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<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 usage, and control your inverter via API. This method is slightly slower and some instances limited as compared to the Powston Hardware controller.</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><br></p><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

<p>Demand tariffs, such as the Energex 3950, are designed to manage electricity usage during peak times by charging households based on their highest electricity demand during peak hours. While the intention behind these tariffs is to reduce strain on the electricity grid, they often result in significantly higher costs for households compared to traditional per kWh tariffs. Here's why:</p><h3>Example Scenario: Battery Charging During Peak Period</h3><p>Imagine you own a home battery system and you usually avoid using grid power during peak times (4 pm to 9 pm). One day, the electricity prices are forecast to surge to 70c/kWh. To avoid this high cost, you could charge your battery with 1.6 kWh at a full speed of 20 kW during the current period when the rate is 20c/kWh.</p><p><strong>Cost Analysis Under Per kWh Tariff (6970):</strong></p><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Current Rate:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">20c/kWh</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Usage:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">1.6 kWh</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Cost:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">1.6 kWh * 20c/kWh = 32c</td></tr></tbody></table><p>By doing this, you avoid paying:<br></p><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Future Rate:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">70c/kWh</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Usage:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">1.6 kWh</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Cost:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">1.6 kWh * 70c/kWh = $1.12</td></tr></tbody></table><p><strong><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(18px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">Savings: $1.12 - 32c = 80c</span></strong><br></p><p>This makes economic sense under a per kWh tariff as you spend 32c to avoid paying $1.12, resulting in a net saving of 80c.</p><p><strong>Cost Analysis Under Demand Tariff (3950):</strong><br></p><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-selected="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><br></td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><br></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Demand Charge:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">$5.127 per kW per month</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Maximum Demand:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">20 kW (since you charged your battery at 20 kW during peak time)</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Monthly Demand Cost:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">20 kW * $5.127/kW = <strong>$102.54</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Even though the immediate cost of charging 1.6 kWh at 20c/kWh would cheaper 20.8c, although the savings would be the same, the demand charge adds a significant cost for the entire month.</p><p><strong>Total Cost wi:th Demand Charge:</strong><br></p><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;" border="1" data-mce-style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Charging Cost (7c cheaper):</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">1.6 kWh * 13c/kWh = 20.8c</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Demand Charge:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">$102.54</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;">Total Cost:</td><td style="width: 50%;" data-mce-style="width: 50%;"><strong>$102.86</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote><p>...the attempt to save 80c by charging your battery would result in a monthly charge of over $102.</p></blockquote><p>In this scenario, the attempt to save 80c by charging your battery would result in a monthly charge of over $102. This stark contrast highlights the potential pitfalls of demand tariffs for households with irregular but occasional high electricity usage during peak periods.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Demand tariffs like the Energex 3950 can impose disproportionately high costs for occasional high-demand periods, making them far worse than paying per kWh. Households with battery storage or electric vehicles, which may occasionally need to charge quickly, can find themselves facing significant monthly charges due to a single peak usage event.&nbsp;</p><p>In comparison, a per kWh tariff allows for predictable and manageable electricity costs based on actual usage, making it a more consumer-friendly option for many households.</p><h3>References</h3><p>1. <a data-mce-href="https://www.canstarblue.com.au/electricity/demand-tariffs/" href="https://www.canstarblue.com.au/electricity/demand-tariffs/">Canstar Blue - Understanding Demand Tariffs</a><br>2. <a data-mce-href="https://wattever.com.au/demand-tariffs/" href="https://wattever.com.au/demand-tariffs/">WATTever - Demand Tariffs</a><br>3. <a data-mce-href="https://www.energex.com.au/home/our-services/energy-plans-and-rates" href="https://www.energex.com.au/home/our-services/energy-plans-and-rates">Energex - Residential Tariffs</a></p>

Why Demand Tariffs Like 3950 Can Be Far Worse

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.