SAY GOODBYE TO WASTED SOLAR POWER
The Jousto Energy Hub is your home's energy brain, automatically optimising solar, battery, and appliances to slash power bills and boost self-sufficiency.
THE SOLAR OWNER'S DILEMMA IN 2025
Diminishing feed-in tariffs and wasted energy are costing Australian homeowners thousands.
FEED-IN TARIFFS HAVE PLUNGED BY OVER 99%
Remember when feeding solar into the grid actually paid off? Those days are fading fast. A decade ago, you might've earned 50–60¢/kWh for exports; now many Aussies get as little as 5¢ – or even near $0.
Worse, you still pay high rates when the sun isn't shining. Peak-time electricity in the evening can cost 30–40¢/kWh (or even more on hot days), while your midday solar earns next to nothing.
It's a classic mismatch: solar when you don't fully need it, expensive grid power when you do. The result? Underperforming solar investments and the sinking feeling that you're not getting the savings you hoped for.
MEET THE JOUSTO ENERGY HUB
Your home's energy brain that automatically manages when to use, store, or share energy.
YOUR HOME'S ENERGY CONDUCTOR
The Jousto Energy Hub is a compact plug-and-play device (built on the powerful Home Assistant Green hardware) that plugs into your router and immediately gets to work connecting all your energy equipment.
Think of Jousto Hub as the conductor of your home energy orchestra: it listens to your solar inverter, battery, EV charger, thermostats, smart plugs – and decides the optimal way to distribute energy moment by moment.
- Do-It-For-Me Simplicity: Pre-configured by experts with the best-practice energy automations for Australian conditions
- Seamless Integration: Works with popular inverter brands like Fronius, Sungrow, GoodWe, and more
- You Stay in Control: Real-time energy dashboard accessible on your phone or computer
HOW JOUSTO HUB OPTIMISES YOUR HOME'S ENERGY
By monitoring your solar output, home consumption, battery level, and even external signals like electricity tariffs or weather forecasts, Jousto orchestrates your devices with precision.
MAXIMISE SOLAR SELF-CONSUMPTION
Whenever the sun is shining and your panels are generating more power than your home is using, Jousto springs into action to use that surplus on-site.
SMART EV CHARGING
Your EV can be scheduled to start charging late morning and pause in the afternoon exactly following your solar curve. If a cloud passes over, Jousto can momentarily pause the EV charger.
TIME-OF-USE OPTIMISATION
Jousto is constantly aware of the time and price of energy and will schedule or automate accordingly, ensuring your battery charges during cheap periods and discharges during expensive peaks.
ENERGY MONITORING
The Hub's built-in energy monitoring dashboard gives you real-time and historical insight into your generation, usage, imports/exports, and savings.
WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING DEVICES
Jousto Energy Hub seamlessly integrates with your solar system, battery storage, heat pumps, EV chargers, and more.
SOLAR PANELS
Jousto works with most solar inverters including Fronius, SolarEdge, SMA, Enphase, GoodWe, Sungrow, and Growatt.
Learn More
EV CHARGERS
Integrate with EV chargers such as Zappi, Wallbox, Tesla, ChargePoint and others to charge your vehicle with excess solar.
Learn More
BATTERY STORAGE
Compatible with Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem, Sonnen and many other battery systems to optimize charging and discharging.
Learn More
HEAT PUMPS
Control your heat pump hot water system to heat water using excess solar power during the day.
Learn MoreBENEFITS AT A GLANCE
Why Australian homeowners choose Jousto Energy Hub
SAVE MONEY, EVERY DAY
By using more of your own solar power (and buying less from the grid), you can slash your electricity bills by up to 70–90% in the right setup.
BEAT THE TARIFF CHANGES
Energy prices and plans are getting more complex. Jousto keeps you ahead of the curve, automatically adapting to any tariff structure.
NO MORE WASTED SOLAR
It's painful seeing your solar exports earn 5¢ while you later buy electricity at 30¢. Jousto puts an end to that waste by finding uses for surplus solar.
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
By combining solar, storage, and smart controls, you move towards true grid independence. Many Jousto users cover the vast majority of their needs with sunshine.
STRESS-FREE AUTOMATION
No more rushing to turn things on/off at certain times. Jousto's automations run quietly in the background, making micro-adjustments every minute.
FUTURE-READY PLATFORM
Built on Home Assistant's open platform, Jousto is inherently flexible and future-proof. Adding a battery next year? It'll integrate. Switching to an EV? No problem.
SEE JOUSTO IN ACTION
The Jousto Energy Hub makes your home's devices work in unison, ensuring every ray of sunshine is put to work for you.
The display shows solar power flowing to charge an EV and top up the battery while powering the home, with minimal draw from the grid.
Get Started TodayREAL HOMEOWNERS, REAL RESULTS
"I used to export most of my solar for a measly 5 cents. What a waste! Since installing Jousto, my pool pump and water heater automatically run on sunshine, and my battery is always strategically charged. Last quarter, my grid imports were almost zero and my bill was $22 – down from $380 the same period last year. I feel like I'm finally getting full value from my solar."
"We're not tech people, so I was a bit nervous about the 'smart home' aspect. But Jousto made it incredibly easy. They set everything up – our EV charger, the ducted air conditioning, even a couple of smart plugs for our dishwasher and dryer. Now it's like our house runs itself in sync with the solar. I especially love the dashboard; seeing 'Grid: 0 kW' and 'Savings: $1.50 today' by midday gives me a little thrill. In the first 6 weeks we already saved $200 on electricity."
"I considered joining a VPP (virtual power plant) program, but I didn't like the idea of someone else controlling my battery for their benefit. Jousto was the perfect alternative – I stay in control of my battery, but it still does all the smart charge/discharge at the right times. When wholesale prices spiked to $5/kWh one evening, I watched on the app as my house seamlessly switched to battery and even sold a bit back – all automatically. No bill shock for me. This tech is a game-changer for anyone on a plan like Amber."
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Not necessarily. While having a battery or EV unlocks the full potential (by providing more storage for excess solar and flexibility), Jousto can deliver great value even with just rooftop solar and some smart appliances. It will still manage your hot water system, pool pump, air conditioning, etc. to maximise solar self-use and minimise peak grid use.
Many customers start with Jousto on solar-only; the system is ready to integrate a battery or EV whenever you add one. Plus, Jousto's smart control can help you determine the optimal battery size if you decide to get one – you'll clearly see how much surplus solar you have to store.
Think of those as pieces of the puzzle, while Jousto is the glue that brings it all together. A typical inverter or battery app might show you basic status and allow some limited scheduling, but they operate in silos. For example, your inverter can't know when your EV is plugged in, and your battery might not know your time-of-use tariff schedule – so they can't coordinate.
Jousto, on the other hand, monitors everything and can control multiple devices in concert. It's the difference between having isolated smart devices vs. a truly smart home energy system. Also, many built-in inverter "smart" functions are quite rudimentary or inflexible. Jousto's logic is far more advanced and customisable.
In all likelihood, yes! Jousto is built on Home Assistant which has thousands of integrations. We specifically support popular Australian inverter brands like Fronius, SolarEdge, SMA, Enphase, GoodWe, Sungrow, Growatt, etc., as well as Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem, Sonnen and many other battery systems. EV chargers such as Zappi, Wallbox, Tesla, ChargePoint and others can interface too.
Even if a device isn't directly integrated, we can often communicate via open standards (Modbus, MQTT, WiFi APIs) or add an intermediary smart switch. The philosophy is: if there's a way to get data from it or send commands to it, Jousto will make it work.
You'll receive a small hardware hub (the size of a TV box) that runs the Home Assistant-based Jousto software. It comes pre-loaded with our Jousto Energy Automation profile and pre-configured for your setup (we discuss your devices and programs beforehand).
The package includes remote onboarding support – an expert will help you connect the hub to your home network and link your inverter, battery, etc., typically via a secure cloud link. You also get our Tier 1 Smart Automation Service included, which means we set up 3–5 core automations tailored to your needs and provide ongoing chat/email support to adjust things.
Essentially, it's a turnkey solution: hardware + software + configuration service. You can self-install the hub in minutes (it's basically plug in power and Ethernet), or opt for a professional install if you want hands-off.
No – Jousto operates non-invasively. We integrate via the standard communication interfaces provided by your devices (for example, reading data via Ethernet/WiFi APIs, sending commands through official channels). We don't "hack" or alter your inverter's internal settings in any unsupported way.
In fact, the automations we perform (like adjusting a battery's charge/discharge setpoint or turning an EV charger on/off) are analogous to what a user might do manually with the manufacturer's app – just automated and smarter. This means it preserves compliance and warranty.
Absolutely. We designed Jousto for regular homeowners, not just gadget geeks. If you can use a smartphone, you can use Jousto. The beauty is that after installation, you don't have to actively do much at all – that's the point of automation!
The interface you'll see is a clean dashboard with intuitive icons for solar, home, battery, grid, etc., and simple controls like on/off toggles or mode selections (e.g., "Max Savings mode" vs "Comfort mode"). And remember, our team is here to support you. We will handle all the complex configuration in the background.
READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME'S ENERGY FUTURE?
It's easy to get started with Jousto Energy Hub.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
Chat with our energy experts to discuss your home setup and goals. We'll give honest advice on how Jousto can help and what kind of savings to expect in your scenario.
ORDER YOUR JOUSTO HUB
We'll pre-configure it and ship it to your door. (Installation can be DIY in 10 minutes or arranged with a pro – your choice.)
ACTIVATION & ONBOARDING
Our team will guide you through connecting the hub and will fine-tune the automations to fit your lifestyle. It's a white-glove, hassle-free process.
ENJOY THE SAVINGS
Watch as your solar self-consumption soars, your bills plummet, and your home runs smoother than ever. You'll wonder how you lived without it!
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HOME'S ENERGY TODAY
Don't let another summer go by where you're dumping excess solar back to the grid for crumbs while paying through the nose after dark. With the Jousto Energy Hub, you can turn the tables on big utilities: you decide how to use your power, you keep the savings.
Join the energy revolution that thousands of Australian homeowners are already discovering.
Your solar system might be underperforming. Here's how to optimize it with automation.
Introduction: The Convergence of Clean Energy and Smart Technology
The increasing adoption of residential solar power, battery storage, and electric vehicles (EVs) is revolutionising how energy is generated, stored, and used in the home. However, without intelligent coordination, these technologies often operate independently—missing key opportunities for efficiency and cost savings. This is where smart energy automation steps in.
Smart energy automation enables homeowners to manage all aspects of their energy ecosystem—generation, consumption, and storage—from a single, intelligent control system. By integrating solar PV systems, home batteries, EV chargers, and smart appliances, these solutions can optimise energy flows in real time.
This blog explores how smart energy automation is reshaping home energy management, covering its core concepts, technologies, market-leading products, key benefits, and challenges. It also outlines the companies and systems driving innovation in this space.
Main Concepts and Applications of Smart Energy Automation
Intelligent Energy Flow Management
At its core, smart energy automation is about managing where and when energy is used, stored, or exported. A smart energy system might decide to:
Power appliances directly from solar during the day,
Store excess energy in a home battery,
Use stored energy at night or during peak tariff times,
Or schedule EV charging based on solar availability.
This approach maximises self-consumption, reduces electricity bills, and improves energy independence. Solutions like SolarEdge Home enable dynamic control over energy sources and consumption, allowing the home to become a self-sustaining energy hub.
Optimised Charging and Discharging
Smart automation can optimise the charging of batteries and EVs to occur during:
Peak solar generation,
Off-peak tariff windows,
Or ahead of forecasted high-energy use periods.
For example, Home Assistant users commonly set up automations that delay battery charging until overnight rates apply or only charge the EV when solar production is high. This results in dramatic cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
Load Management and Prioritisation
During grid outages or when battery charge is low, load prioritisation ensures critical devices (like medical equipment or fridges) continue to run, while non-essentials (like pool pumps or entertainment systems) are shut off.
SPAN smart panels take this further by giving users appliance-level control over circuits. This kind of granular management extends battery backup time and ensures business-critical or life-critical systems remain online.
Remote Monitoring and Control
Mobile apps and cloud dashboards give homeowners complete visibility into their energy system:
Solar output
Battery charge levels
EV charging status
Appliance usage
Apps like mySolarEdge or the SPAN Home App allow real-time insights, system control, and even adjustments from anywhere in the world. This remote capability turns energy usage into a data-driven, user-friendly experience.
Key Technologies, Companies, and Smart Energy Products
Smart Inverters and Power Optimisers
Modern smart inverters go beyond energy conversion—they communicate with batteries, EV chargers, and home automation platforms. Market leaders like SolarEdge offer DC-optimised technology with panel-level performance data and control.
These inverters are crucial for coordinating how solar power is used:
To charge batteries,
To run home loads,
Or to supply energy to the grid.
Battery Storage Systems
Batteries are the foundation of energy independence. Popular home battery solutions include:
Tesla Powerwall
LG Chem RESU
Alpha ESS
BYD
SolarEdge Home Battery
These batteries store solar power during the day and release it when needed—especially useful during peak tariff periods or blackouts. SPAN smart panels are compatible with 90% of these systems, highlighting the value of interoperability in the smart home energy space.
Smart EV Chargers
Smart EV chargers schedule vehicle charging when:
Solar generation is high
Electricity prices are low
The battery is full and exporting to the grid would be wasteful
SolarEdge Home EV Charger and SPAN Drive integrate directly with solar and battery systems to minimise charging costs and allow homes to "drive on sunshine."
Smart Electrical Panels
Traditional electrical panels are being replaced by intelligent control centres like:
SPAN Smart Panel
Leviton Smart Circuits
Lumin Smart Panels
These panels enable:
Real-time appliance-level insights
Remote control of circuits
Smart energy scheduling
Seamless integration with solar, battery, and EV systems
SPAN, for example, uses PowerUp technology to intelligently manage the addition of high-demand devices (e.g. EV chargers, heat pumps) without overloading home infrastructure.
Home Automation Platforms
Platforms like Home Assistant offer DIY-savvy homeowners a way to integrate and automate:
Solar inverters
Battery systems
EV chargers
Smart thermostats
Weather data
Time-of-use tariff schedules
Reddit and GitHub communities are rich with custom automations, enabling everything from solar-forecast-driven battery charging to real-time load shifting.
Benefits of Smart Energy Automation
1. Cost Savings
One of the top reasons homeowners adopt smart energy systems is to reduce electricity bills. By charging batteries and EVs at optimal times, avoiding peak tariffs, and increasing self-consumption, families can save up to 60% annually (as reported by SolarEmporium in Australia).
SPAN further supports cost saving with dollar-based energy insights tied to real utility rates, allowing homeowners to make informed adjustments.
2. Increased Energy Independence
A fully integrated solar, battery, and EV system can operate with minimal grid interaction—especially when paired with smart automation. Brands like SolarEdge and Alpha ESS enable homes to function as standalone energy systems, dramatically reducing exposure to rising utility costs or power outages.
3. Grid Resilience
Beyond the home, smart energy automation can help support the broader grid. Through programs like demand response or vehicle-to-grid (V2G), homeowners can sell surplus energy or reduce demand during peak periods.
This decentralised energy sharing model contributes to a more stable, decentralised, and renewable-friendly energy grid.
4. Environmental Impact
Smart automation ensures that solar power is used first, reducing the carbon impact of home energy. EVs charged via solar instead of grid electricity result in a net-zero driving experience, while prioritising battery storage over fossil-fuel-supplied grid energy can cut emissions significantly.
5. Backup Power and Outage Protection
Automated battery management provides critical load protection during blackouts. SPAN and SolarEdge systems allow users to prioritise circuits so essentials like lights, medical devices, and internet remain functional for hours—or even days—without the grid.
Challenges and Considerations
Initial Investment Costs
A major barrier to adoption is the high upfront cost of solar panels, batteries, smart panels, and EV chargers. Although the ROI is strong over time, affordability remains a challenge for many households.
Government rebates and incentives help reduce this burden, but adoption may be slower among lower-income groups until costs fall further.
System Complexity
Smart energy systems can be complicated, particularly when integrating devices from different manufacturers. Proprietary ecosystems like SolarEdge simplify this, but for those building custom systems, ensuring compatibility and proper configuration can be overwhelming.
Cybersecurity Risks
As homes become more connected, cybersecurity becomes a concern. Protecting access to energy controls, consumption data, and system settings requires:
Encrypted communications
Strong passwords
Frequent firmware updates
Homeowners should be mindful of choosing reputable vendors with clear security protocols.
Regulatory Factors
The economic return of smart energy investments is often influenced by local grid policies—like feed-in tariffs, net metering, or limits on battery discharges. Changes in policies (e.g. California’s NEM 3.0) can significantly affect ROI.
Installation and Maintenance
Smart systems must be installed by certified professionals, especially when involving high-voltage equipment. Maintenance of solar arrays, battery calibration, and software updates require ongoing attention to keep the system performing efficiently and safely.
Different Solutions and Approaches
1. Integrated Ecosystems (e.g., SolarEdge Home)
These "one-brand" systems offer:
Seamless compatibility
Centralised monitoring apps
Unified warranties and support
However, they may limit flexibility and lock users into a single brand ecosystem.
2. Custom Component-Based Systems
Using platforms like Home Assistant, users can build tailored systems using best-in-class components from multiple vendors. This offers flexibility, but requires more technical expertise.
3. Smart Panel-Centric Systems (e.g., SPAN)
Smart panels act as the brain of the system, connecting all appliances, batteries, and renewables into one central control platform. They simplify upgrades and provide high visibility and granular control.
4. Utility-Driven Programs
Energy providers like Oncor are investing in smart grid technologies and incentive programs that reward homeowners for reducing demand or integrating clean energy. These programs often include rebates or discounts for installing smart batteries and EV chargers.
The Central Role of Smart Electrical Panels
Smart panels have emerged as a critical control hub in modern homes. With real-time visibility, remote circuit control, and compatibility with renewable systems, they:
Enable efficient load prioritisation,
Reduce installation complexity,
And increase safety through overload detection and smart fuses.
As homes get smarter, the electrical panel becomes the nervous system of energy flow.
Home Automation Platforms: The Power of Personalisation
For tech-savvy users, platforms like Home Assistant offer unlimited control:
Automate battery charging based on solar forecasts,
Sync EV charging with off-peak grid pricing,
Control HVAC based on room occupancy and solar availability.
These platforms turn homes into truly intelligent energy ecosystems, often outperforming proprietary systems in flexibility and innovation.
Conclusion: The Future of Residential Energy is Intelligent
Smart energy automation is not a future concept—it's happening now. Homes with integrated solar, batteries, and EVs are already realising huge benefits in:
Cost savings,
Energy resilience,
And sustainability.
As technology advances, expect greater use of AI and machine learning to predict demand, optimise schedules, and deliver even more efficient systems. The rise of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) tech will allow EVs to play a role in national grid support. And as prices drop, these systems will become accessible to more homeowners around the world.
The home of the future is smart, connected, and self-powered—and smart energy automation is what makes it all possible.
⚡ Ready to Make Your Home Smarter, Greener, and More Cost-Efficient?
If you're looking to take control of your energy future—cutting costs, boosting efficiency, and increasing your home's independence—smart energy automation is your next step. Discover how you can seamlessly integrate solar, battery storage, EV charging, and more into one intelligent system.
👉 Explore smart energy solutions now at Jousto and unlock the power of automation for your home.
COMPANY
PRODUCTS
SERVICES
INFORMATION
OTHER USE CASES
© Copyright 2025. Jousto. All Rights Reserved. Lead Generation By Honen.
Phone: 0489 261 333
185 Morphett St, Adelaide, SA, 5000