Backup Reserve

Automation > Configuration shows the Powerwall’s current backup reserve, and a default backup reserve: the value to return to when no automation is holding the reserve at another value.

Current backup reserve

Current backup reserve is the value the Powerwall uses right now. Below it, Netzero shows what set it:

• Set by “Label” (time): an automation set it, at the time shown. Automations without a label show Set by an automation (time).
• Not set by an automation (for example, changed in the Tesla app): the reserve was changed outside Netzero automations, for example in the Tesla app or by a utility program.

Nothing is shown when the current reserve is the default. The current reserve can’t be edited on this screen: change the default, or use an automation.

Default backup reserve

Default backup reserve is the value the Powerwall returns to after an automation raises or lowers the reserve, for example after charging the Powerwall overnight, or after preserving its charge while an EV charges. Change it with the slider.

• When the current reserve is at the default, moving the slider also changes the Powerwall’s backup reserve.
• When an automation or the Tesla app is holding another value, moving the slider changes only the default. The Powerwall keeps its current reserve until the default is restored or an automation changes it.

A system starts with the backup reserve it has when it’s first connected to Netzero. If no default is known for a system, Configuration shows Not set yet: choose a value with the slider, or use Use the current reserve when it’s offered.

Restoring the default

When the current reserve differs from the default, Restore default sets the Powerwall’s backup reserve back to the default.

Using the default in automations

In the Set backup reserve action, choose Default backup reserve instead of Custom backup reserve. When the automation runs, it sets the reserve to the default at that time, so a change to the default applies to every automation that uses it. For example, to charge the Powerwall overnight and then return to the usual reserve:

Every day at 1:00 AM: Set backup reserve to: 100%
Every day at 6:00 AM: Set backup reserve to the default

Change default in the action edits the default without leaving the automation. While no default is set, choose a value there first: the action can’t be saved with Default backup reserve until one exists.

Backup reserve limits

The Powerwall supports backup reserve values from 0% to 80%, and 100%. A value between 81% and 99% is set to 80%:

• The backup reserve sliders in Netzero offer values up to 80%, and 100%.
• An automation that sets the backup reserve between 81% and 99% sets it to 80%.
• A default backup reserve in that range is saved as 80%.
• Set backup reserve to the current state of charge (preserve Powerwall charge) sets the reserve to 80% when the Powerwall is between 81% and 99% charged, so the Powerwall can discharge down to 80%. To hold its charge in that range, use Backup Mode instead.