Smart Charging - Charging from Grid

In the MyAutarco Energy Management Chart, you may occasionally see a green shaded area. This indicates a "Force Charge" event, where the Smart Charging model proactively charges your battery from the grid or available PV to maximize your financial returns later in the day.

Problem description

Users may notice their battery charging from the grid during specific times, even if there is no immediate high consumption, or they may wonder why a green block has appeared in their energy management overview.

Description of the solution or explanation

The Smart Charging model uses advanced forecasting to determine the most profitable way to manage your energy. When a Force Charge occurs, the system has calculated that charging now will lead to higher benefits later. This happens for two main reasons:

1. Anticipating Shortage: The model forecasts that upcoming PV production will be insufficient to cover your consumption until the next sunrise. It chooses a "cheap" price window now to ensure you don't have to buy expensive electricity later.

2. Price Arbitrage: The model identifies a future moment with very high electricity prices. It charges the battery during a current cheap moment so it can discharge (or avoid grid usage) when prices are at their peak, creating a higher return on investment (ROI).

How it works during the Force Charge:

• PV Priority: If PV production is higher than expected during this window, the battery will prioritize charging from solar. Any remaining excess PV will be exported to the grid as usual.

• Grid Support: If PV production is insufficient to meet the set charging power, the inverter will import the remaining balance from the grid.

• Scheduling: These moments are typically scheduled during the lowest electricity price windows of the day to ensure cost-efficiency.