packages take the federal and WA rebates off the price up front, and systems start from $7,114 after rebates.
Install before 31 December 2026 to lock in this year's rebates.
Rates and rebates checked 27 October 2026.
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