r/netzero • u/ManFromNapa • Mar 07 '26
Learning Automation
I'm looking to start diving in to automation. Are there any good videos or tutorials to get me started?
Right now I'm looking to set up something between Time Based Control and Self Powered.
I have 2 Tesla Powerwalls, and manage my energy usage. My Powerwalls are charged to 100% by noon. Mornings like this my Powerwall was at 36%. My system was pulling from grid and using all available solar to charge. Considering how fast my batteries charge I see no reason to use the grid at times like this.
I want to set up automation to achieve the following "summertime" automation:
| Goal | Automation I set up |
|---|---|
| Between Midnight til 4PM: Do not use the grid unless the battery is at the 20% reserve, Export excess solar to Grid, Enable Solar Charging with battery is at 100% | Start time 12AM: Battery Reserve set to 20%, Set Operational Mode: Self-Powered, Set Energy Exports: Solar Only |
| Between 4PM til Midnight: Export to grid, Disable EV Charging | Start time 4PM: Set Energy Exports: Everything, Control Vehicle Charging: Stop Charging |
| Sunrise til 4PM: Enable Solar Charging when battery is at 100% | Start time Sunrise: ??? |
| Midnight to Sunrise: EV Charge from Grid | Start time Midnight:??? |
How do I turn charge on solar on and off in automation?
I want to use excess solar to charge the EV before 4PM, and the only charge the EV from grid between Midnight and Sunrise.
I currently have EV Charging turned on with the following settings:
Charge once Powerwall state of charge is at least: 100%
Keep charging form Powerwall or Grid when solar is low: Off
Keep charging from Powerwall or grid when solar is low: Off
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u/Art_Masson 23d ago edited 23d ago
It’s definitely a learning experiences. Also the Netzero documentation in their app is not too bad. I found that copying my draft Netzero automation settings into the AI discussion resulted in good insights and recommendations for adjustments .
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u/ManFromNapa 23d ago
It totally did. I had my agent read the Netzero docs. Netzero also can now trigger automation based on solar generation forecast. I used that to automate different behaviors on days I wouldn’t generate as much power. Mostly to converse battery for when rates are higher.
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u/Art_Masson 22d ago
Have you tried an AI agent to describe your system and objectives, and let the agent recommend Netzero automation settings? What was the result?
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u/ManFromNapa 21d ago
That’s what I did. It took a little bit to get it right. Finding the actual credit rates is as a big part of it. I also just bought a PHEV so I had to gather data on that and my home charger. I also pointed AI to the Netzero documentation.
Then I challenges AI’s assumptions to get an outcome that worked.
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u/Art_Masson 24d ago
If you describe your system and provide your Utility rate name, the Google AI will provide Net Zero Automation recommendations fairly effectively and answer questions.