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Why is my battery charging from the grid?

Short answer. Usually because a setting told it to: a time-based charging period, an AI mode, a backup top-up, or an energy company controlling the system. If you did not expect it, check the mode in your app and tell us. We do not promise it saves money, because that depends on your tariff.

With solar, a battery normally charges from your panels first. Charging from the grid is a choice built into the system, not a fault, but it should match what you agreed with us.

Safety first. Changing modes is for the app, not the switchboard. Never open a switchboard, remove a cover from your battery or inverter, or touch any wiring. Anything beyond the app, a light you can read from a safe distance, or your own router is a job for a licensed electrician. If you see smoke, smell burning, hear arcing or see water on or near the unit: keep everyone away, switch off at your main switch only if it is safe to do so, and call 000 if there is any fire or smoke.

Common reasons (from the manuals)

  • Sigenergy Time-based Control (TOU): you or we set charging and discharging periods. Sigenergy says the battery can be charged from the grid at night when the price is low, within limits you set.
  • Sigenergy AI Mode: learns your usage, local prices and the weather to plan charging and discharging, which can include grid charging.
  • Sigenergy Remote EMS Mode: lets an energy company (for example a virtual power plant) control the system. Sigenergy says not to enter or leave this mode without your installer’s confirmation.
  • GoodWe Backup mode: while the grid is on, it charges the battery to the backup level (from solar, or from the grid if Grid Purchase Charging is on) so there is enough for an outage.
  • GoodWe TOU mode: times you set for charging and discharging, with cut-off levels.
  • GoodWe backup SOC maintenance: buys grid power to hold the set backup level.

What to do

  1. Open the app and look at the current mode (mySigen: Home, then Mode. SEMS+: device details, then Working Mode).
  2. Check whether you joined an energy company or retailer program that controls the battery.
  3. If it was not what you expected, note the date and time and send us a screenshot. We will check the settings with you.

We do not tell customers which mode will save the most. It depends on your tariff and bills, and we will talk it through on a call.

Read more: Sigenergy batteries and GoodWe batteries from Sun Connect Solar

When to call us

If we installed your system, call us on 0483 903 020. Our service help for existing customers is free: we start by working through it with you by phone. If you are not yet a customer, a service call is $250 + GST, which covers one hour on site within 20 km of Mullumbimby; travel further out is quoted separately. Contact us or call 0483 903 020 (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-4pm).

Quick questions

Is charging from the grid bad for the battery?

No. It is a normal operating mode when set up on purpose. What matters is that it matches what you want.

Can I stop it?

Yes, by changing the mode or settings. Because that affects your blackout backup and bills, we suggest a quick call first.

Will it save me money?

We do not promise savings. It depends on your retailer, tariff and use.

I joined a VPP. Is that why?

Possibly. Sigenergy’s Remote EMS Mode lets an energy company control the system. Leaving a program is done with that company first.

Sources

Last checked 6 October 2026. Only the manufacturer’s, the network’s or the government’s own documents are used; app menus change between versions, so if your screen looks different, call us rather than guess.

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