Solar connections & upgrades – DEBS, REBS & DES
If you’re planning to install a new, or to upgrade your existing, rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system, battery system, or other distributed energy system, you or your solar installer will need to complete the relevant Distributed Energy System (DES) application.
You may also be eligible for the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS). Launched by the State Government on 31 August 2020, DEBS is available to residential customers and not-for profit and educational institution customers (on either the C1 or D1 tariff) who install a new system or upgrade an existing system with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less.
DEBS offers a time of use buyback rate for net electricity exported back into the grid, which appears on your bill as a credit. DEBS replaced the Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) for new or applicable system upgrades.
Find out more information on DEBS, REBS and DES below.
DEBS information
DEBS is offered to eligible households, not-for-profit, and educational institutions who install a new rooftop solar PV system, battery system or distributed energy system with an inverter capacity of 5kW or less and those customer types who receive REBS and upgrade, including increasing the size of their existing system up to an inverter capacity of 5kW.
Learn moreREBS information
REBS is the original buyback scheme that offered customers credits for excess solar generation that was exported to the grid. This scheme is no longer available for new applicants and has been replaced by DEBS.
Learn moreDES application process
If your system is not eligible for DEBS, you can still apply to connect it to the grid and take advantage of the renewable energy it generates to power your property. You will need to engage with both Synergy and Western Power to complete your DES application.
Learn moreReady to apply?
There’s a few things that you’ll need to have handy when completing your DES application, including your:
- Synergy account number (it’s in the top right corner of your bill)
- Supply address
- Phone number
- Meter number
- Solar provider's name and contact details
- Solar PV system size
- Solar inverter capacity
- Battery capacity (for systems with batteries only)
- Battery power (for systems with batteries only)
- Battery inverter power (if additional to a solar inverter)
- Emergency solar management solution details (if applicable)
Apply now
