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<p><br>At Powston, many of our customers have invested in robust solar and battery systems—often far exceeding their home's actual energy needs. Why? Because they're smartly capitalizing on energy trading opportunities, turning excess energy into profits. Yet, despite these advanced setups, it's common—and understandably frustrating—to see small grid imports on your electricity bill, usually just a few kilowatt-hours a day.</p><h2>Why Does This Happen?</h2><p>Imagine you're driving on a freeway with strict speed limits designed to ensure safety for everyone. Sometimes, even if you're in a hurry and your car can easily handle higher speeds, you're still forced to stay within the limits. Similarly, Australia's inverter ramp-rate standards (the 16% per minute rule) act like those speed limits. These standards exist to ensure overall grid stability and reliability, preventing sudden surges or drops in solar production that could destabilize local networks.</p><h2>The Blunt Instrument</h2><p>However, just as freeway speed limits don't always account for individual driving skills or advanced safety technologies in modern cars, inverter ramp-rate limitations can feel unnecessarily restrictive—especially for customers with advanced solar and battery setups. Your system can easily respond quicker, matching solar production precisely with your household load and battery state, but it's held back by these universal rules.</p><h2>The Result: Unnecessary Imports</h2><p>When clouds roll by or your household's energy demand spikes briefly, your inverter can't respond instantly due to ramp-rate constraints. This short delay can force your system into drawing a small amount of energy from the grid, showing up as minor imports on your bill. They're typically minimal—just a few kWh—but can still feel irritating, especially given your investment and advanced energy setup.</p><h2>Negative Price Events: Missed Opportunities</h2><p>These standards are especially frustrating during negative price events, where ideally, your inverter should ramp up quickly to export maximum energy to capitalize financially. However, the same blunt regulation that protects the grid can restrict your financial benefit in these scenarios.</p><h2>What Can Be Done?</h2><figure id="figure-2uhwshod2om7sfz9e6"><img id="2uhwshod2om7sfz9e6" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1197259234/photo/5g-and-ai-technology-global-communication-network-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=DtZoApM8WhjRUptPLXiNoSFs4Po8gcpO3d7EKz-iExU=" alt="5G and AI technology, Global communication network concept." title="5G and AI technology, Global communication network concept." 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/1197259234/photo/5g-and-ai-technology-global-communication-network-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=DtZoApM8WhjRUptPLXiNoSFs4Po8gcpO3d7EKz-iExU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>At Powston, we believe there's room to evolve these regulations. While ensuring grid safety is crucial, modern inverter technologies and battery systems can manage faster ramp rates safely and efficiently. We advocate for smarter, more nuanced rules allowing advanced systems like yours to perform optimally, especially during times when the grid actively benefits from rapid solar and battery responsiveness.</p><p>In the meantime, know that these small imports are not a sign of inefficiency or poor planning. They're simply a side-effect of rules built for broader grid stability—not incompetence from your network provider.</p><p>Don't panic—you're ahead of the game. Having these minor issues actually indicates you're already positioned to take advantage of cutting-edge energy solutions. You're winning by investing in tomorrow's energy solutions today.</p><p>We're committed to pushing for smarter standards, ensuring your system can fully realize its potential—maximizing both your savings and earnings.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p>

Understanding Those Annoying (but Small) Grid Imports

This day has been beyond stressful for me

WiFi’s Evolution from Past to Present – and Why Hardwired Ethernet Still Matters

<figure id="figure-sr6wytjiulm6uh14d9"><img id="sr6wytjiulm6uh14d9" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9hnD3lzS8DPTCm1qNpEqaXQylA88iu3kiDDYjp6Q8Ss6hbM7IxCzWiGofqLLyEAz.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/9hnD3lzS8DPTCm1qNpEqaXQylA88iu3kiDDYjp6Q8Ss6hbM7IxCzWiGofqLLyEAz.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>When Sungrow dongles fail to carry out commands, there are two ways to address it. The first is physically unplugging and replugging the dongle at the inverter site. If that’s not feasible, you can use iSolar Cloud’s “Common Parameter” restart option (shown above). While Powston’s platform cannot yet initiate these commands, they have reported the issue, and Sungrow has acknowledged it. A firmware update is expected to resolve the problem, though it already appears less frequent on newer firmware versions. Regular updates are recommended to maintain the best possible performance.</p>

How to restart our Sungrow Dongle

<p>If you’re reading this, you probably have one of our older WiFi-only controllers. These required you to connect to a temporary WiFi network and enter your home WiFi details manually.</p><p>We’ve now moved on from that approach.</p><p>🔄 What’s New?<br>All current Powston controllers now come with plug-in Ethernet—just connect them to your internet router and they work automatically. No WiFi setup, no configuration steps, no hassle.</p><figure id="figure-6xrn760o1mmce1qi6x"><iframe id="6xrn760o1mmce1qi6x" 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" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpAJtw-OraY&ab_channel=IanConnor" data-corners="default" data-fullWidth="false"></iframe></figure><p>❌ We No Longer Support WiFi-Only Controllers<br>If your controller doesn’t have an Ethernet port, it’s time for an upgrade.</p><p>✅ Request a Free Replacement<br>Just email service@powston.com and we’ll send you a new Ethernet-enabled controller at no charge.</p><p>We’ll make sure it’s pre-configured and ready to go—just plug it in and you're online.</p>

Configuring Wi-Fi on your Controller

Aerial solar photovoltaic panel after aerial sunset

<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">Modern authentication systems favor enhanced security over sheer convenience. While an emailed token isn't as immediate as a static password, it offers significant advantages in protecting user data.</span></p><h3>Tokens and oAuth</h3><p>Our system employs OAuth or an email token-based approach. Instead of managing static passwords, we generate unique, time-sensitive tokens that are sent to the userâ€™s email. This minimizes risks like password reuse and reduces vulnerabilities related to credential storage. Similar to banking practices, this approach is designed to safeguard against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.</p><h3>We cannot confirm or deny</h3><p>A key security measure is our policy of offering generic responses during login attempts. We deliberately do not confirm if an email is registered in our system. By doing so, we prevent account enumerationâ€”where attackers might otherwise determine valid accounts by analyzing system feedback. This extra layer of protection significantly curbs the risk of phishing and other targeted attacks.</p><h3>Most advanced yet acceptable</h3><p>Though this method may introduce a small inconvenience compared to a simple password, it represents a practical balance between advanced security and user experience. The trade-off ensures robust protection while maintaining an acceptable level of usability, much like the security measures employed by financial institutions.</p>

How we picked our login process

<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><p><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));"><br>Step 1: Self Qualify as a Simple Site</span></p><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%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;"><br></td><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;"><strong>Simple Sites</strong></td><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;"><strong>Complex Sites</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;"><strong>Inverters</strong></td><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;">One Hybrid Sungrow Inverter (e.g. SH5, SH10, SH15, SH25).</td><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;">Multiple Inverters, especially if Inverters are from one or more brands.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;"><strong>Batteries</strong></td><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;">Sungrow Branded Battery connected to your Sungrow Inverter.</td><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;">Batteries from a different brand, or batteries not connected to your Sungrow Inverter.</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;"><strong>Solar Panels</strong></td><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;">Solar Panels connected to your Sungrow Hybrid Inverter, or optionally with no solar Panels.</td><td style="width: 33.3333%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3333%;">Solar panels running through an inverter other than your Sungrow Hybrid inverter.</td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Step 2: Order your Hardware &amp; Subscription</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"><strong>Click Here to Place your Order</strong></a><br><br></p><p><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 3: Join a Wholesale Retailer&nbsp;</span></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;<br></p><p><a data-mce-href="https://localvolts.com/register/?EntityID=21973" href="https://localvolts.com/register/?EntityID=21973"><strong>Click Here to Register with Local Volts</strong></a><br></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: Add Powston as a Channel Partner<br></h3><p>This will give Powston access to see your Inverters data via the Sungrow API, we can take limited control over your inverter via API, which is why we also required the hardware.</p><p>1. Login to iSolarCloud: https://au.isolarcloud.com/&nbsp;<br>2. Select your Plant from the list<br>3. Select Plant Configuration<br>4. Add Powston as a Channel Partner</p><h3 id="figure-uh1c2u6h2em6ofwqfu"><img id="uh1c2u6h2em6ofwqfu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32bNZTRpf2nhEecogloQIeSuC39l8s2T6ExWc1vXar846ZhsduM48iaCYlgdE3V2.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/32bNZTRpf2nhEecogloQIeSuC39l8s2T6ExWc1vXar846ZhsduM48iaCYlgdE3V2.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></h3><h3>Step 5: Login to Powston</h3><p><a data-mce-href="https://app.powston.com" href="https://app.powston.com"><strong>Login to Powston: app.powston.com</strong></a></p><p>You will need to use the same email address you use to login to Sungrow.</p><p>At this point, you should be able to see your Inverter's details coming through.&nbsp; Powston will not be controlling your inverter just yet until you have instructed us to Take Control.</p><h3>Step 6: Install your Controller</h3><p>Once you receive your controller follow this Installation guide:</p><figure id="figure-06sdi362dpm71g7c76" class=""><iframe id="06sdi362dpm71g7c76" 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=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="1876"></iframe></figure><h3>Step 7: 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. Added Powston as a Channel Partner?<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 <a href="mailto:service@powston.com" data-mce-href="mailto:service@powston.com">service@powston.com</a> to let us know you are ready for Powston to take Control of your inverter!</p><h3>Step 8: Review the Platform Overview</h3><p>Watch the Platform Overview to learn how to use the Powston Platform:</p><figure id="figure-fqpb5vrh0sm6siec2n" class=""><iframe id="fqpb5vrh0sm6siec2n" 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="1877"></iframe></figure><p><br></p>

Self-Service Onboarding - Sungrow

Powston