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DEBS Calculator

Calculate your Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme earnings and optimize export timing

What is DEBS?
Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme for Synergy Customers

DEBS is Synergy's export tariff program that pays you for electricity you export to the grid. The rates vary based on time of day, with higher payments during peak demand periods.

Peak Hours
10c/kWh

15:00-21:00 daily

First 50kWh/day capped

Off-Peak Hours
2c/kWh

All other times

No daily cap

Calculate Your DEBS Earnings
Estimate your export earnings based on your solar production

Typical 6.6kW system exports 5-20 kWh/day depending on usage

Without battery: ~20-30%. With battery discharging at peak: ~50-70%

Daily Earnings Breakdown

Peak exports (4.5 kWh × 10c):$0.45
Off-peak exports (10.5 kWh × 2c):$0.21
Daily total:$0.66
Annual earnings:$241
With a battery:

Store solar during the day and discharge during peak hours (3-9pm) to maximize the 10c/kWh rate. Can increase annual earnings by $200-$500.

VPP participation:

Required for WA Battery Scheme rebate. Allows Synergy to remotely discharge your battery during grid events (up to 30x/year), earning you additional credits.

Maximizing DEBS Earnings
Time your exports: Export as much as possible during 3-9pm peak window. Use battery scheduling or smart inverter settings to hold charge until 3pm.
Watch the 50kWh cap: The peak rate only applies to the first 50kWh exported each day. Beyond this, excess exports are paid at off-peak rates.
Self-consumption first: Using solar yourself saves ~32c/kWh (A1 tariff) vs exporting at 10c/kWh peak. Prioritize self-consumption, then export excess during peak.

Battery Optimization Strategy

Use the interactive calculator to see how battery timing affects your savings with DEBS rates and A1 tariff.

Battery Configuration
Configure your battery and usage patterns

Typical households use 40-50% during peak hours

Optimized Schedule
Recommended battery charging and discharging times
Morning Charge (6am-12pm)

Charge battery from excess solar during low-usage morning hours

Peak Discharge (3pm-9pm)

Use battery power during DEBS peak window (15:00-21:00) to avoid high retail rates. Battery will cover 8.0 kWh of your 10.0 kWh peak usage.

Estimated Savings
Daily Savings
$2.59
$2.59 grid offset + $0.00 DEBS export
Annual Savings
$945
Based on optimized time-of-use strategy

Strategy: By discharging your battery during the DEBS peak window (3pm-9pm), you avoid paying 32.37c/kWh retail rates and can earn 10c/kWh for excess exports.

Tip: Most modern batteries have built-in schedulers. Set your battery to hold charge until 3pm, then discharge during peak hours for maximum savings.

Important Notes

  • DEBS rates are for Synergy customers on the SWIS network
  • Peak rate (10c/kWh) applies 3-9pm daily with a 50kWh max per day
  • Off-peak rate (2-3c/kWh) applies all other times with no cap
  • Self-consuming solar saves more (~32c/kWh) than exporting at peak rates
  • VPP participation is required for WA Battery Scheme rebate eligibility