Time-Based Control
Time-Based Control (also referred to as load shifting) is an energy optimization technique that can help you maximize savings through smart charging and discharging of your Powerwall. With Time-Based Control, Powerwall will charge when energy costs from your utility are low and power your home when energy costs are high. This helps minimize your bill and reduce the cost of your total energy usage.
How It Works
Time-Based Control uses utility rate structures (also referred to as time-of-use plans) where energy prices may vary depending on the time of day, the day itself, or the season. Time-of-use plans are broken down into the following time periods:
- Peak: High energy demand hours with most expensive prices
- Off-Peak: Low energy demand hours with least expensive prices
- Partial Peak or Shoulder: All other times
When Time-Based Control mode is enabled, your Powerwall will begin to charge from and discharge to the grid to take the most advantage of energy prices for different time periods throughout the day. Learn more about the techniques Powerwall uses to optimize performance when in Time-Based Control mode.
How to Use It
Once you have set up your utility rate plan, follow these steps to enable Time-Based Control mode:
- From the home screen of the Tesla app, open the ‘Settings’ menu.
- Open the ‘Powerwall’ menu.
- Under ‘Operational Mode,’ select ‘Time-Based Control.’
- Set your preferred rate plan by tapping the ‘Utility Rate Plan’ card.
- Set your preferred Backup Reserve by adjusting the slider at the top of the screen.
Once enabled, you can monitor the performance of your solar and Powerwall system by reviewing the visuals on the Tesla app home screen and by reviewing the Energy tab.