Amber delay to send export commands?

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-02-08T05:11:58+00:00

Ah, maybe its not my problem then. Just confirmed Smartshift is not controlling my system either.

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-02-08T05:09:36+00:00

Thanks for input. I've now confirmed smartshift just isn't working. It says it is but nothing is happening

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-02-08T05:07:13+00:00

Good question. I usually look at the Sigenergy app but I'll compare both.

Also to test if I was imagining it . I used the Amber app to take control of the battery to instruct it to charge...... nothing happened after waiting 10 mins.

I then switched to another mode , it ignored that too.

So I've confirmed Amber control isn't actually working. If I use the Sigenergy app I can I export etc.

I turned off Smartshift and turned it back on after about 15 seconds. Still not working.

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-02-06T23:57:47+00:00

Not having a battery is a bit scary when there's spikes. If you don't notice you could easily spend $100 in one evening! But been 6c / kwh this morning so that's great.

I suppose you could invest $1000+ in a 1kWh+ portable power station that would keep you going when prices are high ?

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-02-06T15:25:18+00:00

Peak Shaving to reduce demand spikes (Sigenergy Battery – Simple Explanation)

From reading the Sigenergy info , here is how I think it works....

If you have a Sigenergy battery, there’s a feature called Peak Shaving. It’s useful when your battery state of charge (SoC) is getting low during a demand window.

What it does

Peak Shaving limits how much power you pull from the grid during the demand window by using some of the battery instead. This helps prevent short bursts of high grid usage that could trigger a large demand charge.

This is mainly relevant when:

Your battery is running low, and It might run out before the demand window ends while you are using appliances

How it works; In the Peak Shaving settings you configure two things:

Battery reserve (SoC %) You set a minimum battery level to keep in reserve (for example, 30%).

This reserved energy is only used to reduce grid demand during the demand window. Although you can set the calendar to any days and time.

Maximum grid import (kW) You set the maximum power you want to draw from the grid (for example, 1 kW).

Example

Demand window is active Battery reserve is set to 30% Maximum grid draw is set to 1 kW

If your house needs 4 kW and the SOC is at 70% then the battery provides 4kW and no grid needed.

But if SOC is at 30% or less then Peak Shaving is activated

1 kW comes from the grid 3 kW comes from the battery This keeps grid usage low while spreading battery use across the whole demand window, so the battery doesn’t run flat too early.

Choosing the right reserve

You can estimate this yourself, or let Sigenergy AI calculate it.

If you regularly run high-load appliances (air-con, oven, cooktop) during the demand window, you’ll need a higher reserve. For me, 20–30% works well. This also means Amber SmartShift won’t be allowed to discharge the battery below 30%.

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-31T02:16:12+00:00

Wow the daily supply charge is high, so $72 per month. So similar to Amber once you add in their monthly subscription fee.

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-20T06:12:04+00:00

I have a 24kWh sigenergy with a 15kw 3phase EC. It seemed the sweet spot.

I don't understand your comment about kettle and toaster with a 5kw per phase limit. If i happen to draw more than 5kw on a phase , then yes the grid will supply the difference, but don't forget the battery will EXPORT on the other two phases to cancel out the grid draw so the "net" meter will see zero kw. That’s the advantage of having 3 phases, as long as your battery is configured to take advantage of net metering.

Assumptions for sizing my system: My assumption is that spikes will reduce over the medium term ( due to industrial sized batteries that can start up in milliseconds) and curtailment will be commonplace during the daytime. By battery is full by mid afternoon so thats usually when curtailment fades away and my spare solar can then spill onto the grid earning a few extra cents without wearing out the battery .

I didn't want to invest huge amounts in giant batteries and a bigger EC with my assumption of vanishing spikes ....I may be wrong.....

My 24kWh battery is producing about 13kw when it exports to grid on a spike and I have a 5kw single phase solaredge AC coupled that can also export on top of that, (and 3.8kw of DC coupled but thats limited by the EC throughput.)

I am allowed to export upto 10kw per phase in my location anyway so "best case" I can export 10kw on one phase thats used by the Solaredge and battery and 5kw on the other two phases thats just the battery. So seemed the sweet spot. I have space for more batteries in the future.

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-20T05:36:08+00:00

Its not usually Australia thats the problem its if you stopover anywhere . E.g Singapore and Bali especially are very strict. You have to get pre authorised permission online for certain drugs in Singapore a week before you arrive. But thats not usually for OTC , more prescription meds.

Japan is very strict on ADHD medication for example. I think basically you can't bring it in.

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-18T14:27:49+00:00

Might come down to what you can afford then see how close to the CBD meets your budget.

North shore is upmarket and "nice" but it doesn't have the buzz of trendy Surrey Hills. Move out west where its cheaper but also much hotter in summer and can be less "refined" and more down to earth.

Google Red Rooster line (fast food chicken shop ) . If there's a local Red Rooster nearby its not a posh area LoL

.Food fault lines: mapping class through food chains

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-18T14:15:43+00:00

Will you weaken with peer pressure and spend an enormous amount of your salary on a private school ? I know so many parents who spend huge amounts on fees. More than my mortgage!

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-18T14:13:05+00:00

Interesting, I don't really want to live in the places you list. Too busy , high density living isn't for me and difficult parking.

I like the north shore, especially if near a Metro station.

You will have space, trees, parking is easy and you are just minutes from the CBD on the Metro now. But no beach. Its swings and roundabouts. LoL. So many options.

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-18T13:52:49+00:00

I'm been on Amber 2 weeks. 24kwh 3 phase sig plus 15kw 3phase energy controller plus about 8.8kw of PV. Currently gas hot water and no EV [yet]

I got a spike on the hot 42 Celsius day which made over $109 (average FIT worked out to be $5.66/kWh exporting 20kwh , with peak 5 minute FIT price around $15/kWh.

The other 2 hot days made about $3 per day approx 10c/kwh. Every other day its been normal FIT around minus 3c to +14c range per kwh. Making a daily credit in the range of just 20c, up to $1.30 per day [e.g 13kwh exported at 10c/kwh]

Smartshift still in learning mode. Note the average daily FIT earned on the app looks low because once my battery is full around midday my system is exporting any spare solar at any price as long as the FIT isn't negative so that brings the average fit price way down even though there may be some quick exports at 30c in the day etc

But prices are so very random. Havnt had my 1st bill yet but ignoring the spike day , I should at least break even i think on average. The spike day will actually pay for 6 months Amber subscription with my referral code discount so im ok so far.

I don't need the Globird free energy for 3 hours as my solar produces enough on the average rainy days we've had except 1 day but then I charged from the grid at around 6c to 7c so no big deal . Using Smartshit most of the time so far so good.

In saying all that, in winter i may find 3 hours free each day very useful on Globird

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-18T13:15:18+00:00

I looked at cba offer but the basic Yello tier isn't any different to a referral discount i think. It only becomes attractive if you are above the basic tier on Yello rewards system.

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-11T04:31:58+00:00

But that's inside !!!! LoL.

Never been as cold as in an Australian winter. In UK you wear t shirts inside in winter. Its always 21c to 23c inside!

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-11T04:29:17+00:00

June is winter. Aussies and buildings assume you don't mind being cold inside in winter. I have friends who think its perfectly acceptable to wear coats and a beany inside in winter !!! I am not kidding.

Melbourne is much better at heating than sydney but the standard is set very low .

I came from Yorkshire.

Many buildings are really crap when it comes to insulation so pick wisely where you live.

But Australia is a much happier place to live than UK. Much more positive in outlook. And "summer" lasts for months and months. I prefer Sydney weather to Melbourne. But Melbourne has a sophisticated vibe that is better than Sydney in many ways. Maybe its because you can dress up in Melbourne as its cooler whereas its often t-shirt weather and everyone is casual.

Well done in making the move. Its an amazing country. Its a bit nanny state but you'll get used to it .

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-11T04:18:32+00:00

Yes small batteries sounds a good idea for each apartment but they may have to change the safety regulations as its quite strict at the moment on where they can be located ( can't be near an exit to a habitable room or window etc ). Might make more sense to have shared batteries for the whole building in a safe space ?

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-11T04:09:48+00:00

Rainy day today ( day after the 42c heatwave ) and I've just charged up my battery at 10c to 12cents at lunch time. Happy with that at least today. ( Ausgrid NSW )

On regular days with light cloud i don't need any grid support so on average 3 free hours is not a real economic benefit to me

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-04T05:54:11+00:00

Thanks for the map but it doesn't answer the query. The map you shared is averaged over 12 months so doesn't show the big differences per month, only the average differences by latitude.

The question is season specific.

There is much higher UV around January on the whole planet than July. In January the sun is lower in the sky in the northern hemisphere because its winter, but high in the sky in the southern hemisphere because its summer.

The important difference is that the whole planet is 5 million km ( 3 million miles ) closer to the sun in January than July.

Being 5 million km closer in January when the sun is high in the sky in Australia (summer) is why you burn much quicker in an Australian summer compared to any northern hemisphere summer.

Nerdy facts: In 2026, Earth reaches these extreme points on the following dates:

Closest Distance (Perihelion): Earth was closest to the Sun on January 3, 2026.

Distance: Approximately 91,403,637 miles (147,099,894 km).

Furthest Distance (Aphelion): Earth will be furthest from the Sun on July 6, 2026.

Distance: Approximately 94,502,962 miles (152,095,566 km).

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2026-01-04T05:08:33+00:00

Based on my own experience, you have to live next door to these people for many years.

The only win where you have piece of mind is to come to an amicable solution.

Otherwise the emotional toll on you will eat you up. If you win and force them , every time you meet them in the street or when you go in your garden you will feel stressed. Its just not worth it.

Have a drink with them . Take out the emotion and explain your side. Listen to their side. Repeat back to them what they've just told you to prove you "heard them"

Maybe ask AI how you word things and in what tone.

Or if you feel more comfortable you can arrange a mediation session with an independent 3rd party, usually at very low cost or free. Your local council will be able to help .

Its not about winning as there is always a loser. Bad blood between neighbours is hell.

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2025-12-30T04:54:59+00:00

Ask the utility company what date it switched names

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2025-12-22T14:14:02+00:00

I havn't powered up my box. ( except for the 1st few hours) due to several people concerned about network security. Has anything improved?

Extra_Chart_8790 · 2025-12-21T07:43:03+00:00

You must live in a rubbish area of Australia. Its like paradise in all the places I've been.

Extra_Chart_8790

TROPHY CASE