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<p>Welcome to the Self-Service Onboarding guide, if you get stuck or are not sure at any step, please reach out to us via the contact page.</p><h3><br>Step 1: Order your Hardware &amp; Subscription</h3><p><strong><a data-mce-href="https://powston.chargebee.com/hosted_pages/checkout?subscription_items[item_price_id][0]=Powston-iStore-Residential&amp;subscription_items[quantity][0]=1&amp;utm_source=cb-app-copy" href="https://powston.chargebee.com/hosted_pages/checkout?subscription_items[item_price_id][0]=Powston-iStore-Residential&amp;subscription_items[quantity][0]=1&amp;utm_source=cb-app-copy" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Click Here to Place your Order</a></strong></p><h3>Step 2: Tell us your Inverter's Serial Number</h3><p>Email a photo of your serial number, or send the Serial # to <a href="mailto:service@powston.com" data-mce-href="mailto:service@powston.com">service@powston.com</a></p><h3>Step 3: Join a Wholesale Retailer&nbsp;</h3><p>Powston isn't an energy retailer, so you will still need to retain an energy retailer. Most of our customers are registered with Local Volts as they pass through the AEMO Spot prices directly to the consumer for those in QLD, NSW, ACT, SA, TAS to be elligible.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><a data-mce-href="https://localvolts.com/register/?EntityID=21973" href="https://localvolts.com/register/?EntityID=21973">Click Here to Register with Local Volts</a></strong></p><p>If you're an existing LocalVolts Customer, using the Talk to LocalVolts Feature send a request:"I'd like to join Powston". It can take up to 2 weeks for your current energy retailer to release you, continue the below steps while you wait.</p><p>If you'd like to use another retailer, please contact us.</p><h3>Step 4: Login to Powston</h3><p>When your account is setup we will send you an email to login to Powston.&nbsp;<br>Login to Powston: app.powston.com</p><h3>Step 5: Let Powston take Control</h3><p>Double Check you are Ready:</p><p>1. Registered with LocalVolts and received the confirmation you are now on LocalVolts?<br>2. Sent Powston your Serial Number?<br>3. Confirmed you can login at app.powston.com and see your inverter?</p><p>Then its time to take the next step:</p><p>Email service@powston.com to let us know you are ready for Powston to take Control of your inverter!&nbsp;</p>

Self-Service Onboarding - iStore

<p>Welcome to the Self-Service Onboarding guide, if you get stuck or are not sure at any step, please reach out to us via the contact page.</p><h3>Step 1: Order your Hardware &amp; Subscription</h3><p><strong><a data-mce-href="https://powston.chargebee.com/hosted_pages/checkout?subscription_items[item_price_id][0]=Powston-Sonnen-AUD-Monthly&amp;subscription_items[quantity][0]=1&amp;utm_source=cb-app-copy" href="https://powston.chargebee.com/hosted_pages/checkout?subscription_items[item_price_id][0]=Powston-Sonnen-AUD-Monthly&amp;subscription_items[quantity][0]=1&amp;utm_source=cb-app-copy" target="_blank" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Click Here to Place your Order</a></strong></p><h3>Step 2 : Join a Wholesale Retailer&nbsp;</h3><p>Powston isn't an energy retailer, so you will still need to retain an energy retailer.&nbsp;Most of our customers are registered with Local Volts as they pass through the AEMO Spot prices directly to the consumer for those in QLD, NSW, ACT, SA, TAS to be elligible.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><a data-mce-href="https://localvolts.com/register/?EntityID=21973" href="https://localvolts.com/register/?EntityID=21973">Click Here to Register with Local Volts</a></strong></p><p>If you're an existing LocalVolts Customer, using the Talk to LocalVolts Feature send a request:"I'd like to join Powston".&nbsp;</p><h3>Step 3: Ask sonnen for your integration key</h3><p>This key allows Powston to control your inverter. You'll need to email sonnen then forward their response to <a href="mailto:service@powston.com" data-mce-href="mailto:service@powston.com">service@powston.com</a>. <br><br>To:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="mailto:service@sonnen.com.au" data-mce-href="mailto:service@sonnen.com.au">service@sonnen.com.au</a>&nbsp;<br>Subject:&nbsp; Local API Token Request<br>Body:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; I'd like to get the Local API Token so I can use Powston. My inverter serial number is XXX.</p><h3>Step 4: Login to Powston<br></h3><p>When your account is setup we will send you an email to login to Powston.&nbsp;<br>Login to Powston: app.powston.com</p><h3>Step 5: Install your Controller<br></h3><p>Once you receive your controller follow this Installation guide:</p><figure id="figure-ho9uyzin2pm8x3nlu7"><iframe id="ho9uyzin2pm8x3nlu7" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mpAJtw-OraY" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpAJtw-OraY" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mpAJtw-OraY" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-dashlane-frameid="1716"></iframe></figure><h3>Step 6: Let Powston take Control</h3><p>Double Check you are Ready:</p><p>1. Registered with LocalVolts and received the confirmation you are now on LocalVolts?<br>2. Sent your Local API Token to Powston?<br>3. Installed your Controller?<br>4. Confirmed you can login at app.powston.com and see your inverter?</p><p>Then its time to take the next step:</p><p>Email service@powston.com to let us know you are ready for Powston to take Control of your inverter!</p><p><br></p><p>Step 7: Watch the Platform Overview</p><figure id="figure-hwnkjovq8mm9bcknyr"><iframe id="hwnkjovq8mm9bcknyr" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1XzB19jI4k8" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XzB19jI4k8" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1XzB19jI4k8" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-dashlane-frameid="1717"></iframe></figure>

Self-Service Onboarding - sonnen

<h2>Understanding the Basics of Tasmota and Powston</h2><p>Integrating smart devices with your existing home automation system can significantly enhance your control over various appliances. Tasmota is a popular open-source firmware that allows you to control various devices, such as smart plugs, lights, and sensors. On the other hand, Powston is a versatile platform that provides seamless integration with numerous smart home technologies using MQTT.</p><p>The integration of Tasmota plugs with Powston via MQTT allows you to leverage the full potential of both platforms. MQTT, or Message Queuing Telemetry Transport, is a lightweight messaging protocol ideal for small sensors and mobile devices. It facilitates efficient communication between Tasmota and Powston, ensuring your devices work harmoniously.</p><figure id="figure-52jleombom8w6oh4r"><img id="52jleombom8w6oh4r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3TgBQ17I0QniCi1uDbOXVXuxGr7JyyRL60mck5JWNIo9qmNwk99osdvaJCbWbZYk.jpeg" alt="smart home devices" 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/3TgBQ17I0QniCi1uDbOXVXuxGr7JyyRL60mck5JWNIo9qmNwk99osdvaJCbWbZYk.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Setting Up Tasmota Plugs for MQTT</h2><p>Before you begin the integration process, ensure that your Tasmota plug is flashed with the latest firmware. This ensures compatibility with Powston and optimal performance. Once your device is ready, access the Tasmota web interface to configure the MQTT settings. If you have purchsed them from stores such as <a data-mce-href="https://www.athom.tech/blank-1/au-plug" href="https://www.athom.tech/blank-1/au-plug">Athom</a>, this would be done for your already. If you are reflashing others, follow the guide at tasmota for the specific plug.</p><figure id="figure-qncf583rkm8w74c4b"><img id="qncf583rkm8w74c4b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38clCEr4YMKlfSdJnlLQ0NFipOZHHpXyXPAHAy4v3ObX1EcepoLUYGoacJrAGeUf.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% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/38clCEr4YMKlfSdJnlLQ0NFipOZHHpXyXPAHAy4v3ObX1EcepoLUYGoacJrAGeUf.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure><p>To set up MQTT, navigate to the "Configuration" menu in Tasmota and select "Configure MQTT." Here, you'll need to input the details of your MQTT broker,&nbsp; including the host address (mqtt.powston.com), port (1883), username, and password (from powston). This information is crucial as it enables Tasmota to communicate with the MQTT broker used by Powston. In addition, the topic should be scoped or prefixed with your username.</p><h3>Configuring Powston for Integration</h3><p>Inside of your rules, you can now send ON or OFF signals to the device using the variable starting with "mqtt_topic_". If the device name is tasmota_ABCDE, the power ON/OFF variable would be: mqtt_topic_username_cmnd_tasmota_ABCDE_POWER = 'ON' or 'OFF' as you need.</p><figure id="figure-3xg7183c3bm8w6oqdo" class=""><img id="3xg7183c3bm8w6oqdo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/10Qr9lckBSeWTcAJNq6equtjBmXHqFC4YwRthSNNPebtG5QyUHlR6uR4lF5pX2ql.jpeg" alt="MQTT broker setup" 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/10Qr9lckBSeWTcAJNq6equtjBmXHqFC4YwRthSNNPebtG5QyUHlR6uR4lF5pX2ql.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Testing the Integration</h2><p>After completing the setup, it's essential to test the integration to confirm everything is working as expected. In Powston, monitor the status of your connected device. You should see your Tasmota plug respond within seconds of the rules running each minute when you set these variables.</p><p>If the integration is successful, you can control your Tasmota plug directly from Powston rules. This real-time control demonstrates the seamless communication facilitated by MQTT.</p><h3>Troubleshooting Common Issues</h3><p>Despite careful setup, you may encounter issues during integration. Common problems include incorrect MQTT settings or network connectivity issues. Double-check your broker settings in both Tasmota and Powston to ensure they match perfectly.</p><p>If you're experiencing connectivity issues, ensure that both devices are on the same network and that there are no firewall restrictions blocking MQTT traffic. Checking these factors can often resolve any communication problems.</p><figure id="figure-dih63milnm8w6p0z2"><img id="dih63milnm8w6p0z2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/1d5oJm9m7v4LOpziaw3OZvoyqxHUays9sMoLjx9pluAn34muOioINvDhWylaFd9g.jpeg" alt="troubleshooting tech support" 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/1d5oJm9m7v4LOpziaw3OZvoyqxHUays9sMoLjx9pluAn34muOioINvDhWylaFd9g.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Enhancing Your Smart Home Experience</h2><p>Successfully integrating Tasmota plugs with Powston via MQTT can significantly enhance your smart home experience. With this setup, you can automate tasks, monitor energy consumption, and even receive alerts for specific actions.</p><p>The flexibility offered by this integration means you can expand your smart home ecosystem effortlessly. Whether adding more devices or implementing complex automation routines, Tasmota and Powston provide a robust foundation for any smart home enthusiast.</p><h3>Future-Proofing Your Home Automation System</h3><p>As technology advances, so do the capabilities of smart home systems. By integrating Tasmota plugs with Powston via MQTT, you're not only improving current functionality but also preparing for future innovations. This setup is easily adaptable to new devices and updates in technology.</p><p>Stay informed about firmware updates for both Tasmota and Powston to ensure you benefit from the latest features and improvements. This forward-thinking approach will keep your home automation system at the cutting edge of technology.</p>

Integrating Tasmota Plugs with Powston via MQTT

<p>If you are a Powston customer, you are already familiar with the rates page above, if not this is a way to find similar system and compare buy/sell rates and help right size your system for maximum earnings. Here, we will dive into these numbers by day to learn a bit more.</p><figure id="figure-dma40b4tl9m8e0ux41" class=""><img id="dma40b4tl9m8e0ux41" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/268rysDhbuIodRVINvW04PVPJJqMTYfpQXBUno7iBk9lvDAgTu0tUQl8c0qIvcYz.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="Rates Page you see as a Powston Customer" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/268rysDhbuIodRVINvW04PVPJJqMTYfpQXBUno7iBk9lvDAgTu0tUQl8c0qIvcYz.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2"><br>Rates Page you see as a Powston Customer</figcaption></figure><p>If you're running a battery and looking to maximize your earnings from energy exports, you might have wondered: Are some days better than others? Well, after analyzing the data from 2025 so far, we've found that not all days are created equal! Some days of the week—and even specific sites—are raking in incredible feed-in rates, while others are lagging behind.</p><p>Let's break it down and see which days have been the best for battery owners cashing in on high feed-in tariffs.</p><h3>🔥 The Champions of Feed-In Rates</h3><p>The absolute best-performing day for batteries in 2025 so far has been <strong>Saturday</strong> at Site 60, with an incredible 1,761.55 c/kWh in average earnings per kWh exported. That’s a massive payday for anyone shifting their energy exports to the right time slots!</p><p><strong>Wednesday</strong> also dominates, with multiple site locations seeing huge rates:</p><p><strong>Site 98 – $14.32/kWh</strong><br><strong>Site 47 – $12.76/kWh</strong><br><strong>Site 91 – $11.99/kWh</strong></p><p>Meanwhile, <strong>Thursday</strong> holds its own, with Site 60 pulling in <strong>$7.36/kWh</strong> and <strong>Saturday</strong> at Site 106 seeing <strong>$7.16/kWh</strong>.</p><h3>🏆 The Top 5 Battery-Friendly Days</h3><p>Based on the highest feed-in rates across all locations, here are the best days to export energy:</p><p><strong>Saturday</strong> – Huge earnings, especially at Site 60<br><strong>Wednesday</strong> – Consistently high across multiple sites<br><strong>Thursday</strong> – Strong mid-week performance<br><strong>Friday</strong> – Decent rates, but not as dominant as Wednesday and Saturday<br><strong>Tuesday</strong> – Some standout sites, but more variability<br></p><h3>📉 The Least Profitable Days</h3><p>While <strong>Monday</strong> and <strong>Sunday</strong> make appearances in the rankings, they tend to be at the lower end of the spectrum. For example, the best <strong>Monday</strong> site (Site 76) only hit 86.25 c/kWh, a far cry from the top Saturday numbers.</p><h3>⚡ What This Means for Battery Owners</h3><p>If you're looking to optimize your battery’s exports, aim for peak days like <strong>Saturday</strong> and <strong>Wednesday</strong>. These days consistently bring in the highest feed-in rates across different sites. Meanwhile, if you’re flexible, avoid lower-yield days like <strong>Monday</strong> and <strong>Sunday</strong>, unless the market shifts.</p><p>Want to know how your specific site is performing? Let us know, and we can dive into even more detailed breakdowns!</p><p>📊 Stay tuned for more insights into energy exports and how to make the most of your battery setup!</p>

The Best Days for Batteries in 2025: When to Cash in on Energy Exports!

<p>Welcome to the Self-Service Onboarding guide, if you get stuck or are not sure at any step, please reach out to us via the contact page.</p><h3>Step 1: Self Qualify as a Simple Site<br></h3><p>If you have a simple site, please feel free to step through the Self Service Onboarding guide. If you have a complex site, or are not sure, please reach out on the Contact page.</p><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100.002%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100.002%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;"><br></td><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Simple Sites</td><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Complex Sites</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Inverters</td><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;"><p>One Solitary Hybrid Inverter (5-30kW)</p></td><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Multiple Inverters, especially if Inverters are from more than one brand.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Batteries</td><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Battery connected to your Inverter.</td><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Batteries from a different brand to your Inverter, or Batteries not connected to your Inverter (e.g grid coupled).</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Solar Panels</td><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Solar Panels connected to your Hybrid Inverter (which is connected to your battery, or optionally with no solar Panels at all.</td><td style="width: 33.2812%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.2812%;">Solar panels running through an inverter other than your Hybrid Inverter which runs your battery.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><em>Complex Sites can still onboard, but recommended to check the best path forward first via the Contact Us page, as how many controllers you need may vary for example.</em></p><h3>Step 2: Order your Hardware &amp; Subscription<br></h3><p><a data-mce-href="https://powston.chargebee.com/hosted_pages/checkout?subscription_items%5Bitem_price_id%5D%5B0%5D=controller-management-aud-monthly&amp;subscription_items%5Bquantity%5D%5B0%5D=1&amp;layout=in_app" href="https://powston.chargebee.com/hosted_pages/checkout?subscription_items%5Bitem_price_id%5D%5B0%5D=controller-management-aud-monthly&amp;subscription_items%5Bquantity%5D%5B0%5D=1&amp;layout=in_app" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary"><strong>Click Here to Place your Order with Powston﻿</strong></a></p><h3>Step 3: Join a Wholesale Retailer&nbsp;<br></h3><p><strong><a data-mce-href="https://localvolts.com/register/?EntityID=21973" href="https://localvolts.com/register/?EntityID=21973">Click Here to Register with Local Volts</a></strong></p><p>Powston isn't an energy retailer, so you will still need to retain an energy retailer. Most of our customers are registered with Local Volts as they pass through the AEMO Spot prices directly to the consumer for those in QLD, NSW, ACT, SA, TAS to be elligible.&nbsp;</p><p>If you're an existing LocalVolts Customer, using the Talk to LocalVolts Feature send a request:"I'd like to join Powston". It can take up to 2 weeks for your current energy retailer to release you, continue the below steps while you wait.</p><h3>Step 4: Add Powston as a Channel Partner</h3><p>This will give Powston access to see your Inverters data via the SAJ API, we can take limited control over your inverter via API, which is why we also require the hardware.</p><p>Step 1: Login to the SAJ App (eSAJ):<br>Step 2: Select Management from the Menu<br>Step 3: Select Developer / Partner<br>Step 4: Enter the number: 1849032910132785154<br>Step 5: Press Query<br>Step 6: See Powston's name come up<br>Step 7: Hit confirm<br></p><figure id="figure-4t5l5zsol7m85sw99r" class=""><img id="4t5l5zsol7m85sw99r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22rE6jhLiKXFVlsOgYUYm3v553T0o2Y8Yh278QG1bjgmIRhQPUAfveXb1Iwvsffl.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/22rE6jhLiKXFVlsOgYUYm3v553T0o2Y8Yh278QG1bjgmIRhQPUAfveXb1Iwvsffl.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3><strong>Step 5: Add Powston to Elekeeper</strong></h3><p>To grant configuration rights to diagnose problems or correct configuration issues, you can also grant powston remote configuration rights inside the elekeeper app.</p><figure id="figure-g7syht1uitmc9w6hlq"><img id="g7syht1uitmc9w6hlq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13yiJTLeZMbdSiGFtHRtS0moX11FYQB15F9cltcpHaXixAHD8inWw6R9cRYoreo5.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% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13yiJTLeZMbdSiGFtHRtS0moX11FYQB15F9cltcpHaXixAHD8inWw6R9cRYoreo5.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 0%;"></figure><h3><strong>Step 6: Login to Powston</strong><br></h3><p>When your account is setup we will send you an email to login to Powston.&nbsp;<br>Login to Powston: app.powston.com</p><h3><strong>Step 7: Install your Controller</strong><br></h3><p>Once you receive your controller follow this Installation guide:</p><p>You can also check local modbus is enabled <a data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IZsLM6ae7AVaNBys1sDbjHKkUpJZw8inMRVmp3yCR6k/edit?usp=sharing" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IZsLM6ae7AVaNBys1sDbjHKkUpJZw8inMRVmp3yCR6k/edit?usp=sharing">with this guide</a>.</p><p><iframe id="aq4n0hsiqm85t2040" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5l_vEsZ0rlw" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/5l_vEsZ0rlw" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5l_vEsZ0rlw" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-dashlane-frameid="1745"></iframe></p><p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Step 8: Let Powston take Control</span></p><p>Double Check you are Ready:</p><p>1. Registered with LocalVolts and received the confirmation you are now on LocalVolts?<br>2. Added Powston as a Channel Partner?<br>3. Installed your Controller?<br>5. Confirmed you can login at app.powston.com and see your inverter?</p><p>Then its time to take the next step:</p><p>Email service@powston.com to let us know you are ready for Powston to take Control of your inverter!</p><h3>Step 9: Review the Platform Overview</h3><p>Watch the Platform Overview to learn how to use the Powston Platform:</p><figure id="figure-dk50aexnnm85t64cw" class=""><iframe id="dk50aexnnm85t64cw" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1XzB19jI4k8" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/1XzB19jI4k8" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1XzB19jI4k8" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-dashlane-frameid="1746"></iframe></figure><p><br></p>

SAJ Self-Service Onboarding

<h3>Why Choose Ethernet (LAN) over WiFi?</h3><p>LAN (Local Area Network) connections using Ethernet cables provide a direct, physical link between devices and your router, unlike WiFi, which transmits data wirelessly. While WiFi is convenient, it is inherently more prone to signal drops, interference, and requires significantly more processing power to manage connections, affecting reliability and performance.</p><h3>Ethernet ensures:</h3><p><strong>More stable connections:</strong> significantly fewer dropouts compared to WiFi.</p><p><strong>Reduced CPU usage:</strong> freeing resources on your devices, improving responsiveness.</p><p><strong>Consistent data flow:</strong> critical for real-time data monitoring and energy management.</p><h3>How the Powston Controller Works with Your Sungrow Inverter</h3><p>The Powston Controller (Ethernet model) plugs directly into your LAN via an Ethernet cable. From here, it communicates locally with the Sungrow inverter’s dongle through Modbus TCP—a reliable and widely-used communication protocol in energy management.</p><h3>Key points:</h3><p><strong>Keep your Sungrow Dongle Installed:</strong> The Sungrow dongle plays a crucial role beyond simply broadcasting data over WiFi. It ensures your inverter receives continuous firmware updates from Sungrow. Recent updates have fixed critical issues, including battery rebalancing.</p><p><strong>LAN-based connectivity for Sungrow Dongle:</strong> Connecting the Sungrow dongle via Ethernet significantly enhances its stability and data transmission quality. WiFi might seem stable due to buffering and delayed uploads, but in reality, it often disconnects intermittently without users noticing.</p><h3>Connecting via Ethernet: A Simple Guide</h3><p>Do NOT remove the Sungrow dongle. Instead, use the Ethernet port beneath the dongle cap on your inverter.</p><figure id="figure-9l8ls2219um7wyd6kg"><img id="9l8ls2219um7wyd6kg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35zl6DHHbwM47mCvwpR8cDywz8jZgn3HfQJhKsKAHEN2bLcn10r6QSKd2jvbvi3W.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 45% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="5%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/35zl6DHHbwM47mCvwpR8cDywz8jZgn3HfQJhKsKAHEN2bLcn10r6QSKd2jvbvi3W.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 45% 5%;"></figure><p>Configure the Sungrow dongle for Ethernet connectivity (guide linked below).</p><p>Plug the Powston controller into your router or switch via Ethernet.</p><figure id="figure-n0oeach7hm7wyybnl"><img id="n0oeach7hm7wyybnl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/174MerzvFZ8VARr63KQpiGFH1kxfv3MNcinY21vJ6QVSmrBDMyO2O65PgNLq76cC.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"/></figure><h3>Common Questions Answered Clearly</h3><p><strong>"Do I leave the Sungrow dongle in?"</strong> Yes, leave it installed for important firmware updates and stable Modbus TCP communication.</p><p><strong>"Do I shut down WiFi on the dongle?"</strong> Yes, it's best to configure the Sungrow dongle to disable WiFi and exclusively use Ethernet for optimal performance.</p><p><strong>"Does the Powston dongle connect directly to the inverter?"</strong> No, the Powston controller connects to your LAN (router or switch), and then communicates via Ethernet to the Sungrow dongle already attached to your inverter.</p><p><strong>"What does the SG dongle actually do?" </strong>The Sungrow dongle manages Modbus communication, firmware updates, and ensures your inverter operates efficiently. Ethernet connectivity is crucial for reliable updates.</p><h3>Quick Ethernet Setup Guide</h3><p>A straightforward step-by-step configuration guide for setting up your Sungrow dongle with Ethernet is available here: <a data-mce-href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cRga1jx7aTY8XDuBtuoZiYq1G7q8lT8ORR_aYt9fhdk/edit?usp=sharing" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cRga1jx7aTY8XDuBtuoZiYq1G7q8lT8ORR_aYt9fhdk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sungrow Dongle Ethernet Configuration Guide</a></p><p>Using Ethernet ensures you're always online, receiving critical updates, and optimizing your inverter's performance and reliability.</p>

Ethernet vs WiFi: Optimising Your Sungrow Inverter Setup

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