---
title: "Energy Manager"
description: "Energy Manager Smart Rule switches boilers, EV chargers and other loads on PV surplus by priority, limits grid import and regulates charger power."
url: "https://taphome.com/en/docs/energy-manager/"
language: en
lastmod: 2026-11-06
generator: hugo
ai:
  topics: ["smart-rules","energy-manager","energy-management","surplus-power","solar-self-consumption","photovoltaic-optimization","device-priority","power-management","wallbox-charging"]
  questions: ["How do I configure the Energy Manager Smart Rule?","How does TapHome switch devices based on surplus solar power?","How do I set device priority in the Energy Manager?","What is the difference between switch-on power and switch-off power?","What is the difference between digital outputs and analog outputs in Energy Manager?","How do I set up an EV charger with surplus solar power?","What is the minimum daily runtime and how does the fairness mechanism work?","How do I configure active time windows with sunrise and sunset?","What happens when the electricity meter becomes unavailable?","Can I manually turn off devices that Energy Manager controls?","How often does Energy Manager check and respond to power changes?"]
---

# Energy Manager

Last updated: 2026-11-06

The **Energy manager** is a smart rule that automatically turns devices on and off according to surplus power from photovoltaics and the priority of each device. It works with an electricity meter on the main supply and with digital outputs (On/Off devices such as a boiler) and analog outputs (devices with adjustable power such as a Wallbox charger). You need a meter that measures the total energy balance of the home and, for each device, a rated power, switch-on power and switch-off power. As a result, surplus energy is used by your devices instead of being exported to the grid, and grid import stays below the maximum imported power you set.

> [!NOTE]
> 🚀 **Available** — TapHome Next 2026.1.36599+.

Think of it as an intelligent power dispatcher: when your solar panels produce more than your house consumes, the **Energy manager** channels that surplus into the devices you choose, in the order you choose.

## How it works

Based on the current energy flow at the grid connection (import or export), the **Energy manager** automatically:

- **Turns devices on** when there is surplus energy from photovoltaics
- **Turns devices off** when importing from the grid
- **Regulates power** of devices with adjustable power (e.g., chargers)
- **Prioritizes devices** by their position in the list (1 = highest priority)

> [!TIP]
> You have a photovoltaic system producing 5 kW. The household consumes 2 kW. The **Energy manager** automatically turns on the boiler (3 kW) to use the surplus 3 kW instead of exporting it to the grid.

The **Energy manager** supports two types of devices:

### [Digital outputs (On/Off)](https://taphome.com/en/docs/energy-manager/#power-settings)

Devices that can only be turned on or off (boiler, heat pump, air conditioning)

### [Analog outputs (Adjustable)](https://taphome.com/en/docs/energy-manager/#analog-output)

Devices with adjustable power (Wallbox charger, dimmers)


## Getting started

Setting up the **Energy manager** takes three steps:

1. **Add an electricity meter** — the meter that measures power flow at your grid connection point.
2. **Set your power targets** — how much import or export you want the smart rule to aim for.
3. **Add devices** — the loads you want the **Energy manager** to control, in priority order.

### Basic example

You have rooftop solar panels and an electric water heater (2 kW). You want the water heater to run only on surplus solar power.

1. Create a new **Energy manager** smart rule.
2. Select your grid meter in the **Electric meter** section.
3. Leave **Setpoint** at **0 W** (aim for zero grid import/export).
4. Add the water heater to the **Devices** list.
5. On the device configuration page, set **Rated power** to **2000 W**, **Switch-on power** to **2200 W**, and **Switch-off power** to **1500 W**.
6. Tap **Save**.

The water heater now turns on when at least 2200 W of surplus power is available and turns off when grid import reaches 1500 W.

### Step by step

1. **Create the smart rule:** open the Smart Rules section, add a new rule, select **Energy manager** and enter a name (e.g., "Photovoltaics Management").
2. **Set the meter:** select the **Electric meter** that measures the energy flow and verify that it shows positive values for import from the grid and negative values for export to the grid. If the meter is not selected yet, tap **Add electricity meter**.
3. **Set the setpoint and limits:** **Setpoint** **0 W** (recommended); **Maximum imported power** set to the maximum allowed import.
4. **Add devices:** for each device tap **Add device**, choose the device from the list and move it to its priority position (top = 1, highest). Set the power parameters — **Rated power**, **Minimum power** (analog outputs only), **Switch-on power**, **Switch-off power** — and the times — **Preparation time**, **Minimum run time**, **Minimum day run time**. Optionally define **Active times**.
5. **Save and monitor:** tap **Save** and watch how the devices behave. Every save resets today's runtime counters (see [Midnight reset](https://taphome.com/en/docs/energy-manager/#midnight-reset)).


## Electricity meter

**Choose the electric meter that measures your home's power flow. A positive value means power is being imported from the grid, while a negative value indicates exported (surplus) power.**

The meter is the **Energy manager**'s eyes. Tap **Add electricity meter** to select the meter that measures your grid connection. Without it, the smart rule cannot calculate available power — and all controlled devices will be released back to manual control.

A positive meter value means drawing from the grid, a negative value means feeding surplus into the grid.

> [!NOTE]
> The electricity meter must be installed on the main supply so that it measures the total energy balance of the home (production − consumption). For three-phase installations, the meter must measure the total balance of all three phases.

> [!WARNING]
> If the electricity meter becomes unreachable (communication lost, device offline), the **Energy manager** immediately releases all devices: it stops controlling them, so they keep their current state unless another smart rule takes them over. This is a safety measure to prevent uncontrolled grid import.


## Energy settings

### **Setpoint**

**The Setpoint defines how the Energy manager controls connected devices. • A value of 0 means the Energy manager aims for zero import and zero export to the grid. • A positive value allows importing up to that amount of power from the grid. • A negative value reserves that amount of power for export to the grid.**

The setpoint is the grid power balance the **Energy manager** tries to maintain. It is specified in watts and can be positive, negative, or zero.

| Setpoint | Meaning | Use case |
|:---------|:--------|:---------|
| **0 W** | Zero grid exchange — use all surplus locally | Most common for self-consumption optimization |
| **+500 W** | Allow up to 500 W grid import | You want some headroom for devices the smart rule does not control |
| **−2000 W** | Reserve 2000 W for grid export | You want to feed a minimum amount back to the grid |

> [!TIP]
> Available power = **Setpoint** − Current meter reading.
> The meter reading is positive when importing from the grid and negative when exporting.
> A meter reading of −2500 W (exporting 2.5 kW) with a setpoint of 0 W means 2500 W are available for loads.

> [!NOTE]
> For optimal use of photovoltaics, set **Setpoint** to **0 W**. The **Energy manager** then tries to minimize both import and export.

### **Maximum imported power**

**The Maximum imported power defines the upper limit for grid power imports. Energy manager will try to keep imports below this value. If the limit is reached, the power of devices will be reduced or switched off.**

This is a hard safety limit. Set it to the maximum your grid connection or main breaker can handle — for example, **15000 W** for a typical 3×25 A connection.

If actual grid import reaches this value, the **Energy manager** will immediately reduce analog output devices and switch off digital devices, starting from the lowest priority. If a gentle reduction is not enough, devices are forcibly turned off regardless of their minimum runtime.

> [!WARNING]
> If you set the limit to **5000 W** and the household consumes 6000 W, the **Energy manager** starts turning off lower-priority devices to bring the grid import below 5000 W.

| Parameter | Range | Default |
|:----------|:------|:--------|
| **Setpoint** | −30 000 to +30 000 W | 0 W |
| **Maximum imported power** | 1 W and above | 15 000 W |


## Devices and priority

**Priorities are assigned to connected devices (1 = highest, 15 = lowest). When the electricity meter indicates surplus power, the Energy manager will switch on as many devices as possible, starting with the highest priority. Analog outputs regulate their output between the minimum power and the defined rated power. Devices are switched off when the imported grid power exceeds the defined switch-off power.**

Tap **Add device** to add controllable devices. You can add up to **15 devices** per **Energy manager** rule.

**Priority is determined by device order.** The device at the top has the highest priority (1) and is turned on first when surplus power is available. Drag devices up or down to change their priority.

> [!TIP]
> An example order:
> 1. **Priority 1** – Boiler (needs to heat daily)
> 2. **Priority 2** – Electric vehicle charger (important, but not critical)
> 3. **Priority 3** – Pool heating (can wait)

Each device in the list shows its priority number and current power information. Tap a device to open its configuration page, or use the three-dot menu to rename, remove, or access device details.

> [!NOTE]
> The **Energy manager** can be temporarily disabled using the **Enabled** toggle in the parameters section. You can also set a **Limiting condition** (time-based, formula-based, or switch-based) to control when the smart rule is active.


## Per-device configuration

Tap a device in the list to open its **Power settings** page.

### **Power settings**

**Rated power defines the nominal (maximum) power of the device.**

#### **Rated power**

The nominal maximum power consumption of the device, in watts.

For a digital (on/off) device, this tells the **Energy manager** how much power to expect when the device turns on — and how much power becomes available again when it turns off.

For an analog output device, this is the power at 100% output.

| Parameter | Range | Default |
|:----------|:------|:--------|
| **Rated power** | 1 W and above | 2000 W |

#### **Switch-on power**

The minimum available surplus power required before this device will be turned on.

Set this slightly above the rated power to provide a safety margin. For example, if a device draws 2000 W, set the switch-on power to 2200 W so the smart rule waits until there is comfortably enough surplus.

**Negative values are allowed.** A negative switch-on power means the device can be turned on even while importing from the grid. For example, setting switch-on power to **−500 W** means "turn on this device even if the grid is importing up to 500 W more than the setpoint".

| Parameter | Range | Default |
|:----------|:------|:--------|
| **Switch-on power** | Signed (negative allowed) | 2200 W |

#### **Switch-off power**

The grid import threshold at which this device will be turned off. When the **Energy manager** detects that grid import reaches this value (relative to the setpoint), it will turn off this device to free up power.

The smart rule enforces a minimum switch-off power to prevent rapid on/off cycling. This minimum is calculated from the device's rated power and switch-on power.

| Parameter | Range | Default |
|:----------|:------|:--------|
| **Switch-off power** | Minimum is enforced automatically | 1500 W |

#### Power settings at a glance

**The device operates according to defined power thresholds and power allocation rules. It is activated when available surplus power exceeds the Switch-on Power and deactivated when grid import surpasses the Switch-off Power.**

**Example: For instance, a Wallbox charger with a rated power of 11 kW can be configured to operate only when there is enough surplus solar power. You could set Rated Power to 11000W, Minimum Power to 2000W, Switch-on Power to 3000W, and Switch-off Power to 500W. In this setup, the charger automatically starts when at least 3000W of surplus power is available and stops when grid import exceeds 500W.**

> [!NOTE]
> Boiler with a power of 3000 W:
> - **Rated power**: **3000 W**
> - **Switch-on power**: **2500 W** (turns on with a surplus of 2500 W)
> - **Switch-off power**: **500 W** (turns off when import exceeds 500 W)
>
> Result: The boiler turns on only when the photovoltaics produce at least 2500 W more than the household consumes. It turns off when grid import exceeds 500 W.


### **Run time**

#### **Preparation time**

**Defines the stabilization time after a device is switched on. During this time, the device is given the opportunity to reach its steady power demand. No other devices will be activated based on surplus power until the preparation time has elapsed.**

Some devices (e.g., heat pumps, compressors) need time to ramp up before their power consumption stabilizes. During this period, the **Energy manager** will not turn on additional devices, because the meter reading does not yet reflect the true consumption.

| Parameter | Range | Default |
|:----------|:------|:--------|
| **Preparation time** | 0 and above | 30 seconds |

**Recommendation:** 2–5 minutes for devices with a slow start, such as heat pumps.

#### **Minimum run time**

**Minimum amount of time a device must be switched on after activation, before it can be switched off again. This ensures reliable operation and prevents excessive switching.**

Once a device is turned on, the **Energy manager** guarantees it stays on for at least this duration — even if surplus power disappears in the meantime. This protects devices that should not be switched on and off rapidly (e.g., a pool pump that needs at least a few minutes per cycle).

If the active time window expires before the minimum runtime is reached, the device stays on until the minimum runtime is met.

| Parameter | Range | Default |
|:----------|:------|:--------|
| **Minimum run time** | 0 and above | 30 minutes |

**Recommendation:** 10–30 minutes, to avoid frequent switching on and off.

#### **Minimum day run time**

**Minimum amount of time a device must run each day, even if there is no surplus power available.**

This ensures devices with essential daily requirements (e.g., a pool filter that needs 4 hours per day, or a boiler that must heat for at least 1 hour) get their runtime even on cloudy days. The **Energy manager** tracks how long each device has run today (resetting at midnight) and, if necessary, turns on a device near the end of the day even without surplus power.

Lower-priority devices that have not met their daily runtime can even preempt higher-priority devices that have already met theirs. This is the **fairness** mechanism.

| Parameter | Range | Default |
|:----------|:------|:--------|
| **Minimum day run time** | 0 and above | 1 hour |


### **Active times**

**Time periods during the day when a device is allowed to be switched on. Time periods must not overlap.**

Active times define **when** a device is allowed to operate. Outside these windows, the **Energy manager** will not turn the device on (and will turn it off when the window ends, subject to minimum runtime).

You can define up to **10 active time windows** per device. A new device starts with a single default window of **08:00** to **18:00**.

> [!NOTE]
> If you remove all active time windows from a device, it is treated as active all day (00:00 to 24:00). The same applies if you set the start time equal to the end time (e.g., 08:00 to 08:00) — this also means "run the entire day".

#### Fixed time windows

Set a specific start and end time using the clock picker. For example, 06:00 to 22:00.

If the end time is earlier than the start time, the window crosses midnight. For example, 22:00 to 06:00 means "from 10 PM tonight to 6 AM tomorrow". The end time picker will show **Next day** to indicate this.

#### Sunrise and sunset windows

Instead of a fixed clock time, you can tie the start or end of a window to sunrise or sunset at your installation's location.

When you select Sunrise or Sunset mode, a slider appears with the label **Offset Relative to Sunrise** (or **Offset Relative to Sunset**), letting you set an offset from **−4 hours** to **+4 hours** in predefined steps:

−4h, −3h, −2.5h, −2h, −1.5h, −1h, −45m, −30m, −15m, 0, +15m, +30m, +45m, +1h, +1.5h, +2h, +2.5h, +3h, +4h

A description below the slider shows the next actual sunrise or sunset time for your location. In the active time list, the window is displayed as e.g. **Sunrise + 30 minutes** or **Sunset - 1 hour**.

> [!NOTE]
> If a sunrise/sunset offset pushes the time into the previous or next day, the time cannot be determined and the active time will show: **Unable to determine time.**

You can mix modes freely — for example, start at Sunrise + 30 minutes and end at a fixed time of 20:00.

**Fixed time**

From: 08:00 To: 18:00

The device may run only between 08:00 and 18:00.


**Sunrise**

From: Sunrise + 30 minutes To: 18:00

The device may run from 30 minutes after sunrise until 18:00.


**Sunset**

From: 06:00 To: Sunset - 1 hour

The device may run from 06:00 to one hour before sunset.

#### Per-window minimum runtime

Each active time window has its own **Minimum run time** setting.

**Minimum amount of time a device must be switched on during this active time.**

This is independent of the device-level **Minimum run time** (minimum per turn-on cycle) and **Minimum day run time** (minimum per day). It ensures that within a specific window, the device accumulates a minimum amount of on-time.

**Example:** A device may run from 17:00 to 20:00 and you want it to run for at least half an hour within this window — set **Minimum run time** to 30 minutes.

#### Validation

Active time windows are automatically sorted by start time. The smart rule validates them and shows inline warnings:

| Validation error | Meaning | Solution |
|:-----------------|:--------|:---------|
| **Overlapping intervals detected. Please adjust your time ranges.** | Two windows overlap in time. | Adjust the time windows so they do not intersect. |
| **The start time occurs after the end time.** | The resolved end time is before the resolved start time. | Correct the time ranges. |
| **Unable to determine time.** | A sunrise/sunset time could not be resolved (e.g., offset pushes past day boundary). | Check the location settings of the installation and the offset. |


## Analog output devices

Some devices support variable power output rather than simple on/off switching — for example, a Wallbox EV charger that can charge at different rates, or a battery inverter with adjustable output. The **Energy manager** detects these automatically and shows additional settings.

**Rated power defines the nominal (maximum) power of the device, while Minimum power specifies the lowest possible operating power for controllable devices.**

An analog output device has the same **Run time** (**Preparation time**, **Minimum run time**, **Minimum day run time**) and **Active times** as a digital device.

### **Minimum power**

The lowest operating power of the device when it is on. For example, if an EV charger draws at least 1400 W even at its lowest charging rate, set this to **1400 W** (a Wallbox at its minimum current of 6 A on one phase draws 6 A × 230 V = 1380 W).

The **Energy manager** regulates the device's output between **Minimum power** and **Rated power**.

| Parameter | Range | Default |
|:----------|:------|:--------|
| **Minimum power** | 1 W and above | 500 W |

### **Power Allocation Mode**

**Power Allocation Mode determines whether the device draws maximum available output or shares power with other devices. Devices that have fulfilled their minimum daily runtime and minimum active runtime will automatically release power for other devices.**

Two strategies are available:

**Maximize Power**
: The device tries to consume all available surplus power, increasing its output as high as possible. This is the default and best for devices like EV chargers where you want maximum utilization — the wallbox charges as fast as the surplus allows.

**Share Power**
: The device starts at its minimum power when turned on, leaving the remaining surplus available for other devices. This is useful for devices like battery inverters that should defer to other loads — or for a wallbox that should charge slowly so that other devices can be turned on.

Devices that have met their **Minimum day run time** and the **Minimum run time** of the current active time window can give up their power to other devices (see [Fairness](https://taphome.com/en/docs/energy-manager/#fairness)).

> [!NOTE]
> A **Share Power** device does not start at exactly the configured **Minimum power**. It starts at 1% of its regulation range above the minimum. For example, a device with **Minimum power** 500 W and **Rated power** 5000 W has a regulation range of 4500 W, so it starts at 500 + 45 = 545 W. This small offset ensures the device registers as actively regulated rather than idle.

> [!TIP]
> The **Energy manager** continuously adjusts each analog device's output level to match available surplus power. When surplus increases, devices ramp up. When surplus decreases, devices ramp down — starting with the lowest-priority device. If reducing output is not enough, devices are turned off entirely.


## How the logic works

### Priority and turn-on order

When surplus power is available, the **Energy manager** evaluates devices from highest priority (position 1) to lowest. For each device, it checks:

1. Is the device currently in an active time window?
2. Is there enough surplus power (at least **Switch-on power**)?
3. Is there enough remaining active time for the device to complete its **Minimum run time**?
4. Will grid import stay below **Maximum imported power** after turning on this device?

If all conditions are met, the device is turned on and the smart rule waits for the power reading to stabilize (approximately 10 seconds) before evaluating the next device.

If there is enough surplus for all devices, they all run according to normal priority — no trade-offs are necessary.

### Fairness: minimum runtime guarantees

The **Energy manager** has a fairness mechanism: devices that have **not yet met** their **Minimum day run time** or per-window **Minimum run time** can preempt devices that **have** met their runtimes — even if the preempting device has a lower priority.

For example, if your high-priority water heater has already run for its required 2 hours today but your low-priority pool pump still needs 1 more hour, the **Energy manager** may temporarily turn off the water heater to let the pool pump run.

This only happens when there is not enough surplus to run both simultaneously.

### Maximum power exceeded

If grid import reaches the **Maximum imported power** limit:

1. **Soft reduction**: Starting from the lowest-priority device, the smart rule reduces analog outputs and switches off digital devices — but only those that have completed their minimum runtime and preparation time.
2. **Hard reduction**: If gentle measures are not enough, devices are forcibly turned off regardless of runtime constraints.

After taking action, the smart rule waits 5 seconds for power readings to stabilize before re-evaluating.

### Stabilization periods

After every device state change (turn on, turn off, or output adjustment), the **Energy manager** waits approximately **10 seconds** before making further decisions. This gives the electricity meter time to reflect the actual power consumption. After a maximum-power-exceeded event, the wait is **5 seconds**.

### Manual override

If you manually switch a controlled device on or off (e.g., via its physical switch or another app), the **Energy manager** detects the change and updates its time tracking. On the next evaluation cycle, the smart rule will reassess the situation and may reassert control — turning the device back on or off according to the current power balance.

### Meter unavailable

If the electricity meter stops responding, the **Energy manager** releases all devices immediately: they keep their current state unless another smart rule takes them over, and you can control them manually. This is a safety measure — without a meter reading, the smart rule cannot make informed decisions.

### Midnight reset

At midnight (local time), the **Energy manager**:

- Resets all daily runtime counters to zero.
- Recalculates sunrise and sunset times for the new day.
- Turns off any device that is no longer within an active time window.

Every save of the smart rule, even just a change of the device order, resets today's runtime counters: the smart rule first turns all devices off and then turns them on again one by one.


## Examples and scenarios

### Pool pump: 4 hours per day during daytime

**Goal**: Run the pool pump for at least 4 hours every day, but only between 8 AM and 6 PM, and preferably using solar power.

**Configuration**:
- **Rated power**: **750 W**
- **Switch-on power**: **800 W**
- **Switch-off power**: **500 W**
- **Minimum run time**: **60 minutes** (prevent short cycling)
- **Minimum day run time**: **4 hours**
- **Active times**: one window, 08:00 to 18:00

**Behavior**: On sunny days, the pump runs whenever there is enough surplus. On cloudy days, the **Energy manager** calculates backward from 18:00 and turns the pump on at the latest possible time to guarantee 4 hours of runtime — even without surplus power.

### EV charger: use all surplus power

**Goal**: Charge the electric vehicle using only surplus solar power, at whatever rate is available.

**Configuration** (analog output device):
- **Rated power**: **11 000 W** (11 kW Wallbox)
- **Minimum power**: **1400 W** (minimum charging rate)
- **Switch-on power**: **1500 W**
- **Switch-off power**: **500 W**
- **Power Allocation Mode**: **Maximize Power**
- **Active times**: one window, 06:00 to 22:00

**Behavior**: When at least 1500 W of surplus is available, the charger starts at a power level matching the available surplus. As more surplus becomes available, the **Energy manager** ramps up the charging rate toward 11 kW. When clouds pass and surplus drops, the charger reduces its rate. If surplus drops below the switch-off threshold, the charger stops.

### Battery inverter: release power for other loads

**Goal**: Use a battery inverter to absorb surplus power, but give priority to the water heater and pool pump first.

**Configuration** (analog output device):
- **Rated power**: **5000 W**
- **Minimum power**: **500 W**
- **Switch-on power**: **600 W**
- **Switch-off power**: **400 W**
- **Power Allocation Mode**: **Share Power**
- **Active times**: one window, Sunrise to Sunset

**Behavior**: The low switch-on threshold lets the inverter start early in the morning, even with little surplus. Because it uses **Share Power** mode, it starts at minimum power (~545 W) and leaves the remaining surplus available for other devices. As solar increases, the battery inverter ramps up — but when the pool pump or water heater needs power, the fairness mechanism reduces the inverter's output to make room. When other devices turn off, the inverter ramps back up.

### Multi-device setup: solar self-consumption

**Goal**: Maximize use of a 12 kWp solar system across multiple devices.

**Global settings**:
- **Setpoint**: **0 W**
- **Maximum imported power**: **15 000 W**

**Devices** (in priority order, top = highest):

| Parameter | 1. Water heater | 2. Battery inverter | 3. Pool pump | 4. EV charger |
|:----------|:----------------|:--------------------|:-------------|:--------------|
| Type | Digital (on/off) | Analog output | Digital (on/off) | Analog output |
| | | | | |
| **Power settings** | | | | |
| **Rated power** | 2000 W | 5000 W | 750 W | 11 000 W |
| **Minimum power** | — | 500 W | — | 1400 W |
| **Switch-on power** | 2200 W | 600 W | 800 W | 1500 W |
| **Switch-off power** | 1500 W | 400 W | 500 W | 500 W |
| **Power Allocation Mode** | — | **Share Power** | — | **Maximize Power** |
| | | | | |
| **Runtime** | | | | |
| **Preparation time** | 30 seconds | 30 seconds | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
| **Minimum run time** | 30 minutes | 15 minutes | 60 minutes | 30 minutes |
| **Minimum day run time** | 2 hours | 0 | 4 hours | 0 |
| | | | | |
| **Active times** | | | | |
| Window 1 | 06:00–22:00 | Sunrise–Sunset | 08:00–18:00 | 06:00–22:00 |
| Window 1 **Minimum run time** | 0 | 0 | 2 hours | 0 |

**Typical sunny day sequence**:
1. **Early morning (~06:30)**: Solar production begins at ~600 W. The battery inverter turns on first in **Share Power** mode — it draws just its minimum (~545 W), leaving the growing surplus available for other devices. Over the next hour, as solar increases, the battery inverter gradually ramps up to consume all available surplus, keeping grid export near zero.
2. **After 08:00**: The pool pump's active window opens. It needs 4 hours of daily runtime, so the fairness mechanism kicks in: the **Energy manager** *reduces* the battery inverter's output by ~800 W to free enough surplus for the pool pump (750 W) to turn on. The battery inverter is still running, just at a lower setpoint. It then ramps back up over subsequent cycles to consume any remaining surplus.
3. **Mid-morning (~08:50)**: Solar reaches ~3200 W. The water heater also needs daily runtime (2 hours), so the fairness mechanism acts again. The **Energy manager** temporarily turns off the battery inverter to free enough power for the water heater to turn on (needs 2200 W surplus, water heater draws 2000 W). The pool pump stays on throughout — its **Minimum run time** (60 minutes) hasn't elapsed yet, so the **Energy manager** can't displace it. Within minutes, the battery inverter turns back on and ramps up to absorb whatever surplus remains above the two fixed-power devices.
4. **Late morning (~11:00)**: Solar reaches ~9250 W. The battery inverter has been absorbing all available surplus and has hit its maximum charging power (5000 W). The surplus now exceeds what the battery can absorb — 1500 W spills over. The EV charger turns on in **Maximize Power** mode, immediately consuming this entire overflow. From this point, the EV charger ramps up as solar increases.
5. **Solar peak (~12:00, ~11 000 W)**: The EV charger (**Maximize Power**) takes power *away* from the battery inverter (**Share Power**) via analog output balancing. The battery inverter is pushed back near its minimum (~545 W) while the EV charger absorbs ~7700 W. Total system consumption matches solar production, keeping grid import near zero.
6. **Afternoon decline**: As solar drops, the EV charger reduces first (**Maximize Power** still adjusts to match surplus), then the battery inverter (already near minimum). When surplus drops below switch-off thresholds, devices turn off in reverse priority order: EV charger, pool pump, battery inverter, water heater. If the pool pump hasn't reached its 4-hour daily minimum by late afternoon, the fairness mechanism turns it back on — even if that means reducing the EV charger.


## Frequently asked questions

### How do I know the Energy Manager is working correctly?

Watch the meter:
- On sunny days, devices turn on gradually according to priority.
- On cloudy days, devices turn off to minimize import.
- The grid import or export stays close to the **Setpoint**.

### Can I manually turn devices on or off?

Yes. The smart rule detects the change and may reassert control on the next evaluation — see [Manual override](https://taphome.com/en/docs/energy-manager/#manual-override). A device the **Energy manager** wants on but which stays off (for example after a manual switch-off) is turned off by the smart rule once the rest of its active time can no longer cover its **Minimum run time**.

### What does "priority" mean?

Priority is the order in which devices are turned on: the first device in the list is the most important and turns on first, the last one turns on only when there is enough surplus left.

### How often does the **Energy manager** respond to changes?

The **Energy manager** evaluates the situation whenever the meter or a controlled device reports a new value, and at least once a minute. After each switching decision it waits about 10 seconds for the meter reading to stabilize (see [Stabilization periods](https://taphome.com/en/docs/energy-manager/#stabilization)).

### Does the **Energy manager** support three-phase devices?

Yes, but the meter must measure the total three-phase balance (the sum of all three phases).

**See also** — [Impulse Electric Meter](https://taphome.com/en/docs/configuration/impulse-electric-meter/), [Power Limiting with PWM Groups](https://taphome.com/en/docs/configuration/power-limiting-pwm-groups/).