Skip to main content

What are the battery modes (self-consumption, time-based, backup) and which should I use?

Short answer. Most homes run Self-consumption: solar runs the house first, extra charges the battery, then anything left goes to the grid. Other modes such as time-based control or backup suit particular tariffs or situations. We set the mode that suits you at install and do not tell customers which saves the most, because it depends on your bills.

Safety first. Changing a mode is an app task. 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.

Sigenergy modes

  • Self-Consumption: solar powers the home, extra charges the battery, the rest goes to the grid; the battery powers the home when solar is not enough.
  • Time-based Control (TOU): you set charging and discharging periods. Outside them the battery does not discharge.
  • Fully Fed to Grid: aims to send as much as possible to the grid.
  • Sigen AI Mode: learns your usage, local prices and the weather. Only offered in some regions.
  • Remote EMS Mode: an energy company controls the system. Do not enter or leave it without our confirmation.

To change it: Home, then Mode, or Setting, then Operational Mode (menu names may differ by app version).

GoodWe modes (SEMS+)

  • Self-consumption: the default. Solar powers the home first, extra charges the battery, the rest is sold; the battery then the grid supply the home when solar is not enough.
  • Backup Mode: recommended where the grid is unreliable; keeps the battery charged to the backup level for an outage.
  • TOU Mode: times to charge and discharge, with cut-off levels; outside them it runs as self-consumption.
  • Smart or Intelligent Charging: for export-limited sites; uses solar over the export limit to charge the battery.
  • Demand Control (mainly commercial) and Off-grid Mode (no grid connection).
  • AI Mode: needs GoodWe’s energy management system and a Time-of-Use or dynamic tariff.

To change it: device details, then Common Controls, Energy Management, Working Mode. Some modes are only offered on some plants.

Which should I use?

Start where we set you up. If your retailer offers a time-of-use or dynamic tariff, or you joined a program, call us and we will look at your bills and settings together. A wrong mode can affect your blackout backup.

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

Which mode is best?

It depends on your bills, tariff and how you use power. We do not give a one-size answer, but we are happy to talk it through.

Will changing the mode affect my blackout backup?

It can. Backup depends on the right modes and levels, so call us before changing it.

What is Remote EMS Mode?

It lets an energy company control your Sigenergy system, for example in a virtual power plant. Sigenergy says not to enter or leave it without your installer’s confirmation.

My app does not show some of these modes.

Some modes are offered only in some regions or on some systems, and the screen on your app is what counts.

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.

Related guides

Check Your Battery Rebate & 0% Loan