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<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

<p>Understanding Real-Time Power Data Variations from Your Hybrid Inverter<br>Real-time power data from your hybrid inverter can provide valuable insights into your energy usage and generation. However, there are times when the numbers might not add up perfectly—for instance, when solar, battery, load, and grid values show discrepancies or when unexpected spikes appear. This is a common occurrence and not necessarily a sign of hardware failure. Below, we’ll explore why this happens and what you can do about it.</p><h2>Why Power Values Can Vary</h2><h3>Sampling Differences</h3><p>Inverters often measure power flows (solar, battery, grid, load) at slightly different times. These timing offsets can cause values to appear inconsistent, especially when power flow changes rapidly.</p><figure id="figure-kfnbo7x469m44usq5f"><img id="kfnbo7x469m44usq5f" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/946024888/photo/multimeter-is-in-hands-of-engineer-in-electrical-cabinet-adjustment-of-automated-control.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LtwIq-UHxVDSaj3I1pz995oF2qRTtmWyhmlk6matXLk=" alt="multimeter is in hands of engineer in electrical cabinet. Adjustment of automated control system for industrial equipment control cabinets. electrician measures voltage by tester." title="multimeter is in hands of engineer in electrical cabinet. Adjustment of automated control system for industrial equipment control cabinets. electrician measures voltage by tester." 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/946024888/photo/multimeter-is-in-hands-of-engineer-in-electrical-cabinet-adjustment-of-automated-control.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=LtwIq-UHxVDSaj3I1pz995oF2qRTtmWyhmlk6matXLk=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Measurement Tolerances</h3><p>Power sensors inside the inverter have a margin of error, typically around ±1–2%. This can lead to minor discrepancies in reported values, especially when combined across multiple power sources.</p><h3>Inverter Self-Consumption</h3><p>At night or during low generation, the inverter may draw a small amount of power for its operations. This is sometimes misreported as solar power or another source.</p><h3>Firmware and Calibration Issues</h3><p>Some inverters have firmware bugs or calibration problems that lead to occasional misreporting of power values. Ensure your inverter firmware is up to date.</p><h3>Communication Errors</h3><p>Environmental noise or Modbus communication issues can occasionally cause data glitches, such as spikes or missing values.</p><h3>Powston’s Role</h3><p>Powston relays these values directly from the inverter to your dashboard. We don't modify or process the data—what you see is what the inverter reports. This ensures transparency but also means any discrepancies originate from the inverter itself.</p><h2>What You Can Do</h2><h3>Check Your Setup</h3><p>Verify your inverter settings and ensure that it is properly configured for your system. If you are unsure, consult the user manual or your installer.<br>Monitor for Patterns</p><p>Keep an eye on when discrepancies occur. For example, if spikes always appear at night, this could be a reporting issue for the inverter’s self-consumption.<br>Update Firmware</p><p>Check for the latest firmware updates for your inverter. These often fix known issues and improve accuracy.</p><h3>Inspect the Physical Setup</h3><p>Ensure all connections are secure, and the communication lines (e.g., Modbus cables) are shielded from electrical noise.</p><h3>Consult a Professional</h3><p>If discrepancies persist, a qualified technician can recalibrate your inverter or check for hardware issues.</p><h3>Contact the Manufacturer</h3><p>Report persistent anomalies to your inverter manufacturer. Provide logs or examples of unusual readings to help them identify the issue.</p><h2>When to Worry</h2><p>Most discrepancies are benign and result from timing or measurement errors. However, you should investigate further if:</p><ul><li>Discrepancies are large and persistent.</li><li>Unexpected spikes occur frequently or during daytime generation.</li><li>Power values significantly impact your energy strategy or bills.</li></ul><h2>Working with Trusted Installers</h2><p>At Powston, we recognize the importance of proper installation and setup for achieving optimal system performance. This is why we prefer to work closely with installers and be part of the installation process. We’ve built a network of trusted local installers who:</p><ul><li><strong>Understand Power and Energy Trading: </strong>They know how to configure systems for energy arbitrage and maximize returns.</li><li><strong>Have a Proven Track Record:</strong> Our installers have helped customers successfully monetize their batteries through energy trading.</li><li><strong>Provide Peace of Mind:</strong> They ensure your system is set up correctly, minimizing issues and maximizing long-term benefits.</li></ul><p>If you’re considering adding a battery or upgrading your system, contact us so we can connect you with a trusted local installer who can help you get started on the right foot.</p><h2>Powston’s Commitment</h2><p>At Powston, we aim to provide you with transparent and reliable data. Because we relay values directly from your inverter to your dashboard, our system cannot correct or filter these anomalies. If you encounter issues, we encourage you to follow the steps above or consult your installer for assistance.</p><p><br></p>

Understanding Real-Time Power Data

<p>In the high-stakes world of energy trading, many participants in the National Electricity Market (NEM) focus on forecasted peaks to maximize their revenue. At first glance, this strategy seems logical—monitor the market, anticipate spikes, and react accordingly. However, this approach can leave significant revenue on the table. The reality? Forecasting alone is far from foolproof.&nbsp;</p><figure id="figure-fn0ymv2lum3m70d0y"><img id="fn0ymv2lum3m70d0y" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/34Ue52u9abi4o67GJZEt0X277Gm6Ni2gYEbUjy5xuo0dJ4DXRvYrfG6CaTJqqx6m.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 45% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="45%" data-positionY="45%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Recent data shows that relying on NEM forecasts can cause you to miss nearly half of the potential revenue from peaks. Here’s why, and how a fast-reacting price-based system, like Powston’s automated solution, ensures you hit every opportunity.</p><h2>The Problem With Forecast-Driven Strategies</h2><p>Forecasts in the NEM are inherently uncertain. While they use sophisticated models, they often fail to capture the full scope of real-time dynamics that influence price spikes. Here’s why:</p><p>1. Forecast Errors:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Forecasting relies on inputs like weather, demand, and grid constraints. However, sudden changes—such as unexpected demand spikes or renewable generation dips—are difficult to predict with precision. This leads to missed peaks, where real prices soar beyond what forecasts indicated.</p><p>2. Lagging Response Times:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Even if a forecast predicts a peak, traders relying on manual or semi-automated systems can experience delays. These delays mean they enter the market too late, missing the highest-priced intervals.</p><p>3. Missed Peaks = Lost Revenue:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Peaks often last for just 5 to 10 minutes in the NEM, with prices skyrocketing past $1,000/MWh. Missing even one peak in a day could erase significant potential profits. Relying solely on forecasts leads to "hit-or-miss" trading instead of consistent performance.</p><h2>Why Fast-Reactive Systems Are Essential</h2><p>Unlike forecast-driven strategies, fast-reacting price-based systems operate in real-time. Here’s how Powston’s system ensures you never miss a peak:</p><p>1. Real-Time Price Monitoring:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Powston’s system directly monitors real-time price signals, allowing for instantaneous responses the moment a peak is detected. No delays, no guesswork.</p><p>2. Automated Execution:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;With Powston, batteries and loads are programmed to react automatically based on price thresholds, eliminating human error or hesitation. Whether it’s discharging a battery during a peak or ramping down loads to avoid high costs, the system acts precisely when needed.</p><p>3. Adaptability:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Unlike static forecasts, real-time systems adapt to the unpredictable nature of the NEM. If a spike occurs outside forecasted intervals, Powston’s code reacts immediately, ensuring you capture every revenue opportunity.</p><p>4. Proven Results:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;Data shows that while forecast-driven strategies miss nearly 50% of peaks, Powston’s price-based automation consistently hits them all. This translates to maximized revenue and more reliable performance.</p><h2>The Case for Automation in the NEM</h2><p>Energy markets are becoming increasingly volatile, with more renewable generation and demand variability than ever before. In this environment, relying on forecasts is a gamble you can’t afford to take.&nbsp;</p><p>With Powston, you’re not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead. By using real-time data and automated decision-making, our system ensures you extract the maximum value from every price spike, no matter how sudden or unexpected.</p><p>If you’re serious about maximizing revenue in the NEM, it’s time to let go of forecasts and embrace the future of energy trading: fast-reacting price-based automation. With Powston, you don’t just see the peaks—you seize them.</p><h2>Ready to Capture Every Peak?</h2><p>If you’re tired of leaving money on the table, contact us today to learn how Powston’s automation can revolutionize your energy trading strategy. The peaks are waiting—don’t miss another one.</p>

Why Following the NEM Misses Half the Peaks—and Half Your Revenue

<p>When it comes to measuring battery trading profits, focusing on <strong>daily fluctuations</strong>&nbsp;can be confusing and misleading. Energy markets are highly volatile, and battery trading involves buying electricity when prices are low (charging) and selling it when prices are high (discharging). While this strategy sounds simple, the day-to-day variability can make understanding the actual profits feel like chasing a moving target.</p><h3>Daily Data: A Game of Whack-a-Mole</h3><p>Imagine looking at your battery trading results every single day. Some days, prices may spike due to a heatwave, increasing profits for those days. On other days, the market may be unusually flat or your battery may not be needed for discharging, resulting in lower or no profits.</p><figure id="figure-uql7we0rflm2l3n0m4"><img id="uql7we0rflm2l3n0m4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/32254F4RSWAMaMrxQPhgL0CY9Rplm5tEsrypMRMg25a4170w9JqqxLEp3vqFSQBj.png" alt="MAT showing profits per kWh traded increasing from 2021 through 2023" title="MAT showing profits per kWh traded increasing from 2021 through 2023" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="* source AEMO spot price difference between bottom and top 5% of trades each day" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="5%" data-fullWidth="false"/><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">* source AEMO spot price difference between bottom and top 5% of trades each day</figcaption></figure><p>This day-by-day analysis often makes profits appear as erratic spikes and troughs on a chart. This variability can obscure the bigger picture and make it difficult to answer crucial questions like:</p><p>- <strong>Is my trading strategy working over the long term?</strong><br>- I<strong>s the market moving in a way that will sustain profits?</strong><br>- <strong>Am I seeing temporary price spikes, or are my profits gradually increasing?</strong></p><h3>Enter MAT: A Clearer Lens for Long-Term Profitability</h3><p>This is where the concept of <strong>MAT</strong> or <strong>Moving Annual Total</strong> comes into play. Originally popularized in <strong>retail analytics</strong>, MAT was created to help retailers understand long-term sales trends rather than focusing on short-term variations. In retail, MAT sums up a rolling 12 months of sales, helping businesses smooth out seasonal spikes (like holiday sales) and get a clear view of their underlying growth.</p><p>MAT is particularly valuable for energy trading and battery strategies because it helps smooth out short-term volatility and seasonal effects. Instead of zooming in on the daily ups and downs, MAT takes a rolling window of <strong>365 days</strong>&nbsp;and sums up all the daily profits. The result? A graph that shows whether your trading strategy is truly gaining momentum or just benefitting from temporary market fluctuations.</p><h3>Why MAT is a Better Measure for Battery Trading</h3><p>Let’s break down why MAT works so well for measuring battery profits:</p><p>1. <strong>Smoothing Out Volatility</strong>: Energy markets are notoriously volatile. A day-by-day view will likely give you a graph that looks like a rollercoaster. MAT smooths out those spikes and dips, showing you the average performance over an entire year.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>2. <strong>Removing Seasonality</strong>: Some months are naturally more profitable due to higher electricity demand (e.g., during summer air-conditioning loads). MAT helps you remove the "noise" of these seasonal effects and understand the underlying trend.</p><p>3. <strong>Long-Term Perspective</strong>: Trading strategies need time to prove themselves. MAT encourages patience by focusing on cumulative performance over 12 months, providing insights into whether your approach is yielding consistent results.</p><h3>Real-World Example: Retail Sales to Battery Profits</h3><p>Let’s take a quick detour to retail, where MAT has a proven track record. Imagine you’re running a clothing store, and sales peak during December due to the holiday shopping season. If you only look at December, it might seem like your store is booming. However, January could be slow, and you could panic if you’re only looking month-by-month.</p><p>Retailers use MAT to capture the entire year’s performance, balancing out the spikes in December with slower months like January. This gives them a better sense of whether their business is growing consistently. The same principle applies to battery trading.</p><h3>The Bottom Line</h3><p>Using MAT to measure battery profits gives you a <strong>clearer view of long-term profitability</strong>&nbsp;by smoothing out the noise of daily and seasonal variations. It transforms your analysis from a confusing daily rollercoaster into a stable, long-term perspective. Whether you're a battery trader or a business looking to optimize energy costs, MAT provides a more reliable measure of success.</p><p>So, the next time someone asks how profitable your battery strategy is, don’t get lost in daily numbers. Look at the big picture—<strong>the Moving Annual Total</strong>—to get a true sense of your trading success.&nbsp;</p>

Why Measuring Battery Profits Day by Day is Tricky (and How MAT Can Help)

<h3>Navigating the Changing Energy Landscape: Insights from the Front Lines</h3><p>In the ever-evolving world of energy management, this past week has been particularly eventful. As we continue to support our growing customer base, we've encountered challenges and insights that we believe are crucial for everyone to understand. Let's dive into some key points that highlight the current state of the energy market and our approach to navigating it.</p><h3>1. The Inverter Challenge: Working with What We've Got</h3><p>Our primary goal is to control inverter systems based on the information they provide us. However, it's important to recognize that this data isn't always perfect or complete. We're constantly working to interpret and act on this information as effectively as possible, but there are inherent limitations to what we can do when relying on third-party systems with limited visibility but also why we try to pick the the ones with the best support.</p><h3>2. The Human Element: Striving for Excellence in an Imperfect World</h3><p>We're a team of dedicated professionals, but we're also human. This means we're constantly learning, adapting, and occasionally making mistakes. Our commitment is to always strive for the best outcomes for our customers, even as we navigate the complexities of the energy market. We appreciate your patience and feedback as we continually refine our processes and systems.</p><h3>3. Market Volatility: When Even AEMO Hits the Pause Button</h3><p>This week, we witnessed a rare event: the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) suspended trading due to a software issue. This rare occurrence underscores the volatility and unpredictability of the current energy market. It's a stark reminder that even the regulatory bodies are grappling with rapid changes and extreme conditions.</p><h3>4. The Only Constant is Change</h3><p>The energy landscape is shifting at an incredible pace. We're seeing fluctuations in market prices, evolving consumer demands, and rapid technological advancements. This constant state of flux presents both challenges and opportunities. For us, it means staying agile, continuously updating our strategies, and always looking ahead to anticipate the next shift.</p><h3>The Big Short of Energy: A Contrarian Opportunity?</h3><p>As we navigate these turbulent waters, I can't help but draw parallels to the movie "The Big Short." Just as some investors saw the impending housing market crash as an opportunity, we're witnessing a potential paradigm shift in the energy sector.</p><p>The conventional wisdom post coal and base load is that solar panels are the key to energy independence and savings. However, our data and market analysis are pointing to a counterintuitive truth: in some cases, a battery system without solar panels might be more advantageous than a traditional solar setup.</p><p>Why? Because as more and more households install solar panels, we're seeing periods of negative electricity prices during sunny days. This excess solar energy flooding the grid creates opportunities for savvy energy consumers. By using a battery to store cheap or even getting paid to take energy from the grid during these oversupply periods, and then using or selling that energy during high-price periods, consumers can potentially achieve greater savings than they would with their own solar panels.</p><p>This strategy essentially allows you to benefit from everyone else's solar investment without the upfront costs and maintenance of your own panels. It's a bit like "betting against" the traditional solar model, much like the contrarian investors in "The Big Short" bet against the housing market.</p><h3>Looking Ahead</h3><p>As we continue to navigate this rapidly changing landscape, our commitment remains unwavering: to provide the best possible energy management solutions for our customers. We're excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, even as we tackle the challenges that come with innovation and market disruption.</p><p>We invite you to stay engaged with us on this journey. Your experiences, feedback, and insights are invaluable as we work together to shape the future of energy management.</p><figure id="figure-ifbgsfg7k8m0qjzt2u"><img id="ifbgsfg7k8m0qjzt2u" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fLHJzFvoxKn6xmrPtPOhosOfBraK3ckwny2EAlpvYnAAKcjadEZBd6gWHm25rht.png" alt="person using microsoft surface laptop on lap with two other people" title="person using microsoft surface laptop on lap with two other people" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="50%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Thank you for your continued trust and support. Here's to embracing change and finding opportunity in uncertainty!</p>

Batteries the big short

Powston

Energy management controlling solar, battery, AC, EV charging and other smart load shifting devices to respond to spot prices in the Australian Nation Energy Market.

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The Hidden Complexity of Energy Trading Rules

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

Understanding Real-Time Power Data

Why Following the NEM Misses Half the Peaks—and Half Your...

Why Measuring Battery Profits Day by Day is Tricky (and H...

Batteries the big short