Government Solar Policies How do I apply for the Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme in Perth?
September 10, 2023in Government Solar Policies 0 Likes

How do I apply for the Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme in Perth?

It’s hard to imagine a future without renewable energy taking centre stage. Every day, more people in Perth are realizing the incredible benefits of harnessing the sun’s power to fuel their homes and businesses. At Westsun Energy, we’ve seen first-hand how solar panels not only significantly lower electricity costs but also contribute to a more sustainable planet.

If you’re one of the wise folks considering this energy transition, you’re probably interested in the Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme (REBS). In today’s post, we’re going to guide you through how to apply for REBS in Perth, so you can get started on your solar journey with confidence.

What is the Renewable Energy Buyback Scheme?

REBS is an incentive program that offers financial compensation to customers who export surplus electricity generated from their solar systems back to the grid. This means you’re not only saving money but making some too! A win-win, right?

Testimonials From Our Happy Customers

Before we delve into the application process, let’s hear from a few of our satisfied customers about their experience with Westsun Energy and our solar solutions.

Phil Minissale says, “From when I first contacted Westsun about solar energy, the consultation process was very informative right the way through. The installation crew had very good communication skills… I am very pleased with the system installed and look forward to the benefits I will receive from 9kW of panels and 10kW/hour battery.”

Danielle raves, “Westsun Solar were absolutely amazing from start to finish. Love my Black Q Cells panels and Huawei inverter. They answered all questions promptly and installation went smoothly. I highly recommend them!”

Michael De Luce shares, “Westsun Solar installed a 10.5kW solar system at my 2-storey house. The salesperson was very patient and helpful in answering my many questions to help me make a final decision, which to date I do not regret.”

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Government Solar Policies Approved Solar Retailer
May 25, 2021in Government Solar Policies 0 Likes

CEC Accredited Solar Retailer

CEC Accreditation – What does it mean?

In Australia, several governing bodies determine the safety, ethics and regulatory practices that need to be adhered to in the Australian Solar Industry. One of the biggest is the Australian Clean Energy Council (CEC). They provide best practice guidelines for solar retailers to adhere to via a strict code of conduct.

This document aims to protect both the industry and consumers regarding the standard solar design and installation practices that solar retailers undertake. This protection applies to individuals, households, commercial businesses, and business owners.

A board of representatives called the Code Review Panel, governs the CEC Code of Conduct. It’s an independent panel that is made up of consumer and industry representation. The purpose of the meeting is to continually review the code and make relevant updates to reflect industry progression. It inadvertently reshapes the expected standards and best practices for solar installations.

What is a Clean Energy Council [CEC] Accredited Retailer?

Westsun Energy has recently become a CEC-accredited solar retailer by the Clean Energy Council. We have been in the solar industry for over ten years and are incredibly happy with this achievement.

Becoming a CEC Accredited Solar Retailer for businesses and consumers has many benefits. Firstly, it allows us to provide peace of mind to our customers about how their solar energy and solar storage systems are being designed, installed and maintained. It gives them unwavering certainty about the high level of service and industry best practice that is being followed and maintained for every solar panel and battery storage system install that is being performed.

In conjunction with this, it allows approved retailers to feel confident in their business practices by knowing they are performing electrical work of the highest standard and safety precautions in the industry today. Read More

Government Solar Policies Energy Buyback Scheme
March 4, 2021in Government Solar Policies 0 Likes

Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS) Changes

As of (31st August 2020), residential solar power systems installed in Western Australia no longer receive the REBS or ‘Renewable Buyback Scheme’ solar feed-in tariff of 7.135 cents per kilowatt-hour. Instead, they now receive the DEBS or ‘Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme’ that will rather pay:

  • For most of the day, 3 Cents for each kilowatt-hour of solar electricity fed into the grid, and…
  • Ten cents for each kilowatt-hour exported from 3 pm until 9 pm.

Because rooftop solar produces most of its energy in the middle of the day, that works out to be an average of 3.8c for north-facing solar panels and roughly 4.4c for west-facing solar on a roof with an average pitch of 22.5 degrees.

Systems currently on the ‘Renewable Buyback Scheme’ REBS that are upgraded will be shifted to the ‘Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme’ DEBS.

All new solar systems installed from 31st August must receive the DEBS feed-in tariff. The new tariff started on 6th November; until then, all new solar installations still received the old feed-in tax of 7.135c per kilowatt-hour.

The new feed-in tariffs will also be paid for energy from home batteries or electric cars exported to the grid. This explains why the 10c feed-in-tariff period extends until 9 pm when the latest set is 7.25 pm in Perth. Read More

Government Solar Policies Government Solar Incentives
June 13, 2016in Government Solar Policies 0 Likes

Government Solar Incentives

The Government encourages people to use solar energy by incentivising Australian home and business owners. Read on to find out more about these incentives. Or contact our solar experts today at (08) 9303 9810.

Small-scale Technology Certificates – Your Solar Incentive

Home and business owners can take advantage of Solar Incentives in the form of Small-scale Technology Certificates or STCs. STCs are an electronic form of currency supported by the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000. STCs can be used in 2 ways:

  1. Upfront discount– STCs are assigned to a registered solar agent when purchasing your PV system. The STCs reduce the cost of your system.
  2. Selling on the REC – The REC is the Renewable Energy Certificate Registry. This is where people buy, sell and transfer STCs. To do this, people must create the STC first.

Most consumers choose to use STCs to reduce the upfront costs of installation. The value of STCs is based on supply and demand; they have been as low as $18 and as high as $40.

Click the image below to view the state government’s STC calculator to determine how many STCs you are entitled to. Read More