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<p>Proposed changes to small-scale embedded generation rules could reshape how households and businesses interact with the grid. While updates to standards and export limits aim to manage network stability, they also highlight an opportunity: to <strong>properly reward distributed battery owners</strong> for supporting the grid.</p><p>https://www.talkingenergy.com.au/changes-to-connection-standard-for-embedded-generation</p><h3>The Problem: Penalizing the Very Solutions We Need</h3><p>One concerning aspect of the changes is how battery owners could face <strong>unfair charges when importing</strong> after exporting. Imagine a home battery system exporting energy into the grid during peak demand, helping to stabilize the network and reduce strain on infrastructure. Later, when demand drops, that same household might need to re-import power at a lower rate. However, under some interpretations of the new rules, they could be hit with demand charges <strong>or additional tariffs for that import</strong>, effectively penalizing them for participating in energy trading.</p><p>This is <strong>double taxation </strong>and disincentivizes the very behaviour that grid operators should be encouraging.</p><h3>The Opportunity: A Smarter Grid With Fair Market Access</h3><p>If policymakers and network operators truly want <strong>distributed batteries to play a major role</strong> in stabilizing the grid, they must recognize the value of flexibility. Instead of penalizing battery owners, we should be:</p><p><strong>Rewarding peak-time exports</strong> that reduce stress on the network.<br><strong>Eliminating unnecessary penalties</strong> for importing after exporting.<br><strong>Encouraging demand-shifting</strong> behavior with tariffs that reflect true market dynamics.<br><strong>Creating real-time incentives</strong> that allow batteries to operate dynamically based on grid needs.</p><p>By <strong>aligning economic signals</strong> with grid reliability, we can unleash the full power of consumer-owned batteries, VPPs, and intelligent energy trading. This isn’t just about fairness—it’s about creating a more resilient, lower-cost electricity system for everyone.</p><h3>Powston’s Role in Enabling Battery Trading</h3><p>At Powston, we’ve been helping customers trade their batteries for profit and <strong>accelerate their ROI</strong>, seeing firsthand the power of market-based incentives to drive battery adoption. When the right policies are in place, batteries don’t just save money—they make money, turning consumers into active participants in the energy market.</p><h3>The Hidden Cost of Transmission Charges</h3><p>Much of the demand component in energy pricing is billed as <strong>long-distance transmission charges</strong>, even though the power may never travel long distances. From a homeowner’s perspective, this creates an unfair system where their <strong>next-door neighbour pays</strong> high transmission fees despite the power originating from the same low-voltage network.</p><p>The problem becomes even more apparent with peer-to-peer energy trading. If a homeowner sells 1 kWh to their neighbour, the network may take <strong>over 20c/kWh</strong> in peak demand fees—supposedly to cover the cost of long-distance transmission from coal power plants. However, in reality, that energy was locally generated, stored, and sold using rooftop solar and battery storage.</p><p>This outdated pricing structure discourages local energy sharing and limits the true benefits of distributed energy resources.</p><h3>The Future: Will Networks Price Themselves Out of Business?</h3><p>Ironically, networks might be setting themselves up for failure. Given that the <strong>cost of home battery storage has dropped</strong> below the cost of these demand fees, homeowners can still make a profit despite the penalties. As more consumers adopt battery storage and peer-to-peer trading models, they will bypass the traditional grid fees altogether, leading to a self-reinforcing shift away from centralized electricity models. If utilities and regulators don’t adapt, they risk making themselves irrelevant in a future where distributed energy resources dominate.</p><h3>A Time of Reckoning</h3><p>Much like other industries that have faced disruption when technology costs drop, the electricity networks may soon find themselves at a crossroads. As decentralized energy becomes more accessible, the traditional grid model faces increasing pressure to evolve. <strong>We didn’t leave the stone age because we ran out of stones</strong>—rather, we moved forward because better solutions emerged. It will be interesting to see how networks choose to respond. The future of our energy system depends on getting this balance right.</p>

Unlocking the Full Potential of Distributed Batteries for a Smarter Grid

Battery renewable energy innovation EV lithium

<p>A battery’s warranty is often defined by both time (like 10 years) and a maximum number of charge-discharge cycles. If a system costs $500 per kilowatt-hour and is rated for 4,000 cycles, that means you must earn about 12.5¢ per kWh each cycle just to break even. People sometimes interpret that as never discharging for less than 12.5¢, but that can be limiting.</p><figure id="figure-uoh37dzsehm65kyx1m"><img id="uoh37dzsehm65kyx1m" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1041041644/photo/home-automation-and-smart-home-technology-lighting-control.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=HtnB84wqI0AUbaotzy50MP3sKtQVBc1Zs3vdGEJKrvA=" alt="Home Automation and smart home technology - Lighting control" title="Home Automation and smart home technology - Lighting control" 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://media.gettyimages.com/id/1041041644/photo/home-automation-and-smart-home-technology-lighting-control.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=HtnB84wqI0AUbaotzy50MP3sKtQVBc1Zs3vdGEJKrvA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p>Here’s why. Some days, energy prices are flat and you might only earn 5¢ or 10¢ per kWh. If you skip these smaller gains, you burn precious battery time anyway—your warranty clock still ticks. Taking smaller spreads when they’re available might lower your average profit per cycle, but it prevents wasted opportunities. Over time, these “little wins” can add up, compensating for occasional lower earnings.</p><figure id="figure-6amgnfmf8pm65l9qhj"><img id="6amgnfmf8pm65l9qhj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/22W94hSjNA7S4hxulNYl0GUOMgj6AZfduQb0mOQ9rD0M7xUkcOJU2YM81Vfiu8qa.png" alt="Take smaller profits based on battery state of charge" title="Take smaller profits based on battery state of charge" 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="example 'use it or loose it' code" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">example 'use it or loose it' code</figcaption></figure><p>That’s the essence of “use it or lose it.” If your battery still has enough capacity to recharge before the next high-price window, it makes sense to discharge for 10¢ at 2 a.m. rather than miss out. This way, you accumulate revenue steadily instead of chasing only the perfect high-rate discharge. It isn’t purely about matching the theoretical 12.5¢ cycle value; it’s about capturing the most total revenue possible over your battery’s lifespan.</p>

Unlock Hidden Battery Profits With This ‘Use It or Lose It’ Trick!

Close-up View Of Home Battery Storage System On Building Facade

<h2>Why Beating the Market Isn’t as Simple as It Seems</h2><p>One of the appeals of advanced battery management platforms is the freedom to define your own trading strategies. At first glance, it looks straightforward: watch the prices for a few days, identify seemingly obvious patterns, and then code a set of rules you believe will outperform the market. After all, if you can guess when prices will spike, why not lock in a tidy profit by selling right at the peak?</p><p>What feels intuitive in the short term often fails to hold up over months and years. Markets are dynamic, influenced by countless factors. The patterns you spot early on can become traps, luring you into decisions that look good until an unusual pricing event breaks your assumptions.</p><p>Consider a recent day that defied the norm. Instead of the expected evening surge, we saw unexpectedly high prices in the middle of the day followed by middling yet still elevated prices overnight. A user relying solely on a predefined “sell at price X” rule would have likely discharged their battery at the first sign of a daytime spike. But by doing so, they might have missed an opportunity to capitalize on the later, still-high prices. Conversely, a too-conservative rule might never discharge, effectively forfeiting profit opportunities altogether.</p><p>The graph below shows what happened when a set of overly rigid rules led to early selling. The battery ended up drained before prices rose again. Instead of making more from the later spike, the system was left with no energy to sell. In hindsight, you might think, “Well, I should have tweaked the trigger price,” but that’s the point: every adjustment seems plausible until the market shifts again.</p><figure id="figure-icc8dxjygm4na2yuz"><img id="icc8dxjygm4na2yuz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/475uSwoofOqnyJDZAlJoVh2LHpmm9rxwnH9jDZ8Q0xhrNAMCnykzdkw7BFrqFckJ.png" alt="Shows SOC decreasing early afternoon vs waiting for night" title="Shows SOC decreasing early afternoon vs waiting for night" 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="Discharged too early vs waiting for better prices" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/475uSwoofOqnyJDZAlJoVh2LHpmm9rxwnH9jDZ8Q0xhrNAMCnykzdkw7BFrqFckJ.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Discharged too early vs waiting for better prices</figcaption></figure><p>Writing genuinely effective rules means understanding that you’re dealing with a constantly moving target. Long-term success arises from strategies that incorporate variability, adaptability, and a willingness to revise assumptions. In practice, this might mean blending price signals with other real-time data, applying machine learning to adjust to changing conditions, or even building fail-safes into your rules so that you’re not over-committing to a single guess about future prices.</p><p>Ultimately, beating the market is less about discovering a foolproof strategy and more about continuous refinement. It’s about acknowledging that what works this month might fail next year, and preparing your system to learn, adapt, and evolve as the landscape changes. Even the most seasoned professionals find that the journey involves a constant dialogue with the market’s complexity. That’s where true long-term value is created: not in chasing a perfect set of rules, but in refining them continually as new insights emerge.</p><h3>You don’t have to navigate this complexity alone</h3><p>Powston and its community of dedicated open-source contributors offer starting points—rules tested for months across various Australian markets. You can adapt these proven templates to your conditions, blending them with personal usage patterns to create strategies uniquely suited to your lifestyle. With patience and systematic refinement, these foundations can evolve into powerful tools, potentially delivering hundreds of dollars a month in savings or profits. </p><h3>What if you can't code?</h3><p>For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, trusted installers familiar with these systems can configure and fine-tune the rules for you, drawing on their experience to help ensure that your battery management setup achieves real, tangible results without the hassle.</p>

Crafting Battery Management Rules

a bunch of wires that are connected to a computer

<p>If you've recently installed a Sungrow inverter or had the firmware update that removed the static IP address. You might now need to find its IP address, don’t worry—it’s simpler than it sounds! This guide will help you locate the dongle’s IP address on your network, reserve it, and share it with us so we can assist you further.</p><h3>Step 1: Understand What You’re Looking For</h3><p>The Sungrow dongle typically appears in your network with a hostname like "Espressif".<br>It connects to your WiFi router, and the router assigns it an IP address via DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).<br>Your task is to log into your router to find out which IP it has been assigned.</p><h3>Step 2: Access Your Router’s Admin Page</h3><p>Find Your Router’s IP Address (Default Gateway):</p><p><strong>Windows: </strong>Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.<br>Type ipconfig and look for the "Default Gateway" under your network connection.</p><p><strong>Mac: </strong>Click the Apple menu and go to System Preferences &gt; Network.<br>Select your WiFi connection, click Advanced, and check the "Router" field under the TCP/IP tab.</p><p><strong>Linux:</strong> Are you serious, why are you reading this? sudo arp-scan -d --localnet; sudo make me a sandwich!&nbsp;</p><p>Most routers use addresses like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.</p><p><strong>Log In to Your Router:</strong> Open a web browser and type the router’s IP address into the address bar.<br>Enter your router’s username and password.</p><p>(Check the router label or manual for these. Common defaults are admin / admin or admin / password.)<br></p><h3>Step 3: Find the Sungrow Dongle in the Device List</h3><p>Once logged in, look for a Connected Devices or DHCP Clients section. This may also be labeled as:</p><ul><li>Attached Devices</li><li>Device List</li><li>WiFi Devices</li></ul><p>Scroll through the list of connected devices to find one with a hostname like Espressif. Note its IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.50).</p><h3>Step 4: Reserve the IP Address (Optional but Recommended)</h3><p>Reserving the IP address ensures that the dongle always uses the same address, making future troubleshooting much easier.</p><p>Look for a section called Address Reservation or Static DHCP in the router’s settings.<br>Add the dongle’s MAC address (listed next to the device in the router’s interface) and its current IP address.</p><p>Save your changes. The dongle will now always get this IP when connected.</p><h3>Step 5: Share the IP Address</h3><p>Once you’ve found the IP address, let us know by emailing or messaging us. Include:</p><p>The IP address of the dongle (e.g., 192.168.1.50).</p><p>A brief note about your router type (e.g., Netcomm, Google Home).</p><h3>Troubleshooting Tips</h3><p><strong>Can’t Log In to Your Router?</strong> Check for a label on the back of the router with login details or contact your internet service provider.</p><p><strong>Still Can’t Find the Dongle? </strong>Try restarting the router and the dongle, then check the device list again.</p><p><strong>Multiple Espressif Devices?</strong> Turn off other devices that might use Espressif (like smart plugs) temporarily to identify the dongle.</p><p>By following these steps, you’ll make it easier to manage and maintain your Sungrow dongle’s connection. If you run into any issues, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!</p>

How to Find Your Sungrow Dongle's IP Address

<p>When people first look at energy trading, it often seems intuitive. For example, a common rule is to "always charge your battery from solar." On the surface, it makes sense: maximize renewable energy usage, minimize grid dependence, and save money. But like many seemingly simple rules in the energy market, this approach can lead to missed opportunities—or even backfire—when the nuances of the market are considered.</p><h3>&nbsp;<br>Why Intuitive Rules Can Fail</h3><p>The energy market is dynamic and driven by countless variables: weather, demand, generation capacity, and real-time pricing. Here's a quick look at how intuition can mislead us:</p><figure id="figure-kyzqysmjohm498b2vm"><img id="kyzqysmjohm498b2vm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/16efkdKSLEtixE99ZX8k3AmlivnEw0G9sC2hLKX9gbrXhBhVsLBx3pIApCjFm9PS.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl selected" 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/16efkdKSLEtixE99ZX8k3AmlivnEw0G9sC2hLKX9gbrXhBhVsLBx3pIApCjFm9PS.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure><p><strong>Missing Midday Spikes: </strong>Yesterday, for example, there was a $10/kWh price spike at 11:50 AM. If you had been charging your battery from solar during this time, you would have locked up capacity that could have been discharged into the grid for significant profit.</p><p><strong>Weather Surprises:</strong> A sudden rainstorm or cloud cover can drive prices up as solar generation drops across the grid. On such days, it might be more profitable to let your battery sit idle, export solar power at high prices, and reserve battery capacity for evening peak prices.</p><p><strong>Saving Pennies, Losing Dollars:</strong> Some days, charging your battery from solar might save you a few cents—but at the cost of flexibility to respond to price spikes later in the day. Energy trading is a balancing act between saving and seizing opportunities.</p><p><strong>Forecast Pitfalls:</strong> Market and weather forecasts, while useful, are not foolproof. Relying on them blindly can lead to suboptimal decisions, such as charging too early, discharging too late, or missing profitable windows.<br></p><h3>The Art and Science of Crafting Rules</h3><p>Building effective energy trading rules isn’t just about plugging in simple ideas. It’s a sophisticated process that requires deep technical knowledge, robust data analysis, and an understanding of how the market operates under different conditions. The margin for error is slim, and hindsight often makes it easy to criticize decisions without understanding the complexities involved.</p><h3>A Community-Driven Approach</h3><p>Despite these challenges, our platform thrives thanks to a vibrant community of technical users who are hacking away at innovative solutions. This includes projects like:</p><p><strong>Improving Solar Forecasting:</strong> Users are leveraging machine learning and real-world data to refine solar generation predictions.</p><p><strong>Analyzing Usage Patterns:</strong> Advanced algorithms analyze household energy usage to optimize when and how batteries charge or discharge.</p><p><strong>Collaborating Through Open Source:</strong> Many of these ideas are funneled into our system through open-source repositories on GitHub (search for Powston). This creates a shared knowledge base that benefits everyone involved.</p><h3>Welcoming Feedback, But with Realistic Expectations</h3><p>We’re always open to feedback, even from users who don’t have the technical expertise to code or contribute directly to the system. Your ideas can spark new directions or help us identify blind spots. However, it’s important to understand that:</p><p><strong>The Process is Rigorous:</strong> Every idea is carefully evaluated against real-world data and market dynamics. What seems simple on the surface may require significant effort to implement or might not align with market realities.</p><p><strong>Not Every Idea Will Be Actioned:</strong> Our team prioritizes changes that offer the greatest benefit, and sometimes this means saying "no" to ideas—even good ones.</p><p><strong>Outcomes May Differ from Expectations: </strong>Even when ideas are implemented, they might not behave in the exact way users envision. Energy trading is about optimizing for the bigger picture, and some trade-offs are inevitable.</p><h3>Building Together</h3><p>Energy trading is not simple, but that’s what makes it exciting. We’re proud to have a community that blends technical expertise, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. If you’re not technical, your feedback is still welcome—but keep in mind that it’s part of a broader conversation, not a guarantee of immediate action.</p><p>Together, we’re crafting smarter, more dynamic rules that adapt to the ever-changing energy market. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.</p>

The Hidden Complexity of Energy Trading Rules

<h2>Get Ready for Summer with Smart Energy Management</h2><p>As temperatures rise, so does the demand on your air conditioning (AC) system. Preparing your AC for the summer not only ensures comfort but also helps in managing energy consumption more efficiently. By leveraging smart energy management techniques, you can keep your home cool while saving on energy costs.</p><h3>Understand Your AC's Energy Consumption</h3><p>Before diving into optimization, it's crucial to understand how much energy your AC consumes. Most modern AC units come with energy efficiency ratings, but usage patterns also play a significant role. Monitoring your AC's energy usage can provide insights into how you can make adjustments for better efficiency.</p><figure id="figure-k1c5sfqc3m44uwamn"><img id="k1c5sfqc3m44uwamn" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1561104545/photo/green-energy-in-full-development-increase-in-electricity-prices-on-the-world-market.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=0pxGGyNtWVQE3da3fermxGz0qrrgu3a6kprAlEGgTDQ=" alt="energy consumption" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><p>Using smart thermostats and energy monitoring devices can give you real-time data on your AC's performance. These tools can help you identify peak usage times and areas where energy is being wasted.</p><h3>Regular Maintenance and Cleaning</h3><p>One of the simplest ways to ensure your AC runs efficiently is through regular maintenance. Clean or replace air filters every month during the cooling season. Dirty filters can block airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and consume more energy.</p><p>Additionally, ensure that the coils and fins of the AC unit are clean. Dust and debris can accumulate over time, reducing the system's efficiency. Scheduling a professional maintenance check at the beginning of the summer can help catch any potential issues early.</p><figure id="figure-q3gwbd2uum44uwamn"><img id="q3gwbd2uum44uwamn" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/949220048/photo/woman-cleaning-computer-in-office.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=rxuLPWIXmqmQMd_Pq9kmQ1EACaNX7z6ueem1QCUfmfM=" alt="maintenance cleaning" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h3>Optimize Thermostat Settings</h3><p>Setting your thermostat to an optimal temperature can significantly impact your energy consumption. During the summer, it's recommended to set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you're home and higher when you're away. Each degree you raise the thermostat can save about 3-5% on your energy bills.</p><p>Smart thermostats can automatically adjust settings based on your schedule and preferences. They can learn your habits and make adjustments to maximize comfort and energy savings.</p><h3>Use Smart Home Devices</h3><p>Integrating smart home devices with your AC system can further enhance energy management. Smart plugs, sensors, and home automation systems can work together to optimize your AC's performance. For example, smart sensors can detect when a room is unoccupied and adjust the temperature accordingly.</p><figure id="figure-s52pm25pfrm44uwamn"><img id="s52pm25pfrm44uwamn" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1647580878/photo/human-use-smartphone-house-smart-home-automation-control-system-app-iot-connected-object.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=4SzTkvRDTGd5HqZvD6pVqwvJgcdjL6Zg9Y-lfgkHMkA=" alt="smart home" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><p>Moreover, smart home systems can provide detailed reports on energy usage, helping you make informed decisions. By creating automated routines, you can ensure your AC operates efficiently without manual intervention.</p><h3>Seal and Insulate Your Home</h3><p>Proper sealing and insulation of your home can prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering. Inspect windows, doors, and ducts for any leaks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Adequate insulation in your attic and walls can also help maintain a consistent indoor temperature.</p><p>By reducing the workload on your AC, you can achieve better energy efficiency and lower utility bills.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>As summer approaches, taking steps to optimize your AC with smart energy management can provide both comfort and savings. Understanding your AC's energy consumption, performing regular maintenance, optimizing thermostat settings, using smart home devices, and sealing your home are all effective strategies.</p><p>By implementing these tips, you can enjoy a cool and energy-efficient summer. Stay comfortable and save energy!</p>

Preparing for Summer: Optimize Your AC with Smart Energy Management

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

Blog

Unlocking the Full Potential of Distributed Batteries for...

Unlock Hidden Battery Profits With This ‘Use It or Lose I...

Crafting Battery Management Rules

How to Find Your Sungrow Dongle's IP Address

The Hidden Complexity of Energy Trading Rules

Preparing for Summer: Optimize Your AC with Smart Energy ...