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Understanding Synergy's Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme and how it affects battery economics in Perth
DEBS (Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme) is Synergy's feed-in tariff for solar and battery exports. It pays different rates depending on when you export power to the grid. DEBS replaced the previous flat-rate Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) in 2020 to better align household solar exports with grid demand.
Higher rate during evening peak when grid needs power most
This is when households return home, turn on appliances, and demand peaks while solar generation drops
Lower rate during daytime and overnight when solar is abundant
Midday especially sees excess solar on the grid, making exports less valuable
Western Australia's electricity grid faces a unique challenge. During sunny midday hours, the grid is flooded with solar exports from hundreds of thousands of rooftop systems. This oversupply can actually destabilize the grid and has led to curtailment measures.
Meanwhile, between 3-9pm, solar generation drops just as household demand peaks (cooking, heating/cooling, devices). DEBS was designed to encourage households to shift their exports to when the grid actually needs the power.
The "Duck Curve" Problem
WA experiences what's called a "duck curve" - demand dips during the day (when solar generates) and spikes in the evening (when solar stops). Batteries help flatten this curve by storing midday solar and releasing it during the evening peak.
DEBS creates a strong financial incentive to store your solar energy during the day and export it during the 3-9pm peak window when you'll get 10c/kWh instead of 2c/kWh.
Without Battery (daytime export at off-peak rate):
10 kWh × 2c = 20c per day = $73/year
With Battery (evening export at peak rate):
10 kWh × 10c = $1.00 per day = $365/year
Extra DEBS value from battery: $292/year
Estimate your extra earnings from battery peak exports
Typical range: 5-15 kWh for a 6.6kW solar system
% of stored solar exported during 3-9pm peak
$58/yr
@ 2c/kWh off-peak
$245/yr
@ 10c/kWh peak
+$187/year
$0.51/day from peak export timing
Note: This estimates DEBS export value only. Total battery savings include avoiding import costs (typically $0.30+/kWh).
Battery used primarily to avoid importing at 30c/kWh during evening.
Total daily benefit: ~$2.60
Large solar system, lower evening usage, maximizing peak exports.
Total daily benefit: ~$1.90
Note: Actual savings depend on your solar system size, household usage patterns, and battery capacity. Most households benefit more from self-consumption than exports.
Under the WA framework in force since 1 May 2026, batteries have set windows for grid interaction:
These restrictions only affect grid interaction. Solar charging and home self-consumption are unaffected. DEBS export during 3-6pm and after 9pm remains available.
Learn more about the May 2026 framework →DEBS earnings and VPP payments are separate and can be combined. Here's how they work together:
| Income Source | Rate | When | Est. Annual (10kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEBS Peak Export | 10c/kWh | 3-9pm daily (when you export) | $100-365* |
| DEBS Off-Peak Export | 2c/kWh | 9pm-3pm (when you export) | Variable |
| Synergy Battery Rewards | 70c/kWh | 15-25 events/year (~2-3hrs each) | $100-180 |
| Self-Consumption Savings (avoiding 30c import) | $500-900+ | ||
*DEBS export income varies significantly based on how much you export vs consume yourself. Self-consumption typically provides the highest value.