There are two ways: start a Powerwall grid export for a set period of time, or configure the settings that let Tesla’s Savings mode algorithm export on its own.
Powerwall grid export discharges stored energy to the grid for a set period of time. Start it from the Powerwall grid export card in the Automation > Configuration tab, picking a duration of 15 to 240 minutes, or from an automation using the Powerwall grid export action. Tesla offers no direct control over battery export, so Netzero drives it with a temporary utility rate plan, and the Powerwall takes a few minutes to start exporting.
The backup reserve is not changed, and acts as the floor that exports stop at, so set it before starting an export to control how much of the battery is exported.
Grid export requires a Netzero subscription, a Powerwall with an Energy Exports setting, and a grid connection that permits exporting stored energy. The Energy exports permitted row on the Devices > Gateway card shows what the grid connection allows: the card and the automation action appear only where that row reads Everything (solar and battery).
The rest of the time, exporting is determined by Tesla’s Savings mode algorithm. That algorithm decides whether exporting is beneficial based on your utility rate plan, predicted home usage, and predicted solar production.
Netzero can configure the relevant settings for exporting, such as:
However, these settings alone do not guarantee export. Outside of a Powerwall grid export, the final decision remains with Tesla.
Common reasons why Powerwall does not export on its own:
Apart from a Powerwall grid export, Netzero does not directly control real-time charging or discharging. It sets configuration parameters such as the operational mode, backup reserve, and export settings. Powerwall behavior itself is decided by Tesla.
Useful Tesla references:
Common explanations for unexpected behavior:
System restart needed. If behavior remains unclear, power-cycle the system:
When the Intelligent Octopus Go integration is enabled, Netzero uses Octopus-scheduled charging windows to preserve or charge the Powerwall.
Important notes:
Use the public GitHub issue tracker to submit feature requests: Netzero Issues.
This allows other users to discuss and upvote ideas, and helps us track them efficiently.
Troubleshooting guides are available:
In the mobile app, swipe left on any automation in the schedule to edit, pause, mute, or delete it. In the web app, the same actions are shown as icons next to each automation.
Yes. Keep both sets of automations and set a Date range on each one, under When it can run: for example Apr 1 to Sep 30 on the summer automations and Oct 1 to Mar 31 on the winter ones. Automations outside their date range are skipped, so the two schedules change over on their own.
See Seasonal schedules.
Netzero uses an API partner to integrate energy devices. Supported manufacturer and model availability depends on programmatic access, reliability, and vendor support.
The list of supported devices is regularly updated: Energy Device Integration.
Common fixes:
Subscriptions are available only through the iOS or Android app. Even if you primarily use the web app, you must:
Ensure you are signed in to the correct store account on your phone.
Automation choices depend on your goals and utility rate structure. See the documentation for more examples:
The Wall Connector needs to be added to your Powerwall system to be shown in Netzero. One way to confirm this is that you only have one system in the top-left dropdown in the Tesla app, and it shows both the solar system and your car garage with the Wall Connector on the same screen.
If the Wall Connector is shown as a separate system in the Tesla app, you can ask Tesla Support to merge the two systems for you.