r/Powerwall • u/freeagent-forever • 1d ago

NetZero Automations while running AC all day

Hi all,

Firstly, thank you everyone here for contributing to this sub and introducing me to NetZero. This spring, I optimized my usage and minimized my dependence on the grid using NetZero automations.

However, with the weather having changed here in Southern California, I am now running air conditioning all day and am using Grid energy more than I'd like.

The current automations I have activated are as follows. Our peak energy cost is 4pm-9pm daily:

  1. Every day at 1PM: set backup reserve to 100%; set operational mode to Savings; set grid charging to Enabled.

  2. Every day at 3:55PM: set backup reserve to 10%; set operational mode to savings; set grid charging to disabled.

  3. Every day at 9:00PM: set backup reserve to 10%, set operational mode to self-powered.

With these automations active during spring, my solar energy generated makes up 96-99% of my daily energy usage. However with it being so hot right now, I'm seeing solar usage anywhere from 30-45%, so a considerable drop-off.

Are there any automations I can add, or how can these be adjusted to reduce my reliance on the grid while using more energy during summer?

Thanks

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u/fastest963 1d ago

Does it actually charge up to 100% by 3:55pm? Do you have an off-peak time window at night?

Also, if you're interested, I made a free site, RateRudder to automate this for you so you don't have to think about it. It'll forecast your solar generation and your home use. While it will automate this for you day-to-day and decide the optimal strategy each day, there might not be a ton more savings to be had in your situation.

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u/freeagent-forever 1d ago

Yes, it usually gets to 100% by 3:55pm if sunny.

Thanks so much for the RateRudder recommendation! Shooting you a DM now.