If you have solar panels installed, you might have noticed that the amount you receive for exporting excess electricity to the grid—known as the solar feed-in tariff (FiT)—has been decreasing. In some cases, feed-in tariffs are so low that it makes more financial sense to store excess solar energy in a battery rather than sell it to the grid.

This is where Jousto comes in. Jousto’s smart energy management system ensures that your solar energy is used in the most cost-effective way, preventing you from exporting excess electricity when feed-in tariffs are low and instead storing it for later use.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• How solar feed-in tariffs work and why they are decreasing.

• How Jousto helps you store and use solar power instead of exporting it at low rates.

• The financial benefits of optimising solar self-consumption.

• How Jousto ensures you maximise savings while still taking advantage of export opportunities when prices are high.

1. Why Are Solar Feed-In Tariffs Decreasing?

In the early days of solar adoption, feed-in tariffs (FiTs) were generous, allowing homeowners to earn significant returns for exporting excess solar power. However, as more homes install solar, governments and energy retailers have gradually reduced these tariffs.

Reasons for Falling Feed-In Tariffs

• More solar on the grid – With increasing solar adoption, there’s often too much electricity during the day, lowering the value of exported solar energy.

• Wholesale electricity price drops – When solar production is high (especially at midday), electricity prices drop, reducing what retailers pay for exported power.

• Shifts in government policy – Governments have shifted focus from high FiTs to encouraging self-consumption and battery storage instead.

Many homeowners now find that selling excess solar to the grid is far less profitable than storing and using it themselves.

2. How Jousto Prevents You from Exporting at Low Prices

Jousto ensures you maximise your solar energy savings by prioritising solar self-consumption and only exporting to the grid when it’s beneficial.

A. Stores Excess Solar Power Instead of Exporting It

• When your solar panels generate more electricity than your home is using, Jousto directs excess energy into your battery first.

• This means you store free solar power for later use, rather than exporting it for a low FiT.

• Stored energy can be used in the evening when electricity prices are highest, maximising savings.

B. Automatically Exports Only When It’s Profitable

• If grid electricity prices spike due to high demand, Jousto can allow exports at higher FiT rates.

• If you’re on a wholesale pricing plan, Jousto ensures you sell excess solar only when market rates are high.

• Jousto tracks real-time electricity prices and optimises when to export power for the best returns.

C. Prevents Unnecessary Battery Discharge

• Some systems discharge batteries even when electricity prices are low, wasting stored energy.

• Jousto prevents unnecessary discharges, ensuring your battery power is used at the best times.

By intelligently managing when and how your solar energy is used, Jousto maximises every kilowatt-hour generated.

3. The Financial Benefits of Storing Solar Power Instead of Exporting It

With decreasing feed-in tariffs, self-consumption is now the most cost-effective way to use solar energy.

Example Savings Comparison

ScenarioExporting to the GridStoring & Using LaterSolar power value5–10c per kWh (low FiT)40–50c per kWh (avoided peak price)Financial benefitEarns a small returnSaves significantly more on electricity billsJousto’s rolePrevents unnecessary exportsEnsures stored energy is used at peak times

With Jousto, you get more value from your solar energy by using it at the right time rather than selling it at low rates.

4. Jousto’s Smart Energy Management Features

Jousto’s intelligent system continuously monitors:

✅ Your home’s energy usage – Ensuring solar energy is used directly whenever possible.
✅ Battery storage levels – Prioritising charging your battery before exporting.
✅ Grid electricity prices – Selling only when rates are high.
✅ Solar generation forecasts – Adjusting energy flow based on expected solar production.

A. Dynamic Export Control

• Jousto detects when feed-in tariffs are low and automatically prevents unnecessary exports.

• When export rates rise, Jousto sells excess energy at the best price.

B. Time-of-Use Tariff Optimisation

• If you have time-of-use pricing, Jousto ensures stored energy is used during peak periods when grid electricity is most expensive.

• This avoids buying electricity at high prices while making the most of free solar energy.

C. Wholesale Market Integration

• If you’re on a wholesale electricity plan, Jousto monitors market price fluctuations and exports only when financially beneficial.

• This allows users to profit from high demand periods, rather than selling at low rates.

5. Can You Still Export Some Solar Energy?

Yes—Jousto doesn’t completely block exports but ensures they happen at the best times.

When Does Jousto Allow Exports?

• When your battery is full – If your battery is at maximum charge and there’s still excess solar, Jousto allows exports.

• When FiT rates are high – If market conditions cause a spike in electricity prices, Jousto strategically exports to maximise earnings.

• If you’re part of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) – Jousto ensures you contribute to the grid when demand is highest, earning the best returns.

This balanced approach ensures you get the most financial benefit from both self-consumption and exports.

6. How to Get the Most Out of Jousto’s Solar Export Prevention

To maximise savings, consider the following:

A. Choose a Plan with Time-Based Pricing

• If your energy provider offers time-of-use pricing, Jousto will help you store solar and use it when grid prices are highest.

B. Opt for a Wholesale Energy Plan

• With a wholesale pricing plan, Jousto ensures your battery charges when prices are lowest and exports when rates are highest.

C. Enable Custom Energy Preferences

• Jousto allows users to set preferences, such as prioritising solar self-consumption, battery backup, or profit-focused energy trading.

Final Thoughts

With solar feed-in tariffs decreasing, exporting excess electricity is often less profitable than storing and using it later. Jousto prevents you from exporting at low prices, ensuring your solar energy is used in the most cost-effective way possible.

By maximising solar self-consumption, optimising battery charging, and strategically managing exports, Jousto helps you reduce electricity bills, increase energy independence, and make the most of your solar investment.

To learn more about how Jousto can optimise your solar and battery system, visit Jousto today.