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 when combined with a home battery. By cleverly 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 works with dynamic rates, what technologies you need, and what benefits you can achieve.

What are dynamic energy rates?

Dynamic rates are based on the current electricity price on the energy market. This price is adjusted every hour and can be viewed through your energy supplier or apps. During times of abundant sustainable generation (for example, lots of sun or wind), prices can even become negative. At busy times, they rise. By taking advantage of 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 that this process runs automatically. Here’s how it works:

• Fetch price forecast: The system retrieves the electricity prices for the next 24 hours.

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

• 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, avoiding expensive power purchases.

Some systems even take weather forecasts into account to determine whether it’s smarter to wait for solar generation or to buy cheaply now.

What technology do you need for smart charging?

To fully benefit from dynamic rates, you need the following in addition to a home battery:

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

• Suitable inverter: One that can communicate with your charging software and allows time-controlled charging.

• Dynamic energy contract: From a supplier offering hourly prices.

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

Famous platforms like 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 yields cost savings but also many more advantages:

• Lower energy bill: By purchasing electricity when it is very cheap.

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

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

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

Moreover, your home is prepared for a future where flexible energy rates become the norm. With a smart home battery, you maximize the potential 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 in a home battery now 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 better 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 upon purchase.

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

Do I need to charge manually or does it happen automatically?
With the right software and inverter, it can be completely automatic.

Is charging possible with negative electricity prices?
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 cleverly 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.