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<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">Imagine a mode where your battery knows what to do - when to charge, when to sell, and when to sit tight. That’s what we call Magic Mode, and it’s powered by something surprisingly rare in the energy world: aligned incentives.</span></p><p>Unlike retailers or traditional VPPs, Powston doesn’t make money when you use energy - we only succeed when you do. That means our AI is tuned to one thing only: maximising your savings and profits. We reward it for every cent it keeps in your pocket, every network fee it dodges, and every perfectly timed export when the market spikes.</p><p>Behind the scenes, Magic Mode is constantly adjusting using:</p><ul><li>5-minute AEMO pricing</li><li>Tariff rules</li><li>Weather forecasts</li><li>Satellite cloud data</li><li>A premium commercial PV forecasting service (we pay for this, so you don’t have to)</li></ul><p>All of that feeds a machine learning model that doesn’t chase vague benchmarks. It chases your bill, aiming to drive it as low (or as negative) as possible.</p><p>The result? You stay in control, avoid giving up your battery to someone else's profit model, and start playing the energy game like a pro.</p><p>Magic Mode isn’t magic. It’s just what happens when control, intelligence, and incentives finally align.</p>

Unlocking Magic Mode: When Your Battery Works for You, Not Someone Else

<p>Ever sent us a screenshot of your inverter app or a graph from Home Assistant and wondered why we replied with “Can you file a bug report in Powston instead?” — this post is for you.</p><figure id="figure-7orgncqgrimdy4rdak"><img id="7orgncqgrimdy4rdak" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/395xxpZIKgoTrxRy9RnGTMPK24AbYSbPSvCLf5EIiTkBIA95Db1XZqpRH4x84Ssh.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 85%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="85%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/395xxpZIKgoTrxRy9RnGTMPK24AbYSbPSvCLf5EIiTkBIA95Db1XZqpRH4x84Ssh.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 85%;"></figure><p>Let me explain why that matters, and what I can and can’t help with.</p><h3>Why We Can’t Debug Your Graph Screenshot</h3><p>Other systems — inverter apps, dashboards, automations — only show a piece of the puzzle. They don’t tell us:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;What Powston actually asked your system to do<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;What prices were at the time<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;If there were export limits, SOC caps, or manual overrides<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;What your site-specific rules looked like under the hood</p><p>That’s like showing your mechanic a photo of the dashboard after you’ve already pulled the engine apart.</p><p>What does help? Filing a bug report from inside Powston. When you tap “Report a Problem” in the app, it sends:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;Full telemetry from that time<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;Pricing, forecasts, decisions, rule evaluations<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;Any tuning or override information</p><p>That’s the only way we can see what really happened and fix it — in our system, on our terms.</p><h3>Magic Mode vs Hacker Mode: Choose Your Adventure</h3><figure id="figure-aw588p59rmdy4tg8l"><img id="aw588p59rmdy4tg8l" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1140916919/photo/red-pill-blue-pill-concept-the-right-choice-the-concept-of-the-movie-matrix-the-choice-of.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TPExonr5jur_HtedYfCNH7ff44axyypA4hPA3uC9fyk=" alt="Red Pill Blue Pill concept. The right choice the concept of the movie matrix. The choice of tablets" title="Red Pill Blue Pill concept. The right choice the concept of the movie matrix. The choice of tablets" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1140916919/photo/red-pill-blue-pill-concept-the-right-choice-the-concept-of-the-movie-matrix-the-choice-of.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=TPExonr5jur_HtedYfCNH7ff44axyypA4hPA3uC9fyk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Here’s how Powston works for two different kinds of users:</p><h3>Magic Mode</h3><p>Let us drive. The system tunes itself based on:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;Your usage patterns<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;Market prices<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;Forecasts<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;What’s worked well across the fleet</p><p>You get:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;Set-and-forget automation<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;Continuous tuning<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; • &nbsp; &nbsp;Full support (as long as it’s my code)</p><p>Heads-up: If it says “PowstonAutoTuned” in rules name, and you had your own rule there… it might’ve been overwritten. If you’re tweaking code manually, keep a copy — the system doesn’t merge, it resets.</p><h3>Hacker Mode</h3><p>You write the rules. You get full control — and full responsibility.</p><p>If your logic says import if price &gt; 5c and it doesn't wait for 2c… well, that’s your rule. We can give you data, forecasts, and advice, but we can’t debug code we didn’t write or tune.</p><p>And if you find reading our auto-tuned rules confusing? That’s fair — we feel the same when we look at yours. It’s a two-way street.</p><h3>TL;DR</h3><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Mode</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Who Writes the Rules?</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Who Fixes It When It Breaks?</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Who Tunes It?</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Magic Mode</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Powston (us)</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Powston (us)</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Powston (us)</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Hacker Mode</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">You</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">You</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">You (mostly)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So if you’re on Magic Mode, report problems from inside the app. That’s where we live, and it’s where we can help you best.</p><p>If you’re on Hacker Mode, enjoy the power — but remember, with great power comes great support boundaries.</p><p>Thanks for staying in your lane so we can stay in mine — and keep the wheels turning for everyone.</p>

Staying in My Lane: How You Get Help (and When You Don’t)

<p>A customer recently nailed it when they said:</p><blockquote><p>Why does everything run smoothly for weeks on end when there’s no money at stake — and then as soon as there’s a spike, everything falls to pieces?</p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; font-weight: inherit;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 18px; font-weight: inherit;">That’s not bad luck. That’s physics, networks, and Murphy’s Law working together in perfect disharmony.</span></p><p>The days when real money is on the table—those big trading spikes that come once or twice a month—are also the days when everything is under stress:</p><ul><li>The grid is under pressure.</li><li>Voltage sags trip weaker systems.</li><li>Everyone's hitting APIs at once, throttling cloud platforms and overloading vendor servers.</li><li>Wi-Fi gets flaky under power disturbances.</li><li>Poorly configured systems misfire or go offline right when they should be cashing in.</li></ul><p>If you’re serious about trading and maximising your battery returns, these are the days you’re preparing for. And you only get one shot each time.</p><p>Here’s how to stay in the game:</p><ul><li><strong>Hardwire everything</strong>. Wi-Fi is fine for idle weeks—not for market warzones.</li><li><strong>Use reliable, well-supported brands</strong>. These aren’t the days to learn about firmware bugs.</li><li><strong>Avoid control that relies solely on third-party clouds</strong>. When their servers buckle, you want local fallback and edge control.</li><li><strong>Test your setup in real-world spikes</strong>, not just pretty dashboards.</li></ul><p>Most months, there’s one really profitable day, and it might not give any warning. Like all random events, they don’t arrive evenly spaced—they bunch, overlap, or leave long gaps. You don’t get to pick the timing, but you can choose to be ready.</p><figure id="figure-6fd7p8rgkpmdgj1mum"><img id="6fd7p8rgkpmdgj1mum" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16VcXQUxvFxfXwwtnzuBbmYCHonJ0ejivqyyPOAf3fdUHfygTfKMsQMLPHI7hpaH.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16VcXQUxvFxfXwwtnzuBbmYCHonJ0ejivqyyPOAf3fdUHfygTfKMsQMLPHI7hpaH.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p>With Powston, we build for that. Resilient logic. Local fallback. Automation that doesn’t flinch when things go sideways.</p><p>Because the moment it gets serious is not the moment to find out your battery app went to sleep.</p><p>P.S. The customer ended up earning $500 that night. Despite a Home Assistant change they made that interfered with control, Powston still managed to get the sell signals out—and the battery was exporting.</p>

When It Rains, It Pours: Why Quality Matters Most on the Big Days

Solar Inverter control room system and battery storage. Electrician Engineer monitoring of solar charge controller and record data to mobile app on digital tablet.

<h3>Understanding Hybrid Inverters and Battery Integration</h3><p>In energy trading, the ability to export significant power during peak pricing events is crucial. For electricians designing systems for clients aiming to capitalize on these opportunities, understanding the impact of inverter sizing and battery integration is essential.</p><figure id="figure-m82ajykwhqmcsluffp"><img id="m82ajykwhqmcsluffp" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2098422511/photo/workers-building-solar-panel-system-on-roof-of-house-men-installing-photovoltaic-solar-module.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=RIfV-w-hIN-ajZ30DP2qhYFa2enAuC9_w_NTFph8b5E=" alt="solar panel installation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2098422511/photo/workers-building-solar-panel-system-on-roof-of-house-men-installing-photovoltaic-solar-module.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=RIfV-w-hIN-ajZ30DP2qhYFa2enAuC9_w_NTFph8b5E=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Three-Phase Systems beat singles beat AC coupled</h3><p>In single-phase systems, export limitations are more restrictive. Typically, there's a fixed export limit of 5 kW per phase. However, many networks restrict you to 10 kW per phase of inverter capacity . Despite these limitations, integrating a hybrid inverter with battery storage can still provide some benefits. By storing energy during low-demand periods and discharging during peak pricing events, homeowners can maximize their minimize their exposure but will strugle to profit from price peaks.</p><p>Now consider a three-phase system where the total inverter capacity increases from 10 kW to 30 kW. If the household consumes 4 or 5 kW during peak demand, the export capacity jumps from 5 kW to 26 kW—a dramatic increase. This substantial boost in export potential directly translates to higher revenue during peak pricing periods.</p><p>To visually represent the impact of increasing inverter capacity on export potential, consider the following scenarios:</p><h3>Export Capacity Scenarios</h3><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Inverter Capacity</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Household Consumption</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Maximum Export Capacity</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">Maximum Earnings per hour*</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">5 kW</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">4 kW</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">1 kW</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">$17.00<br></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">10 kW</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">4 kW</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">5 kW</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">$102.00</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">30 kW</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">4 kW</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">26 kW</td><td style="width: 25%;" data-mce-style="width: 25%;">$442.00</td></tr></tbody></table><p>* yes we have customers do that last month but typically only happens a few times year but the larger point is more is more.</p><p>In the first scenario, with a 5 kW inverter and 4 kW household consumption, there's very little excess energy to export. Upgrading to a 10 kW inverter allows for 6 kW of export capacity. Further increasing to a 30 kW inverter boosts export capacity to 26 kW, representing a 6X and 26X increases in export ability.</p><p>This demonstrates that larger inverter capacities, especially in three-phase systems, can significantly enhance the ability to export energy during peak pricing periods, thereby maximizing potential revenue from energy trading.</p><p>It's important to note that actual export limits may be subject to regulations set by your local Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP). Also, you don't want to promise anyone can export at $17/kWh every night as those peak nights only happen a few times a year. We found 22 days last year accounted for half all the earnings for our sites. Another interesting note about the $17/kWh figure, AEMO has raised that to $20 as of 1st July 2025.</p><figure id="figure-wy3okx0xmmcslundl" class=""><img id="wy3okx0xmmcslundl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1erVILwshRF3geEY5q2XM8kEBtu1NSz34YQW1kz6DGfNg9jjv5johcBrnNpEDdrk.jpeg" alt="energy efficiency" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1erVILwshRF3geEY5q2XM8kEBtu1NSz34YQW1kz6DGfNg9jjv5johcBrnNpEDdrk.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Role of Hybrid Inverters with Battery Storage</h3><p>Hybrid inverters equipped with battery storage are pivotal in this setup. They allow for the storage of excess solar energy during periods of low demand or low prices and enable rapid discharge during peak demand when prices are high. This capability ensures that the system can deliver maximum power to the grid precisely when it's most profitable.</p><h3>Strategic Implementation</h3><p>For clients interested in energy trading, it's advisable to:</p><p><strong>Maximize Inverter Capacity:</strong> Install the largest permissible inverter capacity per phase to enhance export potential.<br><strong>Integrate Battery Storage</strong>: Incorporate sufficient battery storage to store excess energy and provide flexibility in energy dispatch.<br><strong>Employ Smart Energy Management</strong>: Utilize advanced energy management systems to monitor grid prices and automate the timing of energy exports.<br>By focusing on these areas, electricians can design systems that not only meet their clients' energy needs but also optimize financial returns through strategic energy trading.</p><figure id="figure-x844bucktvmcslv1bj"><img id="x844bucktvmcslv1bj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2e1Yl5yitKrjgkInc9dKOEXBPL5mKs5T5kH87JAwg5b8BRvW4YV3h0wUjUzRDmZd.jpeg" alt="home energy system" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2e1Yl5yitKrjgkInc9dKOEXBPL5mKs5T5kH87JAwg5b8BRvW4YV3h0wUjUzRDmZd.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><p>In the evolving landscape of Australia's energy market, the shift from AC-coupled to hybrid inverter systems is becoming increasingly pertinent. This transition is driven by changes in feed-in tariffs and the growing importance of energy trading during peak demand periods.</p><h3>AC-Coupled Systems: Initial Advantages and Emerging Limitations</h3><p>AC-coupled systems have been a popular choice for integrating batteries into existing solar setups. They allow for the addition of battery storage without replacing the existing solar inverter, making them a cost-effective solution. However, these systems often face limitations imposed by Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs) regarding inverter capacity and export limits. For instance, in single-phase systems, the total inverter capacity is typically capped at 10 kW, which includes both the solar and battery inverters . This constraint can restrict the system's ability to export excess energy to the grid, particularly during peak demand periods when energy prices are highest.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The transition from AC-coupled to single larger hybrid inverter systems reflects the broader changes in Australia's energy market. As feed-in tariffs decline and energy trading becomes more dynamic, the ability to efficiently manage and export stored energy during peak periods is increasingly valuable. Homeowners and electricians should consider these factors when designing or upgrading solar and battery systems to ensure long-term viability and financial returns.</p>

Maximizing Energy Trading with Hybrid Inverters and Battery Integration

Digital key authentication concept. Digital security and data safety evolution background

<h2>Understanding Amber API Keys</h2><p>Amber API keys are essential for those who want to integrate Amber's services into other applications. These keys act as unique identifiers that allow us to interact with Amber's systems securely. Having an API key ensures that the correct permissions are granted for the data and services you need.</p><figure id="figure-x6o9mgckicmcfzbpqa"><img id="x6o9mgckicmcfzbpqa" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29UCbq2bG96ZUB4SVZps44R6ok6ly79hiyGao6FDyaQKOcstxWWZ7SD8necH3TJl.jpeg" alt="api development" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29UCbq2bG96ZUB4SVZps44R6ok6ly79hiyGao6FDyaQKOcstxWWZ7SD8necH3TJl.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Steps to Create an Amber API Key</h3><p>Creating an Amber API key is straightforward and can be accomplished in a few simple steps:</p><ul><li>Log in to your Amber Electric account at app.amber.com.au.</li><li>Navigate to the Developers section. https://app.amber.com.au/developers/<br></li><li>Enable Developer Mode.</li><li>Click on Generate a new token: Assign a memorable name to your token (e.g., "Powston Integration") and click Generate.<br></li><li>Make sure to <strong>save your API key</strong> securely, as you'll need it for the next steps.</li></ul><figure id="figure-s2rfvnx8wsmcfzf9hi"><img id="s2rfvnx8wsmcfzf9hi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2e4hJJ99hxOX2Bo77XjlpYq25oBrXW72EYQEOQnoWNvDfP5M8QSupo5slekeLw9A.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 70% 75%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="70%" data-positiony="75%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2e4hJJ99hxOX2Bo77XjlpYq25oBrXW72EYQEOQnoWNvDfP5M8QSupo5slekeLw9A.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 70% 75%;"></figure><h2>Adding Your Amber API Key to Powston</h2><p>Once you have your Amber API key, the next step is to integrate it with Powston. Powston is a platform that allows you to manage and utilize various APIs seamlessly. Follow these steps to add your Amber API key to Powston:</p><figure id="figure-8otnb3zb14mcfzbtq7"><img id="8otnb3zb14mcfzbtq7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29UCbq2bG96ZUB4SVZps44R6ok6ly79hiyGao6FDyaQKOcstxWWZ7SD8necH3TJl.jpeg" alt="api integration" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/29UCbq2bG96ZUB4SVZps44R6ok6ly79hiyGao6FDyaQKOcstxWWZ7SD8necH3TJl.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Setting Up Your Powston Account</h3><p>If you haven't already, you'll need to set up an account with Powston. This process is quick and easy:</p><ul><li><strong>Register</strong> on the Powston website by providing your email address and creating a password.</li><li>Verify your email address through the confirmation link sent to your inbox.</li><li><strong>Log in</strong> to your new Powston account.</li></ul><h3>Integrating the Amber API Key</h3><p>After logging into your Powston account, you can integrate the Amber API key:</p><ul><li>Go to the <strong>Settings</strong> section in Powston. <a href="https://app.powston.com/settings" data-mce-href="https://app.powston.com/settings">https://app.powston.com/settings</a></li></ul><figure id="figure-rm7bf3hkmemcfzjk40"><img id="rm7bf3hkmemcfzjk40" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1d6RzxA32pm804q4FyNbAO7JLdV1BdI5MordFq3jtpzqMXnQyIE6sT7qWHw8iBea.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1d6RzxA32pm804q4FyNbAO7JLdV1BdI5MordFq3jtpzqMXnQyIE6sT7qWHw8iBea.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><ul><li>Find the field to <strong>Add Your Amber API Key</strong>.</li></ul><figure id="figure-ljiz9wcscrmcfzlpzw"><img id="ljiz9wcscrmcfzlpzw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2b1jwbwnkQNzOk7XZOlpJQOxr4wvXVSukWrdDCw5quShZw91CL4tFe9AnjM93dUO.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 0% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2b1jwbwnkQNzOk7XZOlpJQOxr4wvXVSukWrdDCw5quShZw91CL4tFe9AnjM93dUO.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 0% 50%;"></figure><ul><li><strong>Update Site to save the changes</strong>, and your Amber API key will be linked to your Powston account.</li></ul><figure id="figure-9r7les2oi4mcfzc3kp"><img id="9r7les2oi4mcfzc3kp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3acwHVOlSzJ4yjFLP7ODkqcyzRWf59VTdrqNUsVdPEYyeqksbwcuHvuTm4R796lG.jpeg" alt="api collaboration" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3acwHVOlSzJ4yjFLP7ODkqcyzRWf59VTdrqNUsVdPEYyeqksbwcuHvuTm4R796lG.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Troubleshooting Common Issues</h2><p>If you encounter any issues while creating or adding your API key, consider these tips:</p><ul><li>Ensure that all information is entered correctly without extra spaces or typos.</li><li>If you have lost your API key, regenerate it through the Amber dashboard and update it in Powston.</li><li>Check for any connectivity issues that might prevent you from accessing either platform.</li></ul><h3>Important: Skip the Battery Section in Amber</h3><p>If you're using Powston, please don’t enable or configure battery automation in the Amber app. It might be tempting to click everything, but that part isn't needed—and may confuse the system.</p><p>The Powston app (app.powston.com) already handles live battery data and control in real time, down to the 5-minute market.</p><ul><li>Amber’s SmartShift battery tools are designed for their own automation, not Powston’s.</li><li>If you’ve already clicked it by accident, no problem—just don’t rely on it going forward.</li><li>The one exception, if you have Sungrow, you can enable Amber in iSolarCloud, just disable controls in the Amber App to be able to see the battery information.</li></ul><p>We’ve raised this with Amber and are working on improving clarity. For now, just use the API key as explained above, and let Powston take the wheel.</p><p><strong>In Conclusion</strong>, integrating your Amber API key with Powston enhances your ability to leverage Amber's services effectively. With these steps, you can ensure a seamless integration that empowers your applications with reliable data access.</p>

How to Create an Amber API Key and Add it to Powston

Battery charge indicator wood model. Phone charge level. Discharged and fully charged battery. Battery charge from high to low.

<p>At Powston, we’re always tuning your system to be sharper, safer, and more profitable. If you’ve noticed your inverter lightly exporting even when it doesn’t seem “worth it”—that’s no accident. It’s a feature.</p><p>We call it creative export and curtail, and it’s part of our strategy to keep you out of trouble and in the money.</p><h3>It’s Not About Chasing 15c—It’s About Avoiding 39c</h3><p>Sometimes your system is in a delicate spot: prices aren’t high enough to justify a full export, but buying from the grid would be painful. So we gently nudge the inverter to export around 1kW. Not because we’re chasing tiny profits, but because leaning forward a little helps you avoid falling backward into expensive imports.</p><h3>Why It Matters Under Australian Standards</h3><p>Export ramp limits in Australian grid codes mean inverters can’t always respond instantly. If we wait until a price spike hits to react, your inverter may miss the moment—or worse, import during the delay. This small export buffer gives us room to react fast when prices move, without breaking compliance.</p><h3>Self-Consumption Still Comes First</h3><p>This isn’t “set and forget” export. We prioritise your household needs, then use any extra to build a protective buffer. Think of it as a smart net between self-use and full export, designed to keep your power bill from snapping in half.</p><p>&nbsp;<br>Powston’s creative export states are part of a bigger vision: using your system not just as a backup, but as a real-time energy trader that thinks ahead. And it’s working—our users are seeing serious credits without lifting a finger.</p>

Why Powston Is Gently Pushing Your Inverter—And Why That’s a Good Thing

Powston

Powston is an Australian energy technology company transforming how households and businesses use and profit from renewable energy. Our AI-driven platform and plug-and-play controller connect batteries, solar, and smart devices directly to the 5-minute wholesale energy market. This lets customers cut their electricity bills, optimise consumption, and even earn revenue—without relying on traditional retailers or Virtual Power Plants.
With integrations across leading brands like Sungrow, SAJ, iStore, Powston empowers users with real-time energy monitoring, cost optimisation, and automation tools for appliances, EVs, and backup planning.
Headquartered in Brisbane, Powston is committed to building a more sustainable future by enabling everyday Australians to reduce environmental impact while achieving financial independence from power bills

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How to Create an Amber API Key and Add it to Powston

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