Buyback schemes
DEBS or REBS: what Synergy pays for your solar exports
Synergy runs two buyback schemes for home solar. Which one you're on decides what you're paid for every kWh your system sends to the grid, so it's worth checking your bill before you change anything.
| REBS (older) | DEBS (current) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate | 7.135c per kWh, any time | 10c per kWh 3pm to 9pm, 2c at other times |
| Who's on it | Systems connected before DEBS started in August 2020, if unchanged | New and upgraded systems |
| Exports from a battery | Solar only | Solar, batteries and export-capable EVs |
| Remote management | No | Yes, needed for exports above 1.5 kW |
Rates as published by Synergy for 1 July 2026, residential customers, excluding GST where applicable.
How to tell which one you're on
Look at the credits section of your Synergy bill. REBS shows as "Renewable Energy Buyback Amount" at around 7.1c. DEBS shows peak and off-peak export lines.
Can you stay on REBS?
Yes, as long as you don't change the system. Synergy's terms say that if you make changes to your system, such as adding a battery, upgrading the inverter or adding panels, you may no longer be eligible for REBS. Moving to DEBS is the usual result.
Is DEBS worse?
It depends on when you export.
- Solar only, no battery: most exports happen in the middle of the day, so 2c on DEBS is less than 7.1c on REBS.
- With a battery: most of the midday surplus goes into the battery and gets used that evening instead of buying power at around 33c. Anything you export after 3pm earns 10c, which is more than REBS pays.
The biggest saving from a battery isn't the buyback at all. It's not buying power at 33c per kWh in the evening. Buyback credits are small next to that, whichever scheme you're on.
Switching costs
- DEBS administration fee: $7.53, once.
- Meter upgrade, if your meter needs replacing: $108.84.
- Meter reprogram, if your meter can be updated: $111.60.
These fees are Synergy's, as at 1 July 2026, and appear on your next bill if they apply.
What you pay for power
For comparison, Synergy's standard Home Plan (A1) is 33.2621c per kWh plus 119.2419c a day in supply charges, from 1 July 2026. Every kWh your battery saves you from buying is worth about three times what DEBS pays for exporting it in the evening, and sixteen times the daytime rate.
Want the numbers for your house?
Send us your latest Synergy bill and we'll size a system from your actual usage, show every rebate as its own line, and tell you what we can and can't offer before you sign anything.