- Independent
- Transparent flat fees
- You choose when to share your details
- WA-only
- Installers in the WattMate network
Learning hub
Why the time of day you use and export power matters so much in WA, and what that means before you size a system.
Last reviewed 1 Oct 2026
WA energy guideIn WA's main grid, Synergy is the only electricity retailer for homes. What you pay, and what you earn for exported solar, both depend on the time of day.
Exports earn most when your panels make least. That gap is why a battery is usually the key choice in WA, and with a battery to fill, a bigger solar system often pays its way too.
One retailer, and an export credit that's set for you.
On WA's main grid (the SWIS), Synergy is the only electricity retailer for homes. You pick a plan, not a company.
DEBS sets what exported solar earns, and it's modest. You can't shop for a better rate.
Value comes from using and storing your own solar. National calculators that assume exports pay well get WA wrong.
Gas is different: WA gas retail has several providers to choose from.
One flat rate, or three prices across the day.
Standard flat rate
| Charge | Rate |
|---|---|
| Any time | 33.3c per kWh |
| Supply charge | about $1.19 a day |
One price all day. Using power in the evening costs no extra.
Usually suits you if
Time-of-use
| When | Rate |
|---|---|
| 9am to 3pm | 8.9c per kWh |
| 9pm to 9am | 24.3c per kWh |
| 3pm to 9pm (peak) | 55.3c per kWh |
Peak costs about 6× midday. An EV Add-On gives a cheaper late-night rate (around 19.9c per kWh).
Usually suits you if
Not sure which? Our bill check compares both with your own usage.
The Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme: what Synergy credits you for solar you send to the grid.
about 10c per kWh
Paid when the grid needs it, as demand climbs and solar drops off.
about 2c per kWh
Midday, when every solar home is exporting and the grid already has plenty.
50 kWh
Exports beyond that in a day earn nothing.
What you pay and what exports earn, hour by hour.
On Midday Saver you pay 24.3c per kWh from 9pm to 9am, 8.9c from 9am to 3pm and 55.3c from 3pm to 9pm. Exports earn 10c per kWh from 3pm to 9pm and 2c at other times.
Exports pay around 5× more from 3pm to 9pm, as your panels wind down.
Midday exports earn little. Stored in a battery and used from 3pm to 9pm, the same solar saves you the peak rate. That's most of a battery's value in WA.
Without a battery, extra panels mostly earn the low midday rate and hit the 50 kWh daily cap.
Match it to evening and overnight use. Too small costs more to fix later.
WA and federal battery rebates add to the savings.
WattMate isn't an installer. Knowing the tariffs helps you spot a system sized for your bill, not a catalogue. Compare quotes through Get a quote.
Get matched with local WA installers, no obligation.
Model your own numbers against live Synergy rates, then compare independent installer quotes side by side
Match battery capacity to your usage, solar size, and backup needs.
Combined state + federal battery rebates, VPP requirements, and how to apply.
The common reasons solar homes still see a high bill, and how to fix them.