Dynamic energy rates are rapidly gaining ground. Instead of a fixed or variable rate, the electricity price changes every hour based on supply and demand. For smart users, this offers opportunities to save significantly, especially in combination with a home battery. By smartly charging your home battery during cheap hours and using it during expensive moments, you optimize your energy costs. But how does this work in practice? In this blog, we explain step by step how time-controlled charging with dynamic rates works, what technologies you need, and what benefits you can achieve.

What are dynamic energy rates?

Dynamic rates are based on the current electricity price in the energy market. This price is adjusted every hour and is visible through your energy supplier or apps. During moments of abundant sustainable generation (for example, plenty of sun or wind), prices can even become negative. Conversely, they rise during busy times. By responding to these price fluctuations, you can save significantly on your energy bill, especially if you use a home battery to store energy during cheap hours.

How does time-controlled charging with a home battery work?

Time-controlled charging means that your home battery automatically charges at times when electricity is cheapest. Smart energy management systems ensure this process happens automatically. Here’s how it works:

• Retrieve price predictions: The system retrieves electricity prices for the coming 24 hours.

• Determine charging strategy: Based on your consumption pattern and battery capacity, a charging schedule is created.

• Automatic charging: The battery charges itself during cheap hours and stops when the price rises.

• Optimize usage: During the day or evening, you use the stored energy, thus avoiding expensive electricity purchases.

Some systems even consider weather forecasts to decide whether it is smarter to wait for solar generation or buy cheaply now.

What technology do you need for smart charging?

To fully benefit from dynamic rates, you need not only a home battery but also the following:

• Smart energy manager: A system that automatically retrieves price information and schedules charging sessions.

• Suitable inverter: That can communicate with your charging software and perform time-controlled charging.

• Dynamic energy contract: From a supplier that offers hourly prices.

• App or platform: That provides insight into current prices, battery status, and planning.

Well-known platforms such as Home Assistant, Tibber, or Jedlix can often be integrated to further optimize your charging process.

What are the benefits of charging with dynamic rates?

Smart charging not only provides cost savings but many more benefits:

• Lower energy bill: By buying electricity when it is dirt cheap.

• More efficient energy use: Less dependence on expensive peak hours.

• Less grid load: By charging during off-peak hours, you contribute to grid stability.

• Higher self-sufficiency: You consume more of your own stored energy.

Moreover, your home is prepared for a future where flexible energy rates become the standard. With a smart home battery, you maximize the benefits of this trend.

Why switch to dynamic rates with a home battery now?

The energy market is moving towards flexibility and variable prices. By investing now in a home battery and making smart use of dynamic rates, you not only save money but also make yourself less vulnerable to price spikes. Moreover, you actively contribute to the sustainability of the energy grid by making smarter use of surpluses and off-peak hours. With the right setup, your house becomes a small, independent energy manager.

Frequently asked questions about home batteries and dynamic rates

Can every home battery be used with dynamic rates?
Not every battery supports automatic time-controlled charging; check this at purchase.

How much can I save with smart charging?
On average between €200 and €600 per year, depending on your consumption and battery capacity.

Do I have to charge manually, or is it automatic?
With the right software and inverter, it can be fully automatic.

Is charging at negative electricity prices possible?
Yes, you can even be paid to store electricity when prices are negative.

Do I need solar panels to charge smartly?
No, you can also smartly purchase and store grid electricity.

Which suppliers offer dynamic contracts?
Among others, Tibber, ANWB Energie, and Frank Energie.

Can I also smartly link my charging station to dynamic rates?
Yes, many smart charging stations support time-controlled charging based on current prices.

What happens if the electricity price unexpectedly rises?
Smart systems automatically adjust your charging schedule to avoid expensive hours.