Timer settings for Octopus Flux (UK) - Discussion
You may have heard about the new tariff from Octopus called Flux. I have signed up to the waiting list for this, but in the meantime I am looking into the settings to get the best from this tariff. I have to confess that I find the timer and mode settings a little counter-intuitive so I thought I would start this thread to get some advice and discussion going about settings for this tariff.
The above screen shot shows the rates for my area Sheffield UK
I am not interested in exporting from my batteries as I don't want to add unnecessary cycling for minimal financial gain. What I do want to do is avoid importing during the peak period between 16:00- 19:00
Looking at the settings I can's see a an easy way to let the batteries take solar charge during the day, but limit their discharge to say 50% up and until 16:00 then allow them to discharge below this after. In other words I want to reserve a level of charge for the peak period.
I am using as 3.6 kW Sunsynk eco with 10.24kWh battery capacity (2xSSLB1) and a 5.8kW solar array
I am currently running the inverter in mode: Zero-Export, Solar Export, Priority Load, Use timer
The timer settings for the SOC only seem to relate to the Grid or Gen charging function, NOT the SOC level that the batties will drive to load, or not depending on charge level. (Edit: this is incorrect, the SOC settings DO limit the level of discharge. I was mistaken at the time of writing. See below)
At the moment I would have to charge from the grid in the run up to the peak period to the reserve level, that is assuming the batteries are below my reserve level of say 50%
This is only really an issue at low solar generation levels, say during winter and cloudy days here in the UK. In the summer the charge levels will be sufficient to take one through the peak period without the any timers being active.
Anyhow I thought it would be worthwhile to get a discussion going about this tariff for those who are interested.
Cheers
Edit 28 March 2022: It just occurred to me to pass on a referral code: If you are in the UK and are wanting to switch to Octopus Energy then you can use this referral code https://share.octopus.energy/grape-pug-620 You will get £50 credit to your account at sign up. I will also get a similar thank you from them. As they say "Every little helps" 🙂
Hi, quick update on my old post re setting up for Octopus Flux as it now functions differently. If you set up Octopus flux it now overrides any timer settings you put in via the method I descrbed previously. So, here is what to do.
Go into the plant list and click the 3 dots to the right of your plant name.
Click edit
Set valuation method to Live Price
Click Live Price
Set provider to octopus flux.
There will be 2 time ranges already set up in this screen. Time range 1 is 2am - 5am and uses the grid to charge up the battery. I currently have the battery State of Charge set to 100% as it is winter. In summer I had it at 40% and that gave enough to last the night. Time range 2 if 4pm to 7pm and discharges battery to grid for export. Set the SOC to min you want the battery to go. 20% for me currently. This setting will not discharge battery to grid at all.
Dont forget to save your changes!
Going into the equipment screen and changing the timers after doing this will not have any effect at all for any timers set within the above 2 ranges. Timers outside these time ranges work as previously described.