Help & advice search
We have found 290 results for your search
Cycle life
Cycle life has nothing to do with cyclists wearing lycra and drinking lattes at your local café (although keep up the great work if you are one!). Cycle life is the number of charge/discharge cycles a battery can achieve prior to reaching end of its design life which is usually when its capacity is significantly reduced. Cycle life has nothing to do with cyclists wearing lycra and drinking lattes at your local café (although keep up the great work if you are one!). Cycle life is the number of charge/discharge cycles a battery can achieve prior to reaching end of its design life which is usually when its capacity is significantly reduced.
What happens if I want to cancel my solar application?
We understand that there are times that our customers want to cancel a solar application, whether it be because you've changed your mind about installing solar or you've proceeded with a different installer. We understand that there are times that our customers want to cancel a solar application, whether it be because you've changed your mind about installing solar or you've proceeded with a different installer.
Why do I need to notify you when I upgrade my system?
If you want to upgrade the size of your existing system you’ll need to complete the Distributed Energy Systems application form. If you want to change the capacity of your inverter, you’ll also need approval from Western Power before making any changes. For REBS customers, if you upgrade your system you may no longer be eligible for REBS and will need to apply for DEBS. If you want to upgrade the size of your existing system you’ll need to complete the Distributed Energy Systems application form. If you want to change the capacity of your inverter, you’ll also need approval from Western Power before making any changes. For REBS customers, if you upgrade your system you may no longer be eligible for REBS and will need to apply for DEBS.
Is Synergy an accredited GreenPower supplier?
Yes. Synergy's Albany wind farm, a Bright Energy Investments joint venture and part of the Albany Grasmere Wind Farm, is an accredited energy supplier for the GreenPower program and is cutting Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 65,000 tonnes per annum. That's equal to taking nearly 15,000 cars from our roads for one year. Yes. Synergy's Albany wind farm, a Bright Energy Investments joint venture and part of the Albany Grasmere Wind Farm, is an accredited energy supplier for the GreenPower program and is cutting Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 65,000 tonnes per annum. That's equal to taking nearly 15,000 cars from our roads for one year.
What is a payment arrangement?
If you’re experiencing payment difficulties and finding it hard to pay your Synergy bill, we may be able to help you with an interest-free and fee-free instalment plan to help avoid disconnection. We will ensure any plan is fair and reasonable, by taking into account information about your capacity to pay and any debt owed to Synergy. This is known as a payment arrangement. With a payment arrangement in place, you could pay your Synergy bill and outstanding amounts off in smaller amounts over time, rather than all at once. It’s easy to apply for a payment arrangement online – you’ll just need a copy of your bill to get started. We’ll let you know if your payment arrangement application is successful at the end of the process and the details of the amounts and due dates for instalments. If you’re experiencing payment difficulties and finding it hard to pay your Synergy bill, we may be able to help you with an interest-free and fee-free instalment plan to help avoid disconnection. We will ensure any plan is fair and reasonable, by taking into account information about your capacity to pay and any debt owed to Synergy. This is known as a payment arrangement. With a payment arrangement in place, you could pay your Synergy bill and outstanding amounts off in smaller amounts over time, rather than all at once. It’s easy to apply for a payment arrangement online – you’ll just need a copy of your bill to get started. We’ll let you know if your payment arrangement application is successful at the end of the process and the details of the amounts and due dates for instalments.
What is an export limit and how does it work?
An export limit refers to the maximum amount of solar energy generated by a rooftop solar PV system, in excess to personal consumption, that is permitted to be exported to, or feed back into, the electricity grid. The purpose of export limiting is to help ensure that the grid remains stable and safe. For the solar PV system to be export limited, at installation a sensor is attached to the inverter that determines the amount of current being sent to the grid (an export limiter). The inverter converts solar energy into electricity. This solar generated electricity offsets consumption at the property first at the time of generation and then anything in excess is exported to the grid. The export limiter controls the amount that can be exported to the grid. The offset of solar generated electricity against your personal consumption will help to reduce your electricity costs as you are not drawing electricity directly from the grid. Export limits are set in accordance with Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generator Connection Technical Requirements. How to apply: An application to install or connect a solar PV system that cannot meet ESM requirements and is required to be subject to an export limit cannot be completed online. To apply, please complete the Distributed Energy Systems Application for renewable energy system with an inverter capacity of up to 30kW form. An export limit refers to the maximum amount of solar energy generated by a rooftop solar PV system, in excess to personal consumption, that is permitted to be exported to, or feed back into, the electricity grid. The purpose of export limiting is to help ensure that the grid remains stable and safe. For the solar PV system to be export limited, at installation a sensor is attached to the inverter that determines the amount of current being sent to the grid (an export limiter). The inverter converts solar energy into electricity. This solar generated electricity offsets consumption at the property first at the time of generation and then anything in excess is exported to the grid. The export limiter controls the amount that can be exported to the grid. The offset of solar generated electricity against your personal consumption will help to reduce your electricity costs as you are not drawing electricity directly from the grid. Export limits are set in accordance with Western Power’s Basic Embedded Generator Connection Technical Requirements. How to apply: An application to install or connect a solar PV system that cannot meet ESM requirements and is required to be subject to an export limit cannot be completed online. To apply, please complete the Distributed Energy Systems Application for renewable energy system with an inverter capacity of up to 30kW form.
Would rooftop solar reduce my bill?
You could save on your electricity costs if you have solar panels installed. How much you could save depends on your energy consumption. Unless you have a battery or storage device, the solar power you generate (which occurs during the day) also needs to be used during the day. So, if you’re using heavy appliances at night, your solar panels won’t help to power these, and you won’t be maximising your solar investment. There are plenty of small changes you can make to better manage your energy usage. These changes could help you get more out of your solar panels. For example: Do your laundry during the day when your solar panels are receiving maximum sunlight, especially between 10am and 2pm. Keep energy usage to a minimum at night if possible. Use a slow-cooker to cook dinner during the day. Charge your phone, laptops and other devices during the day. To find out how you can get the most out of your rooftop solar, see more tips here. You could save on your electricity costs if you have solar panels installed. How much you could save depends on your energy consumption. Unless you have a battery or storage device, the solar power you generate (which occurs during the day) also needs to be used during the day. So, if you’re using heavy appliances at night, your solar panels won’t help to power these, and you won’t be maximising your solar investment. There are plenty of small changes you can make to better manage your energy usage. These changes could help you get more out of your solar panels. For example: Do your laundry during the day when your solar panels are receiving maximum sunlight, especially between 10am and 2pm. Keep energy usage to a minimum at night if possible. Use a slow-cooker to cook dinner during the day. Charge your phone, laptops and other devices during the day. To find out how you can get the most out of your rooftop solar, see more tips here.
What are Synergy Rights?
Synergy Rights refer to the permissions you give Synergy to remotely manage and operate your battery system as part of your participation in the Battery Rewards program (and by extension Synergy’s Virtual Power Plant program). By agreeing to the terms, you consent to Synergy doing the following at its discretion: Registering your system on Synergy’s servers. Connecting to your system remotely on an ongoing basis. Remotely operating your system, which may include: o Charging or discharging your battery, o Holding stored energy, and o Running test events, activation standby windows, and activation events. Adjusting your system settings. Monitoring your system’s performance. Receiving and using system data such as settings, capabilities, and status updates. Using advanced software and internet connectivity to support these functions. If you are a DEBS Customer, you also agree that Synergy may use your system for Emergency Solar Management (ESM) in line with the DEBS Terms and ESM Requirements. Certain Synergy Rights continue even after your agreement ends, specifically those related to system monitoring and ESM participation. Synergy Rights refer to the permissions you give Synergy to remotely manage and operate your battery system as part of your participation in the Battery Rewards program (and by extension Synergy’s Virtual Power Plant program). By agreeing to the terms, you consent to Synergy doing the following at its discretion: Registering your system on Synergy’s servers. Connecting to your system remotely on an ongoing basis. Remotely operating your system, which may include: o Charging or discharging your battery, o Holding stored energy, and o Running test events, activation standby windows, and activation events. Adjusting your system settings. Monitoring your system’s performance. Receiving and using system data such as settings, capabilities, and status updates. Using advanced software and internet connectivity to support these functions. If you are a DEBS Customer, you also agree that Synergy may use your system for Emergency Solar Management (ESM) in line with the DEBS Terms and ESM Requirements. Certain Synergy Rights continue even after your agreement ends, specifically those related to system monitoring and ESM participation.
When and for how long would a Battery Rewards activation event occur?
Battery Rewards activation events can occur no more than 30 times per year. Battery Rewards activation events are most likely to occur during peak demand periods. It’s likely that an activation event would occur between 3pm to 9pm in summer and winter. This is when extreme temperatures create a higher demand for electricity. Most events will run for two to three hours but could also run for up to four hours. Battery Rewards activation events can occur no more than 30 times per year. Battery Rewards activation events are most likely to occur during peak demand periods. It’s likely that an activation event would occur between 3pm to 9pm in summer and winter. This is when extreme temperatures create a higher demand for electricity. Most events will run for two to three hours but could also run for up to four hours.
How does Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS) affect my bill?
In a really good way! When the sun is shining bright, you'll harness the energy from the sun to power your home so you don't have to pay for any electricity during this time. Whenever your panels aren't producing enough energy to power your home, we'll supply the electricity to your home instead. So you'll only pay for the electricity we supply you. Plus, you'll also be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Any money earned for exporting energy back to the grid, will be displayed as a credit on your next bill. Once your credit reaches $75 or more... we'll deliver the money you've earned straight to your nominated bank account if you've registered for Automated REBS Payments. In a really good way! When the sun is shining bright, you'll harness the energy from the sun to power your home so you don't have to pay for any electricity during this time. Whenever your panels aren't producing enough energy to power your home, we'll supply the electricity to your home instead. So you'll only pay for the electricity we supply you. Plus, you'll also be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Any money earned for exporting energy back to the grid, will be displayed as a credit on your next bill. Once your credit reaches $75 or more... we'll deliver the money you've earned straight to your nominated bank account if you've registered for Automated REBS Payments.
Can I cancel my green energy contribution?
Yes, you can cancel your green energy at any time by updating your preferences in My Account. We'll backdate your cancellation or changes to the first day of the current billing period. No cancellation or change fees apply. Yes, you can cancel your green energy at any time by updating your preferences in My Account. We'll backdate your cancellation or changes to the first day of the current billing period. No cancellation or change fees apply.
Battery capacity
This is the amount of energy a battery is able to store and deliver in a single discharge. Battery capacity is usually measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) for home batteries. This is the amount of energy a battery is able to store and deliver in a single discharge. Battery capacity is usually measured in kilowatt hours (kWh) for home batteries.
Kilowatt (kW)
This is a unit that power is measured in. See the definition of power. This is a unit that power is measured in. See the definition of power.
Charge/discharge rate
This is the rate at which a battery can be charged and discharged. It’s a measurement of power and can be expressed in kilowatts(kW). The higher the charge rate, the faster your battery will be able to charge. The lower the discharge rate, the longer your battery will last but you’ll need to rely on the grid to support larger appliances. This is the rate at which a battery can be charged and discharged. It’s a measurement of power and can be expressed in kilowatts(kW). The higher the charge rate, the faster your battery will be able to charge. The lower the discharge rate, the longer your battery will last but you’ll need to rely on the grid to support larger appliances.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)
This is a unit of measurement for energy. See the definition of energy. This is a unit of measurement for energy. See the definition of energy.
Solar panels
These are panels designed to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity. If you’re looking for a solar system for your home, the solar panels will be installed on your roof, in a position that will catch the most sunshine. These are panels designed to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity. If you’re looking for a solar system for your home, the solar panels will be installed on your roof, in a position that will catch the most sunshine.
Why is there an Urgent Reconnection Fee?
Synergy incurs a cost when we urgently reconnect customers who have been disconnected. This year, there will be an increase to the urgent reconnection fee for WA households. Customers who request this service and are not exempt, will be charged $208.01. This reflects the charge Synergy incurs when delivering this service. Urgent reconnections for customers who rely on life-support equipment at their property will continue to be provided free of charge. The urgent reconnection fee will apply if the customer requests an urgent reconnection but does not provide supporting documentation within 3 months. More details about life support equipment and how you can register as a life support customer can be found here. Knowing about your medical equipment means we can advise the network operator, Western Power, so they can prioritise restoring the power your life-support equipment depends on. To see if you’re eligible, and find out more about the process, you can read the Customer Charter Brochure here Synergy incurs a cost when we urgently reconnect customers who have been disconnected. This year, there will be an increase to the urgent reconnection fee for WA households. Customers who request this service and are not exempt, will be charged $208.01. This reflects the charge Synergy incurs when delivering this service. Urgent reconnections for customers who rely on life-support equipment at their property will continue to be provided free of charge. The urgent reconnection fee will apply if the customer requests an urgent reconnection but does not provide supporting documentation within 3 months. More details about life support equipment and how you can register as a life support customer can be found here. Knowing about your medical equipment means we can advise the network operator, Western Power, so they can prioritise restoring the power your life-support equipment depends on. To see if you’re eligible, and find out more about the process, you can read the Customer Charter Brochure here
Has the DEBS (Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme) buyback rate changed?
Yes. On 09 May 2024, the State Government announced that the DEBS buyback rates will change. The new rates are: • Electricity net exported at peak times between 3pm and 9pm will earn 10c/kWh; • Electricity net exported at all other times will earn 2.00c/kWh. These new rates will be effective 1 July 2024. The DEBS buyback rates are reviewed each year by the State Government, just like other regulated electricity prices. The rates apply to the first 50 units exported from a customer to the grid each day. This is more than a 5kW solar PV system would be expected to generate daily, even in ideal conditions. The DEBS buyback rates will be the same for the export from batteries as export from solar, recognising that batteries will be a growing component of our energy system. Yes. On 09 May 2024, the State Government announced that the DEBS buyback rates will change. The new rates are: • Electricity net exported at peak times between 3pm and 9pm will earn 10c/kWh; • Electricity net exported at all other times will earn 2.00c/kWh. These new rates will be effective 1 July 2024. The DEBS buyback rates are reviewed each year by the State Government, just like other regulated electricity prices. The rates apply to the first 50 units exported from a customer to the grid each day. This is more than a 5kW solar PV system would be expected to generate daily, even in ideal conditions. The DEBS buyback rates will be the same for the export from batteries as export from solar, recognising that batteries will be a growing component of our energy system.
Will I still receive a Synergy bill if I sign up for BPAY View?
No, not directly to your inbox or mailbox. When you sign up for BPAY view you are agreeing for us to send your power bill to your online banking portal which means you can access your bill through your financial institution and you will not receive a paper or paperless bill directly from Synergy. If you're signed up to BPAY view please be aware that you will not eligible for the following services - Paperless (including SMS) and Automated REBS Payments. Should you want to opt in to any of these Synergy services, you'll need to contact your financial institution to cancel your BPAY view before we can opt you in to these. No, not directly to your inbox or mailbox. When you sign up for BPAY view you are agreeing for us to send your power bill to your online banking portal which means you can access your bill through your financial institution and you will not receive a paper or paperless bill directly from Synergy. If you're signed up to BPAY view please be aware that you will not eligible for the following services - Paperless (including SMS) and Automated REBS Payments. Should you want to opt in to any of these Synergy services, you'll need to contact your financial institution to cancel your BPAY view before we can opt you in to these.
Has the DEBS (Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme) buyback rate changed?
No. The rates will remain unchanged. The current rates are: Electricity net exported at peak times between 3pm and 9pm will earn 10c/kWh; Electricity net exported at all other times will earn 2.00c/kWh. The rates apply to the first 50 units exported from a customer to the grid each day. This is more than a 5kW solar PV system would be expected to generate daily, even in ideal conditions. The DEBS buyback rates will be the same for the export from batteries as export from solar, recognising that batteries will be a growing component of our energy system. No. The rates will remain unchanged. The current rates are: Electricity net exported at peak times between 3pm and 9pm will earn 10c/kWh; Electricity net exported at all other times will earn 2.00c/kWh. The rates apply to the first 50 units exported from a customer to the grid each day. This is more than a 5kW solar PV system would be expected to generate daily, even in ideal conditions. The DEBS buyback rates will be the same for the export from batteries as export from solar, recognising that batteries will be a growing component of our energy system.