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Battery systems are becoming increasingly popular for storing energy generated by solar panels and other renewable sources. Although Western Australia does not offer any rebates for solar batteries, if you have a solar system and/or solar battery, you can participate in the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS).
Solar battery rebates (scheme) in WA
As of 8 September 2020, DEBS replaced the previous Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) with new and upgraded distributed energy resource installations.
If you are currently signed up to REBS, you will continue receiving the REBS rates unless you change your solar PV system or contact your retailer and request to switch to DEBS.
Enphase Battery: Store solar power anytime—at night or during peak hours to reduce energy bills or when an outage and utility power is unavailable.
Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)
DEBS offers a time of export payments. With a greater price paid for electricity exported in the late afternoon and evening when electricity demand and the retail cost of electricity are higher, these rates more accurately represent the cost of electricity at different times of the day.
As of July 1, 2023, the corresponding DEBS rates will apply to Synergy customers:
- Peak rates: Electricity exported between 3 pm to 9 pm earns 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh);
- Off-peak rates: Electricity exported between 9 pm and 3 pm earns 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
DEBS rates for most Horizon Power customers as of 1 July 2021:
- Peak rates: Electricity exported between 3pm to 9pm earns 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh);
- Off-peak rates: Electricity exported between 9pm and 3pm earns 3 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Eligibility
The Western Australian Government established the requirement for retailers to offer a buyback scheme through the Electricity Industry (Licensing Conditions) 2005.
These regulations define an eligible customer as:
- a residential customer who consumes not more than 50MWh of electricity per annum; or
- a customer that is a school, university or other educational institution; or
- a customer that is a non-profit-making organisation.
For a renewable energy system to be eligible for DEBS, it must have a generating capacity of between 500W and 5kW. A 6.6kW solar PV system with a 5kVa inverter is accepted as having a generating capacity of 5kW.
There is no eligibility limit on home battery or electric vehicle battery size. Still, retailers are only obligated to offer buyback payment for 50 units (kWh) per day per premises (which is more than a 5kW solar PV system would be expected to generate on any given day).
Fimer: Wallboxes can be easily installed in any residential application, ensuring high security and functionality standards.
Applying for DEBS
Suppose you are installing a new or upgrading your existing system. In that case, you or your solar installer need to apply through your retailer (Synergy or Horizon Power) for the buyback rate via the retailer’s website.
Other incentives
The schemes are intended to make installing these systems more affordable for individuals and businesses and encourage more people to invest in renewable energy. The refunds may be combined with additional incentives, including the electric vehicle incentive and Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) issued by the federal government.
Read more about:
- Solar Battery System Rebates, Subsidies, & Incentives
- Home Solar Rebates, Incentives & Subsidies In Australia
- Solar Panel Rebate & Renewable Energy Subsidy Information
- Off Grid And Remote Power System Rebates
- Commercial Solar Rebates, Grants & Incentives
- STCs to Reduce in 2024: How to Maximise Your Savings
- Feed-in Tariffs Keep Getting Lower: Is Solar Still Worth it in 2024?
Benefits
The Western Australian Government is encouraging the adoption of battery systems through this scheme.
By storing energy generated by solar panels, these systems can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote clean, renewable energy. The battery system scheme in Western Australia is a terrific method for homeowners and companies to cut their energy costs and carbon impact.
The government is encouraging more people to invest in renewable energy and take action to lessen their influence on the environment by making it cheaper to install these systems. Now is a great time for businesses and families to consider putting a battery system on their property because subsidies are now readily accessible.
It’s also worth noting that these rebates are subject to change, and it is always best to check with the government or the relevant authorities for the latest information and requirements.
Read more about:
- Comprehensive Guide to Storing Solar Energy
- How to Determine Whether a Home Solar Battery Could Result in Cost Savings for Your Family
- Solar Battery Buying Guide: How to Make the Right Decision
- Are Solar Batteries Worth the Investment in Australia Right Now?
- Best Solar Battery Australia 2024
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