Are you considering installing solar panels for your Western Australian home or business? Western Australia (WA) offers abundant sunshine and financial incentives, making it an ideal place to invest in solar energy. While WA doesn’t have state-specific solar rebates, there are federal incentives and other programs to help reduce costs and maximize savings.
This guide provides a clear overview of the available solar rebates and incentives in WA, helping you make informed decisions about going solar.
List of Western Australia Solar Rebates and Incentives in 2024
Although there are no state-based WA Solar rebates, residents can take advantage of the following programs:
| Program | Type | Details | Maximum Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) | Federal Solar Rebate | Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs) reduce installation costs. | $2,500–$3,700 for a 6.6kW system |
| Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) | Feed-in Tariff | Credits for exporting excess solar energy to the grid. | 10 cents/kWh (peak), 2.25–3 cents/kWh (off-peak) |
| Switch Your Thinking Program | Discount & Incentive Program | Discounts on sustainable products and services for eligible council areas. | Varies |
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Federal Solar Rebate: Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES)
The SRES is the main financial incentive for WA residents installing solar systems. Here’s how it works:
- STCs Explained: Installing an eligible solar system earns Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs). The number of STCs depends on your system’s size and location.
- How to Claim: Most installers deduct the rebate upfront, making it easy for homeowners to access this benefit.
- Rebate Value in WA: For a 6.6kW system installed in Perth in 2024, the STC rebate is around $2,500.
See more on how to calculate and access STCs in WA see our comprehensive guide to STCs.
Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)
DEBS also allows eligible households, schools, and non-profits to receive payments for surplus electricity exported to the grid. This includes energy generated by:
- Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
- Home battery storage systems.
- Electric vehicles (EVs) capable of exporting power.
Unlike older buyback programs, DEBS emphasizes the time of export, offering higher rates during peak demand periods. This structure incentivizes energy generation and export when it’s most valuable to the grid.
How Does DEBS Work?
Under DEBS, payments vary depending on the time of day:
| Time of Day | Example Rate |
|---|---|
| Peak (3 pm – 9 pm) | 10 cents/kWh |
| Off-Peak (9 pm – 3 pm) | 2 cents/kWh |
- Peak Periods: Higher rates are offered between 3 pm and 9 pm, reflecting increased demand and wholesale electricity costs.
- Off-Peak Periods: Lower rates apply during periods of abundant solar energy generation, encouraging households to self-consume or store energy
How to apply:
Applications must be submitted through your energy retailer (e.g., Synergy or Horizon Power). Installers typically handle this during system setup or upgrades.
See more on the distributed energy buyback scheme here.
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Switch Your Thinking Program
Switch Your Thinking (SYT) is a local government initiative based in Perth, Western Australia, established in 2002 by the South East Regional Energy Group (SEREG). This program offers residents and businesses in participating councils a range of discounts on sustainable products and services, tools to conserve energy, and resources to support sustainability goals.
- Founded By: South East Regional Energy Group (Cities of Armadale, Gosnells, and Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale).
- Focus Areas: Climate action, clean energy, sustainable cities, and community engagement.
- Eligibility: Residents and businesses within participating local councils.
Example of SYT incentives & discounts
- 15% discount on residential solar battery systems.
- $300 discount on all solar battery systems
- Discounts on hybrid inverters and solar systems ($200-$300 depending on system size)
Participating Councils
Residents and businesses in the following local councils can access SYT incentives:
- City of Gosnells
- Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
- City of Armadale
- City of Kalamunda
- City of Melville
- Town of Cambridge
- Shire of Mundaring
- City of South Perth
- Town of Victoria Park
- City of Vincent
- City of Belmont
- Town of Bassendean
- City of Canning
- City of Stirling
- City of Swan
- City of Subiaco
(List subject to change; check the full list here)
Example Savings for a 6.6kW Solar System in Perth, WA
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average System Cost | $5,420 |
| Federal Rebate (SRES) | -$2,520 |
| Out-of-Pocket Cost | $2,900 |
| Annual Energy Savings | $1,382 |
| Payback Period | ~2–3 years |
Western Australia solar rebates and incentives make it affordable and accessible to adopt clean energy solutions. Take advantage of the state’s abundant sunshine and federal programs to start saving on your energy bills today.
Frequently Asked Questions on WA Solar Rebates
Does WA offer state-based solar rebates?
What is the Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)?
Can I join DEBS with an existing solar system?
What happens if I install a battery or upgrade my system?
How much do solar panels cost in WA with rebates?
Compare quotes from up to 7 installers in your area now.
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