With the rise of solar energy and battery storage, many homeowners are looking for ways to maximise their financial return by exporting excess electricity to the grid when prices are at their highest. However, grid export limits, feed-in tariffs, and network regulations can make this challenging.

The good news is that Jousto provides a smart energy management system that ensures you can export energy strategically, taking advantage of high prices while staying within grid restrictions.

In this article, we will explore how energy exports work, factors affecting export prices, and how Jousto helps you make the most of your solar energy.

How Energy Exporting Works for Solar System Owners

If you have solar panels, your system generates electricity during the day. This energy can be:

• Used within your home to power appliances and reduce your electricity bill.

• Stored in a battery for later use, such as during the evening when solar production stops.

• Exported to the grid, allowing you to earn money from feed-in tariffs or time-based energy prices.

The ability to export energy when prices are high depends on several factors, including your electricity plan, grid export limits, and the flexibility of your energy management system.

Understanding Feed-in Tariffs and Time-Based Pricing

1. Standard Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs)

Many energy providers offer fixed-rate feed-in tariffs, where you are paid a set price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for any energy exported to the grid. However, these tariffs have been declining over time, making it more beneficial to use solar energy within your home rather than relying on exports.

2. Time-Varying Feed-in Tariffs (TVFiTs)

Some electricity providers offer time-based feed-in tariffs, where the price for exported electricity fluctuates throughout the day. Prices are typically:

• Higher during peak demand hours (e.g., late afternoon and early evening).

• Lower during midday, when solar generation is at its highest and excess energy floods the grid.

If your provider offers TVFiTs, exporting energy during peak pricing periods can significantly increase your financial returns.

3. Dynamic Energy Pricing (Wholesale Market Exports)

In some cases, homeowners can sell energy on the wholesale market, where prices change in real time based on supply and demand. Prices may:

• Rise sharply during peak demand or supply shortages.

• Drop to near zero or even negative when there is an oversupply of solar energy.

To take advantage of these fluctuations, you need an intelligent energy management system like Jousto that can store and export energy at the most profitable times.

Grid Export Limits: Can You Export As Much As You Want?

Even if energy prices are high, your ability to export electricity is often limited by grid regulations. Many electricity networks impose export limits to prevent grid congestion.

Common Grid Export Restrictions

1. Fixed Export Limits – Some networks cap how much energy a household can export (e.g., 5kW per phase).

2. Dynamic Export Limits – Some providers adjust export limits throughout the day based on grid conditions.

3. Zero Export Requirements – In some areas, homes are not allowed to send excess solar power to the grid.

If you are subject to strict export limits, you need a smart energy management system to ensure you maximise the value of your solar energy without exceeding restrictions.

How Jousto Helps You Export Energy When Prices Are High

Jousto is a smart energy automation system that helps homeowners make the most of their solar power. Instead of sending energy to the grid at low prices or when limits are in place, Jousto ensures you store and export energy strategically.

1. Intelligent Battery Storage Management

If you have a battery storage system, Jousto automatically charges the battery during low-price periods and discharges it during high-price periods.

• Midday: When solar generation is high and prices are low, Jousto directs power to charge your battery instead of exporting it.

• Peak Hours: When energy prices increase, Jousto switches the inverter mode to export stored energy, maximising financial returns.

This ensures that you only sell electricity when it is most profitable.

2. Smart Load Management for Maximum Self-Consumption

If you do not have a battery, Jousto still helps you reduce reliance on low-value exports by directing excess energy to home appliances.

• When solar generation is high, Jousto turns on power-hungry appliances like hot water systems, air conditioners, and pool pumps.

• When energy demand increases later in the day, Jousto allows exports to the grid only when prices are high.

This prevents energy wastage and increases your overall savings.

3. Grid Export Control and Compliance

If your network has strict export limits, Jousto ensures that your home stays within the allowed export threshold while still making the most of your solar energy.

• If your home is at risk of exceeding the export limit, Jousto redirects energy to self-consumption or battery storage.

• When export capacity becomes available, Jousto automatically enables grid exports again.

This dynamic control allows you to take full advantage of peak pricing periods without violating grid restrictions.

4. Future-Proofing for Dynamic Export Limits

As grid rules evolve, more networks are introducing dynamic export limits, which adjust throughout the day. Jousto ensures your system adapts automatically, responding to real-time changes and ensuring you continue to export energy when it is most valuable.

Benefits of Using Jousto for Strategic Energy Exports

1. Higher Earnings from Solar Exports

By ensuring you only export energy when prices are high, Jousto maximises your feed-in tariff returns and reduces the impact of declining rates.

2. Reduced Reliance on the Grid

By prioritising self-consumption and battery storage, Jousto helps you use more of your own solar energy, leading to lower electricity bills.

3. Compliance with Grid Regulations

Jousto automatically adjusts your energy exports to ensure that you stay within network limits, avoiding penalties or system shutdowns.

4. Better Battery Performance and Longevity

By preventing unnecessary battery discharges and optimising when stored energy is used, Jousto helps extend battery lifespan and efficiency.

5. Future-Proofing Against Changing Energy Prices

Electricity markets are becoming more dynamic, and Jousto ensures your system adapts to new pricing structures so you can continue to benefit from energy exports.

Is Jousto Right for Your Solar System?

If you have a solar system with or without battery storage, Jousto can help you:

✅ Sell excess solar power when prices are highest
✅ Use battery storage strategically for peak pricing periods
✅ Stay within grid export limits while maximising returns
✅ Reduce reliance on the grid and lower your electricity bills
✅ Automatically adjust to changing energy market conditions

Want to see how Jousto can help you export energy at the right time for maximum savings? Visit Jousto today to learn more!

🚀 Take control of your energy exports and start earning more from your solar power!