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<figure id="figure-fwxuq9vx0om00ft72q" class=""><img id="fwxuq9vx0om00ft72q" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1573164574230-db1d5e960238?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNHx8d29ya2luZ3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDY4MTAzOTF8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="person using smartphone and MacBook" title="person using smartphone and MacBook" 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://images.unsplash.com/photo-1573164574230-db1d5e960238?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNHx8d29ya2luZ3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MDY4MTAzOTF8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Energy trading with a battery is often misunderstood, leading many to miss out on a financially sound opportunity. This post aims to clear up some common misconceptions and explain why getting started doesn’t have to be costly or risky.</p><h3>Misconception 1: Energy Trading Requires a Large Initial Investment</h3><p>Many people believe that participating in energy trading requires a significant upfront investment, particularly in battery technology. While batteries were once prohibitively expensive, prices have dropped substantially, making them more accessible. Additionally, many financial products, like green loans, can help spread the cost over time. These loans are specifically designed for energy-efficient upgrades, making the initial outlay manageable for most households or businesses.</p><h3>Misconception 2: Energy Trading Is as Risky as Day Trading</h3><p>Energy trading with a battery is often compared to day trading in the stock market, with some assuming it carries the same level of risk. However, this comparison is flawed. Unlike day trading, where prices can fluctuate wildly after a trade is made, energy trading on the five-minute spot market provides a significant advantage: you know the price at the start of the trading period. This means you can make informed decisions based on real-time data, minimizing risk.</p><p>Moreover, even if the market conditions aren’t favorable for selling energy back to the grid, you can always use the stored energy yourself. This dual benefit ensures that your investment is continually working for you, either by reducing your energy costs or by generating income.</p><h3>Misconception 3: Self-Consumption Isn’t Profitable</h3><p>Another common belief is that if you’re primarily using the battery for self-consumption, it won’t pay off quickly. However, this isn’t the case. Self-consumption can still lead to significant savings. For example, if you’re currently paying high rates for electricity from the grid, using stored solar energy instead can drastically cut your energy bills. Over time, these savings add up, allowing the battery to pay for itself well before the end of its warranty period.</p><h3>Misconception 4: Energy Decisions Are Political, Not Personal</h3><p>Many people get caught up in the political debates surrounding energy sources—renewables versus coal, the role of nuclear power, and so on. While these debates are important, they shouldn’t distract you from taking control of your own energy finances. The reality is that the energy market is changing, and renewables are being integrated into the grid at an increasing pace. By investing in a battery and engaging in energy trading now, you can take advantage of these changes rather than waiting for government policies or political solutions.</p><h3>Why Now Is the Time to Act</h3><p>Taking control of your energy use and trading with a battery isn’t just about going green—it’s about making a smart financial decision. The combination of lower battery costs, accessible financing options, and the flexibility to trade energy or use it yourself makes this a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. Don’t wait for the energy market to change or for politicians to solve the problem. Take charge of your own finances and start benefiting from the energy revolution today.</p>

Understanding Energy Trading with a Battery: Common Misconceptions and Real Benefits

<p>Solar energy is often hailed as a clean, renewable source of power, and many households and businesses have wisely invested in solar panels. However, to truly maximize your earnings in today's energy market, solar panels alone no longer provide the returns they once did. A battery system is now essential for capitalizing on the spot energy market.</p><blockquote><p>some of the&nbsp;top earners aren’t even equipped with solar panels</p></blockquote><figure id="figure-zmky2c65fllzp5xqux"><img id="zmky2c65fllzp5xqux" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/3l7J4dLI9AGAyVZ3mY38pI0ZuWAIgdlctesl2KhRGIYStnkLdTbbviQZW4LA3MuK.png" alt="solar battery" title="solar battery" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/3l7J4dLI9AGAyVZ3mY38pI0ZuWAIgdlctesl2KhRGIYStnkLdTbbviQZW4LA3MuK.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>During the day, solar panels across the grid collectively generate more electricity than the grid can use. This surplus often leads to negative feed-in tariffs, meaning that during peak sunlight hours, the value of the electricity you produce can drop significantly, sometimes even resulting in you paying to export your excess power.</p><p>In contrast, the real opportunity for earnings comes when the sun isn’t shining. Battery storage allows you to capture your solar energy during the day and sell it back to the grid during the evening or night, when demand is higher and feed-in rates are more favorable.</p><figure id="figure-ozlwwzx3syhlzp6mtg5"><img id="ozlwwzx3syhlzp6mtg5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1106dVSktfwW1bextJLGvBimuliGxCHBo9oXRbQeQvJL2U0VNedJPK93u3CYCgPP.png" alt="-800 bill from 10 days without solar" title="-800 bill from 10 days without solar" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="10 days trading with a battery and no solar" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1106dVSktfwW1bextJLGvBimuliGxCHBo9oXRbQeQvJL2U0VNedJPK93u3CYCgPP.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">10 days trading with a battery and no solar</figcaption></figure><p>Interestingly, some of the top earners aren’t even equipped with solar panels. These sites often charge their batteries with free or low-cost solar energy from the grid during the day, and then discharge that stored energy at night when electricity prices are at their highest. This strategy highlights the flexibility and profitability that battery storage can offer, even without direct solar production.</p><blockquote><p>..if you sell your house, you can take your battery with you...</p></blockquote><p>Another significant advantage of investing in a battery system is its mobility. Unlike solar panels, which are typically considered fixtures attached to your property, batteries are often classified differently. This means that if you sell your house, you can take your battery with you, moving it to your next home and continuing to reap the benefits.</p><h3>August Earnings Breakdown:</h3><ul><li><strong>Daytime Exports:</strong> Only 11.4% of earnings came from exporting solar power during the day.</li><li><strong>Battery Exports:</strong> A remarkable 88.6% of earnings were generated by exporting stored energy from batteries during the night, when feed-in rates are at their peak.<br></li></ul><p>This data underscores the importance of battery storage with (or without) solar system. The best returns now come <strong>not</strong> from daytime solar exports, but from strategically timed battery exports when electricity is most valuable.</p>

Maximize Your Earnings: Why a Battery is Essential

<h2>A Smart Approach to EV Charging</h2><p>In the ever-evolving energy market, managing grid load efficiently is crucial. At Powston, we use the <a data-mce-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Charge_Point_Protocol" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Charge_Point_Protocol">Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)</a> to help you navigate this challenge. Our system allows you to control EV charging based on real-time spot prices in the Australian National Energy Market.</p><h3>How It Works</h3><figure id="figure-75tgydzlzalz6e94zu"><img id="75tgydzlzalz6e94zu" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1372085619/photo/electric-car-power-charging-charging-technology-clean-energy-filling-technology.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=sbRIPhOZH1FYpqjsWWe1CqamUfBslyNZcCXkegVlDhQ=" alt="Electric car power charging, Charging technology, Clean energy filling technology." title="Electric car power charging, Charging technology, Clean energy filling technology." 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/1372085619/photo/electric-car-power-charging-charging-technology-clean-energy-filling-technology.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=sbRIPhOZH1FYpqjsWWe1CqamUfBslyNZcCXkegVlDhQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Every five minutes, we check the current energy prices. When prices are high, we limit charging to avoid costly intervals. When prices drop, we maximize charging to take advantage of lower rates. This approach helps you save money and reduces strain on the grid.</p><h3>Getting Started</h3><p>To set up your smart charging system, you need a unique OCPP key from us. This key allows you to integrate your charger with our system. </p><figure id="figure-bxps4dy13klz6e6tt7"><img id="bxps4dy13klz6e6tt7" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/86v7kZMQR4pyTcOv9JtY42aBLlUG6ZeiDI3KDbBbz5YRszRSxwn4NjEwPIAFRTFr.jpg" alt="woman sitting on yellow armless chair near gray laptop computer" title="woman sitting on yellow armless chair near gray laptop computer" 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/86v7kZMQR4pyTcOv9JtY42aBLlUG6ZeiDI3KDbBbz5YRszRSxwn4NjEwPIAFRTFr.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><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));">Benefits</span><br></p><p>Using our system offers several benefits:</p><ul><li><strong>Cost Savings</strong>: Avoid expensive charging intervals.</li><li><strong>Grid Management</strong>: Help balance the grid load.</li><li><strong>Ease of Use</strong>: Simple setup with our unique OCPP key.</li></ul><figure id="figure-8hnq4rwpf7lz6e12vu"><img id="8hnq4rwpf7lz6e12vu" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1529704193007-e8c78f0f46f9?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxlbmVyZ3klMjBtYW5hZ2VtZW50fGVufDB8fHx8MTcyMjIyMTE4OXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="energy management" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1529704193007-e8c78f0f46f9?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxlbmVyZ3klMjBtYW5hZ2VtZW50fGVufDB8fHx8MTcyMjIyMTE4OXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><p><a data-mce-href="https://powston.com.au/contact" href="https://powston.com.au/contact">Contact us</a> today to get your unique OCPP key and start saving on your EV charging.</p><figure id="figure-53oiu79cyflz6e14i8"><img id="53oiu79cyflz6e14i8" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1529310399831-ed472b81d589?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxOXx8c21hcnQlMjBlbmVyZ3l8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzIyMjIxMTkxfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="smart energy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1529310399831-ed472b81d589?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxOXx8c21hcnQlMjBlbmVyZ3l8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzIyMjIxMTkxfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>

Managing Grid Load and Costs with OCPP

<p>Choosing the right tariff after the Ausgrid test can be challenging for homeowners. The decision between EA116 and EA025 depends on various factors. This guide will help you understand both options and make an informed choice.</p><h3>Understanding EA116</h3><p>EA116 is presented as a time-of-use tariff but combines both time-of-use (ToU) rates and a demand charge. While it's marketed towards homeowners, being the default assignment suggests it may serve the network's operational interests more than individual cost savings. This tariff suits those who can meticulously manage their energy consumption without deviations, a scenario our data shows is rare among our customers. For instance, it assumes you'll never need to run appliances like dishwashers or washing machines during peak hours, even in unforeseen circumstances, and will consistently operate them only during off-peak times.</p><figure id="figure-p02h2wmtgclz0uk362"><img id="p02h2wmtgclz0uk362" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1683803063663-3b1f28d97297?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMXx8dGltZSUyMG1hbmFnZW1lbnR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzIxODg2MTUzfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="time management" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1683803063663-3b1f28d97297?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMXx8dGltZSUyMG1hbmFnZW1lbnR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzIxODg2MTUzfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Time of Use EA025</h3><p>This tariff is suitable for homeowners who prefer simplicity. This costs a lot extra every kWh during peak times so still encourages less use then but without the penalty should one night be unusual. If you need to run a dishwasher or dryer at night, you pay extra for that but that will only be charged for those kWh used not as a daily fee for the whole month.</p><figure id="figure-00jbi64jzlz0uk4bv"><img id="00jbi64jzlz0uk4bv" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604176857763-71877b24864e?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxlbmVyZ3klMjB1c2FnZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MjE4ODYxNTR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="energy usage" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604176857763-71877b24864e?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxlbmVyZ3klMjB1c2FnZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MjE4ODYxNTR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><p>Confused? Sorry about that so lets run the numbers.</p><figure id="figure-hd1eepjhxtalz0uk601"><img id="hd1eepjhxtalz0uk601" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1558449028-b53a39d100fc?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyM3x8c29sYXIlMjBwYW5lbHN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzIxODg2MTU2fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="solar panels" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1558449028-b53a39d100fc?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyM3x8c29sYXIlMjBwYW5lbHN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzIxODg2MTU2fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Check your bill</h3><p>Have a look at your most recent bill, look for the peak usage (measured in kWh) and peak demand (measured in kW).</p><figure id="figure-g0e1k3gfrblz0umzfz"><img id="g0e1k3gfrblz0umzfz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eUPcapoZ08gBTdPHlL99lgCE4y9P4jwshsbWbZZ7u3fU5alt0ZIXAZ2FztN5qAK.jpg" alt="Bill showing 29.1kWh and 5.362kW" title="Bill showing 29.1kWh and 5.362kW" 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="This probably won't be on the first page" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2eUPcapoZ08gBTdPHlL99lgCE4y9P4jwshsbWbZZ7u3fU5alt0ZIXAZ2FztN5qAK.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">This probably won't be on the first page</figcaption></figure><p>Compare the tariffs, look for the latest e.g. <a data-mce-href="https://www.ausgrid.com.au/-/media/Documents/Regulation/Pricing/PList/Ausgrid-Network-Price-List-2024-25.pdf?rev=61699dd84f6d421785a6591885745c70" href="https://www.ausgrid.com.au/-/media/Documents/Regulation/Pricing/PList/Ausgrid-Network-Price-List-2024-25.pdf?rev=61699dd84f6d421785a6591885745c70" title="Current tariff prices effective July 2024">Ausgrid 2024-2025</a>.</p><figure id="figure-t38682i64glz0w2m87"><img id="t38682i64glz0w2m87" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7LDEuvI8e99wBFX4M95t6oEdnmiRZ2rkiJj1KhUnH5Sgvcr6XrLjQDQL3Mugs7VW.jpg" alt="person catching light bulb" title="person catching light bulb" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Look for the peak cost per kWh and demand charge per day per kW" data-positionx="100%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/7LDEuvI8e99wBFX4M95t6oEdnmiRZ2rkiJj1KhUnH5Sgvcr6XrLjQDQL3Mugs7VW.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 100% 50%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Look for the peak cost per kWh and demand charge per day per kW</figcaption></figure><p>Then calculate the cost for each:</p><table border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 33.3325%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3325%;">Tariff</td><td style="width: 32%; text-align: right;" data-mce-style="width: 32%; text-align: right;">EA025</td><td style="width: 40%; text-align: right;" data-mce-style="width: 40%; text-align: right;">EA116</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.3325%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3325%;">Peak use 29.1kWh</td><td style="width: 32%; text-align: right;" data-mce-style="width: 32%; text-align: right;">x 26.8969 = $7.83</td><td style="width: 40%; text-align: right;" data-mce-style="width: 40%; text-align: right;">x 2.337 = $0.13</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.3325%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3325%;">Peak Demand 5.362kW</td><td style="width: 32%; text-align: right;" data-mce-style="width: 32%; text-align: right;">nil</td><td style="width: 40%; text-align: right;" data-mce-style="width: 40%; text-align: right;">x 30 x 33.2942 = $53.56</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 33.3325%;" data-mce-style="width: 33.3325%;"><strong>Cost</strong></td><td style="width: 32%; text-align: right;" data-mce-style="width: 32%; text-align: right;"><strong>$7.83</strong></td><td style="width: 40%; text-align: right;" data-mce-style="width: 40%; text-align: right;"><strong>$53.68</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I think it is much better to look at your actual numbers rather than try to imagine using dishwashers at night. It avoids the trap of stated vs observed behaviour.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>So if you have a battery, keep your demand in control, there still might be the odd case where the battery is empty, off or some unusual demand can spike during one night during the month. So it is best to check your actual demand for a few months and see what it will cost. In this case, it is far better to take the ToU EA025 tariff. Paying extra per kWh worked out far cheaper than per kW.<br></p>

Ausgrid EA116 or EA025? Life After the Ausgrid Test Tariff

<p>If you're an existing Sungrow customer or installer, you can now add Powston as a "Channel Partner".</p><p>This will give Powston access to see your historical energy usage, allowing us to run a Simulation, and compare Powston working with our energy retailer partner LocalVolts to a standard energy retailer.</p><p>Adding Powston as a Channel Partner is simple.</p><p>1. Login to iSolarCloud: <a href="https://au.isolarcloud.com/" data-mce-href="https://au.isolarcloud.com/">https://au.isolarcloud.com/</a>&nbsp;<br>2. Select your Plant from the list<br>3. Select Plant Configuration<br>4. Add Powston as a Channel Partner</p><figure id="figure-966koe6rsqlyxzuu41" class=""><img id="966koe6rsqlyxzuu41" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32bNZTRpf2nhEecogloQIeSuC39l8s2T6ExWc1vXar846ZhsduM48iaCYlgdE3V2.png" alt="assorted-color social media signage" title="assorted-color social media signage" 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;"></figure><p>Once added as a Channel Partner, Powston will be notified, and will be able to see your historical usage. <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-weight: inherit; font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">From this data we will generate a report based on our observations and send it to you, usually within 1 business day.</span></p><p><br>Using&nbsp; your data we are able to run a simulation of your energy consumption. We do this with Powston, and then without Powston which looks a little like the below charts.<br></p><figure id="figure-2d5v4opqjllyy02h6u" class=""><img id="2d5v4opqjllyy02h6u" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/27qLAJQVDQfpWNGGb8vj2XyaE1YvA5zWe0w1B4hRa2OOxSyLIR1ki8LjUsYhDDwc.png" alt="person writing on white paper" title="person writing on white paper" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/27qLAJQVDQfpWNGGb8vj2XyaE1YvA5zWe0w1B4hRa2OOxSyLIR1ki8LjUsYhDDwc.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 0%;"></figure><p>We can also estimate your energy bill pre and post Powston installation, which looks a little like this, as you can see this customer would have saved $2600/annually by leveraging Powston (with LocalVolts) over a standard retailer:</p><figure id="figure-2zwacphbmclyy0slxy" class=""><img id="2zwacphbmclyy0slxy" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39hHn1iZMDRQL1gl3GMdwYBgnqYZwkSAmSVh61BZtWOdLlpFs27wBZuLahqNDB0L.png" alt="Summary of Energy Usage" title="Summary of Energy Usage" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39hHn1iZMDRQL1gl3GMdwYBgnqYZwkSAmSVh61BZtWOdLlpFs27wBZuLahqNDB0L.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 0% 0%;"></figure><p><br></p>

Adding Powston as a Channel Partner with Sungrow

a smart phone sitting next to a security camera

<p>When you signup to Powston, we provide you with an MQTT username and password. This will allow your inverter to read important metrics, including today's forecasts and price thresholds for devices. These thresholds help you determine the optimal price point for running a device for 1 to 5 hours a day. To set up Powston, we have made the MQTT topics discoverable.</p><h3>Install MQTT in Home Assistant:</h3><p>* Open Home Assistant</p><p>* Go to Configuration &gt; Integrations &gt; Add Integration.</p><p>* Search for MQTT and install it.</p><p>* Enter your issued username and password.</p><figure id="figure-cqb55exnflym8hobo" class=""><img id="cqb55exnflym8hobo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eI45j1ltBUpAbod584m84mA1ONOhIxHxdqRlB6aFbPLwm74hj7on3zAzDDAjAlkn.jpg" alt="MacBook Pro near white open book" title="MacBook Pro near white open book" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eI45j1ltBUpAbod584m84mA1ONOhIxHxdqRlB6aFbPLwm74hj7on3zAzDDAjAlkn.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Configure Discovery Topic:</h3><p>*&nbsp;Your username is also the prefix for the discovery topic.</p><p>*&nbsp;Replace "ian" with your username in the Home Assistant topic.</p><p>*&nbsp;Enable discovery to allow Home Assistant to find your devices automatically.</p><figure id="figure-gqdli766gklym8k0w4" class=""><img id="gqdli766gklym8k0w4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13HICChDqmJ6X0AJHRavNRnnfGAkT6LeOwcZUN1kHlSgjDdAfw7e3nrPfl1dalzh.jpg" alt="person catching light bulb" title="person catching light bulb" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 0% 50%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="0%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13HICChDqmJ6X0AJHRavNRnnfGAkT6LeOwcZUN1kHlSgjDdAfw7e3nrPfl1dalzh.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 0% 50%;"></figure><p><br></p><h3>Receive Price Updates:</h3><p>*&nbsp;Prices are pushed every five minutes.</p><p>*&nbsp;After a few minutes, you should start to see entities you can use.</p><p>*&nbsp;For example, search for "4_hour" to find the price for approximately 4 hours of runtime.<br>&nbsp;<br>As an example, today's price for a 4-hour runtime might be about 2c/kWh. Set your automation rule to turn on when the price is below this threshold and off when it is above it.</p><figure id="figure-b2zpf45edlym8pubr" class=""><img id="b2zpf45edlym8pubr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12FbqbC4eik2CE4ADsXuihzzJMPvfr3iABEk1sxrcD5vrAw9vpAcrfiiKcYDOdbw.jpg" alt="orange megaphone on orange wall" title="orange megaphone on orange wall" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 45% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/12FbqbC4eik2CE4ADsXuihzzJMPvfr3iABEk1sxrcD5vrAw9vpAcrfiiKcYDOdbw.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 45% 45%;"></figure><p>The prices are always changing, so for devices that need to run a certain number of hours per day, such as a pool pump, it's best to choose the cheapest price rather than a fixed amount.</p><p>PS:&nbsp; If you ask <a data-mce-href="https://localvolts.com/bulletins/localvolts/optimise-buy-and-sell-behaviour-with-their-advanced-inverter-controller/" href="https://localvolts.com/bulletins/localvolts/optimise-buy-and-sell-behaviour-with-their-advanced-inverter-controller/">LocalVolts</a> to add you to Powston, we will push their API's expected costs through for the most accurate price possible. This can help automate processes with prices that factor in certificates, market fees, and other variable costs. Additionally, it accounts for elements of fixed costs and semi-variable fees such as demand charges and maximum levels, which are crucial for optimization and specific to you.</p>

Using Powston in Home Assistant

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.