1. The wholesale price is not the bill
The final price may include energy, network, levies, taxes, standing charges and other components. A very low energy price does not necessarily mean an equally low all-in cost.
Solar export remuneration may follow a different formula. Import and export must be analysed separately.
- Review the tariff schedule and metering interval.
- Separate fixed and variable components.
- Include demand or peak charges where applicable.
2. Which loads are genuinely flexible?
A battery can charge in cheap hours if own solar surplus is not expected soon. A heat pump can preheat within thermal limits. An EV can charge within its connection window. Household base load is far less flexible.
Flexibility is described in kW, kWh and time: how much power can be used, how much energy is required by when, and how long may the load pause?
3. Connect price, PV forecast and power limits
Good control compares the tariff, solar forecast, battery charge, thermal storage, vehicle target and current building load. A total import limit prevents several devices creating an expensive peak together.
Fallbacks are essential: if price data disappears, the heating must still work and the battery must remain within its own protections.
- Use hysteresis to avoid rapid on/off switching.
- Respect minimum run times.
- Keep the automation understandable and manually overridable.
4. Calculate savings realistically
Potential savings equal shifted energy multiplied by the all-in price difference, less conversion losses, additional network cost and the use of hardware. Battery cycling and ageing also belong in the model.
A credible comparison covers at least a full year. A handful of extreme hours is not proof of annual savings.
| Factor | Question |
|---|---|
| Price spread | What is the all-in difference between charging and avoided use? |
| Flexible energy | How many kWh can actually be shifted? |
| Efficiency | What losses arise in storage or heat? |
| Power | Will new peaks be created? |
| Hardware | Is it already required or bought only for tariff trading? |
5. Checklist before switching tariff
Clarify data access, the tariff formula and control options before automating. A manual trial can reveal whether the load profile contains enough flexibility.
- Smart meter and data access
- Known time-based all-in price
- Controllable storage, heating, charging or business loads
- Documented maximum connection power
- PV forecast and safe fallback rules
Sources and data date
- Swiss Federal Electricity Commission ElCom – electricity prices and market information
- Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) – energy and solar statistics
Updated: 12.07.2026. Always verify current tariffs, incentives, regulations and mining values before making a decision.
Patrick Prünster
Your personal contact for solar PV, storage, heat pumps, control technology and energy optimisation.
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