Introduction
With the increasing demand for electricity and the global shift towards sustainable energy consumption, managing power usage efficiently has become a critical concern. Traditional energy consumption patterns often result in significant demand spikes during peak hours, leading to higher electricity bills and increased strain on power grids. To address these challenges, peak shaving has emerged as a highly effective strategy for reducing electricity costs, optimizing energy consumption, and enhancing grid stability.
Peak shaving is a method that involves adjusting battery charging and discharging based on load fluctuations to minimize reliance on grid power during peak periods. This strategy allows businesses and homeowners to save on energy costs by limiting power import from the grid when demand—and consequently, electricity prices—are at their highest. It also plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency of renewable energy systems, such as solar power, by ensuring energy is stored and utilized at optimal times.
By implementing peak shaving, energy consumers can mitigate demand charges, avoid excessive power costs, and ensure a more sustainable and cost-effective energy management system. Growatt’s advanced peak shaving solutions provide a customizable approach, allowing users to set import limits, optimize battery storage, and integrate with additional work modes such as self-consumption and time-of-use (TOU) strategies.
This article delves into the concept of peak shaving, explaining how it works, the key parameters involved, and the benefits of combining it with self-consumption and TOU modes. Additionally, we provide a step-by-step guide to setting up peak shaving through Growatt’s ShinePhone, ShineServer, and ShineTools applications to help users make the most of their energy management systems.
Understanding Peak Shaving and Its Benefits
For most electricity consumers, load demand fluctuates throughout the day, with significant peaks during high-usage periods. In many regions, grid operators impose additional charges during these peak load periods to manage power distribution effectively. By strategically controlling when and how power is drawn from the grid, peak shaving enables users to reduce their energy costs without compromising on their electricity needs.
Growatt’s peak shaving solution ensures that the power drawn from the grid does not exceed a user-defined limit. The system intelligently charges batteries during off-peak hours and discharges stored energy during peak hours, maintaining a steady energy supply while keeping grid consumption within cost-efficient limits. Additionally, combining peak shaving with self-consumption and TOU modes further enhances its customization, enabling tailored solutions for different energy usage scenarios.
Key Parameters in Peak Shaving
1. Reserved SOC for Peak Shaving: State of Charge (SOC) is a critical parameter that determines how much stored energy is available for peak shaving. Users can set a Reserved SOC to ensure sufficient battery power is available during peak demand periods. Higher household consumption requires a higher Reserved SOC for optimal performance.
2. Export Limit: This parameter defines the maximum power that can be fed into the grid. Setting export limits helps comply with local grid regulations and ensures a stable power flow.
3. Import Limit Import limits control the maximum power drawn from the grid. By setting an optimal import power limit, users can minimize reliance on expensive peak-hour electricity and avoid unnecessary costs.
Mode Descriptions: How Peak Shaving Works in Different Time Periods
Time A–B: Peak Demand Period
- If PV energy is insufficient, and load demand exceeds the import limit, the battery discharges to compensate.
- The system prioritizes power from the PV, grid, and battery storage.
- The power drawn from the grid never exceeds the predefined import limit.
Time B–C: Low Demand Period
- If the load demand does not exceed the import limit, any surplus energy can be used to charge the battery, with PV energy being prioritized.
- If PV energy is still insufficient, power is drawn from the grid to maintain stability.
- Throughout this period, the power drawn from the grid never exceeds the defined import limit.
Time C–D: Battery Recharge and Reset
- The system recharges the battery to the Reserved SOC level.
- It switches back to its original operating mode while keeping the import limit in place.
- If PV is unavailable, users can configure AC charging power and stop SOC to prepare for the next peak shaving period.
Selecting the Best Peak Shaving Combination
1. Growatt’s Peak Shaving Mode can be combined with other energy-saving strategies for enhanced efficiency.
Self-Consumption + Peak Shaving
- The system prioritizes self-consumption when SOC > Reserved SOC.
- If SOC < Reserved SOC, the system follows peak shaving rules.
- This maximizes self-consumption and reduces electricity costs.
2. Time-of-Use (TOU) + Peak Shaving
- Users can set multiple charging/discharging periods.
- The system ensures battery charging occurs during low-price periods.
- Avoids excessive charging that could trip the main household circuit breaker.
- Example: Recharge the battery at night (low tariff) and discharge during the day (high tariff).
Practical Tips for Optimizing Peak Shaving
To maximize efficiency, users should follow these best practices:
1. Set Reserved SOC Properly – Set a reasonable Reserved SOC to ensure the battery has sufficient capacity to perform peak shaving without exceeding the import limit from the grid.
2. Analyze Load Consumption – Calculate household energy consumption before defining peak shaving settings.
3. Ensure Firmware is Updated – Users of MOD 3-10KTL3-XH(BP) and MID 11-30KTL3-XH can contact Growatt for the latest software upgrades.
4. Enable AC Charging – AC charging must be configured for effective peak shaving.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide for Peak Shaving
Via ShinePhone App
- Download and log in to the latest ShinePhone app.
- Navigate to Plant → My Device List → Select inverter and view details.
- Go to Control → Peak Shaving Mode Settings.
- Set peak shaving parameters based on load demands.
Via ShineServer System
- Log in to ShineServer.
- Select Device → Setting → Peak Shaving Mode Settings.
- Adjust peak shaving parameters according to energy consumption patterns.
Via ShineTools App (Local Configuration)
- Download and connect to the ShineTools App.
- Go to EMS → Work Mode → Peak Shaving Mode → Mode Setting.
- Define peak shaving parameters for load balancing.
Conclusion: Maximize Savings with Growatt’s Peak Shaving
Peak shaving is an essential energy management tool for reducing electricity costs and optimizing energy usage. With Growatt’s advanced peak shaving technology, users gain control over their energy consumption, ensuring a smoother, more cost-effective energy experience. By setting the right Reserved SOC, import limits, and combining peak shaving with TOU or self-consumption, consumers can significantly reduce their reliance on the grid, lower their electricity bills, and contribute to a sustainable energy future.
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