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Renewable Energy Buyback

Synergy's Residential Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme

If you can generate electricity for your own home from renewable energy sources you can sell any excess renewable energy back to Synergy.

Most home renewable energy systems (eg. photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines or micro-hydro power systems) will produce more energy than is required at certain times during the day and less than is required at other times.

For times when the renewable energy system is not producing enough energy, customers can use energy stored in batteries, or connect their system to the electricity grid.

Synergy recognises the environmental benefits of renewable energy systems and will buy the excess energy generated from them at special premium rates.

The Scheme applies to home renewable energy systems from 500 watts to 5 kilowatts in generating capacity connected to the South West Interconnected System (SWIS).

To connect a small scale energy system you need to apply direct to the Network Operator, Western Power. Log on to their website for more information.

Availability and Conditions

• The Scheme is available to residential customers in the SWIS with a renewable energy system between 500 watts and 5 kilowatts.
• Customers on this scheme are billed for their net import and credited for their net export of electricity over a billing period. Residential customers can choose between either the A1 Tariff or SmartPower rates
• Residential Customers are offered renewable energy buyback rates equal to their selected electricity purchase rates, less the GST component. This means that Synergy will buy power from the customer at 10/11ths of the price Synergy sells to the customer. (Please note that this does not apply to customers who also take up NaturalPower or Earth Friendly).
• For multi-residential premises, each premise must be connected to the renewable energy system of a size equivalent to more than 500 watts and up to 5kW to be eligible. Changes to metering requirements may also be required to allow eligible customers, at multi-residential premises, to participate.
• Once Western Power have received your application for a small scale energy system, Synergy will contact you with regards to metering requirements and the associated costs.
• The Scheme is also open to non-profit organisations and to educational institutions (schools, TAFE, universities). However, as SmartPower is not available to these sectors, only the buyback rate equivalent to the applicable tariff rate is available. Please note, K1 customers are not eligible for REBS.

 Please read the Information Pack for full Terms & Conditions and Technical Requirements before applying.

Please note: this information pack is currently being reviewed. However, please be advised the $107.00 assessment fee is no longer applicable.