Synergy DEBS Feed-In Tariff Perth 2026: How Much Solar Owners Actually Earn

TL;DR: In 2026, Synergy’s Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) pays Perth solar owners 2.5c/kWh for energy exported off-peak (9am–3pm) and 10c/kWh for energy exported during peak (3pm–9pm). A typical 6.6 kW Perth solar system exporting 12 kWh/day averaged across the year earns approximately $215–$320/year in DEBS payments — but a well-configured system with a battery can shift more of its export into the peak window and earn $500–$650/year from the same solar generation.

What is DEBS?

The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme is Synergy’s replacement for the older REBS flat-rate solar feed-in tariff. Introduced in 2020 and updated annually, DEBS pays two different rates depending on when your system exports solar to the grid:

• Off-peak rate (2.5c/kWh in 2026): Applied to all solar exported between 9am and 3pm. This is when grid demand is low and rooftop solar across Perth is generating heavily.
• Peak rate (10c/kWh in 2026): Applied to all solar exported between 3pm and 9pm. This is when grid demand is highest and rooftop solar across Perth is winding down.

The 4x difference between peak and off-peak rates is deliberate — Synergy is signalling that the grid values evening solar generation much more highly. For solar owners, this changes the optimal system design.

How DEBS actually pays out

Synergy applies DEBS credits to your bill monthly. The credit reduces your gross usage charge; any surplus rolls forward to the next bill. If you accumulate more credit than your annual usage charge, Synergy doesn’t pay the surplus in cash (an important detail — sizing a system to over-generate doesn’t produce extra income, only bill offset).

You qualify for DEBS automatically when you install solar with an approved retailer like Talk Energy — no separate application required. The DEBS rate is locked in for the life of your solar system (the same system, same connection point), though the rate itself is reviewed by Synergy annually.

Real-world DEBS earnings for a Perth home

Scenario 1: Standard 6.6 kW solar, no battery

A 6.6 kW system in Perth generates ~26 kWh/day. The home consumes ~6 kWh during daylight hours (8am–5pm) and exports the remaining 20 kWh. Of that export, ~18 kWh falls in the 9am–3pm off-peak window and ~2 kWh in the 3pm–6pm sliver of peak (because solar production drops sharply after 5pm).

Daily DEBS earnings: (18 × $0.025) + (2 × $0.10) = $0.45 + $0.20 = $0.65/day = ~$240/year.

Scenario 2: 6.6 kW solar + 13.5 kWh battery on Smart Home Plan

Same solar generation, but the battery stores ~10 kWh of midday surplus and discharges 5 kWh between 3pm–9pm peak window for self-consumption. Net export pattern: ~10 kWh exported off-peak (9am–3pm), ~5 kWh exported peak (3pm–6pm), and 5 kWh discharged from battery to offset peak grid imports (offsetting at $0.40/kWh = $2 saved daily).

Daily DEBS earnings: (10 × $0.025) + (5 × $0.10) = $0.25 + $0.50 = $0.75/day = ~$275/year DEBS, plus ~$730/year in avoided peak grid import. Combined annual benefit: ~$1,005/year.

Scenario 3: West-facing solar + battery, optimised for peak export

A system designed with 50% of panels on north and 50% on west generates more late-afternoon power, with the battery topping up the household during the 3pm–6pm peak. Peak export increases to ~7 kWh/day; off-peak export drops to ~7 kWh/day. Daily DEBS earnings: (7 × $0.025) + (7 × $0.10) = $0.175 + $0.70 = $0.875/day = ~$320/year DEBS, plus ~$730/year peak grid offset = ~$1,050/year combined.

How to maximise DEBS earnings in Perth

• Install a battery: shifts off-peak generation into peak-export window via discharge scheduling. Increases DEBS revenue 30–50% on the same solar system.
• Include west-facing panels: 30–50% of total panel capacity on west-facing aspect captures late-afternoon sun when peak rates apply. Most beneficial for homes that will spend many years on DEBS.
• Switch to Smart Home Plan: enables battery tariff arbitrage on the consumption side, multiplying the value of stored solar.
• Schedule daytime loads (pool pumps, dishwasher): consume off-peak solar yourself rather than exporting at 2.5c/kWh.
• Don’t oversize solar past your roof’s peak export capability: solar that’s curtailed by the inverter due to grid voltage limits earns nothing.

DEBS vs older REBS (legacy customers)

If your Perth solar system was installed before mid-2020, you may still be on the older Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme, paying a flat 7.135c/kWh on all exports. For households without batteries that export mostly off-peak, REBS is more lucrative than DEBS. For households with batteries that export during peak, DEBS pays more. Synergy has not announced an end-date for REBS but new connections must use DEBS.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Synergy pay for solar in Perth in 2026?

Under DEBS, Synergy pays 2.5c/kWh for solar exported between 9am and 3pm, and 10c/kWh for solar exported between 3pm and 9pm. A typical 6.6 kW system earns $215–$320/year depending on configuration.

Is DEBS or REBS better for Perth solar?

Depends on your system. For solar-only homes exporting mostly during off-peak (9am–3pm), REBS at 7.135c/kWh flat is more lucrative. For solar + battery setups that can shift export to peak (3pm–9pm), DEBS pays significantly more at 10c/kWh.

How do I get paid the DEBS feed-in tariff?

DEBS credits appear automatically on your monthly Synergy bill once your solar is approved and connected. No application is required when you install with an approved retailer.

Does DEBS pay cash for surplus solar?

No. DEBS credits offset your Synergy bill but unused credit doesn’t roll into a cash payment. If your DEBS credits exceed your annual usage, the excess is lost. This is why oversizing solar past your household’s needs doesn’t generate extra income.

What’s the best way to maximise DEBS earnings?

Add a battery (shifts export into the higher-paying peak window), include west-facing panels (catch late-afternoon sun for peak export), and switch to Synergy Smart Home Plan to gain tariff arbitrage on consumption.

Want a system designed to maximise your DEBS earnings? Talk Energy designs solar + battery setups around your usage pattern and the DEBS rate structure — not just gross kWh. Get a free Perth quote or call (08) 9468 1212.