Weird Reading on my Smart Meter Home Display

thriftytracey

At about 5.00 to 5.15 pm or thereabouts my home display shoots up to 0.6kw for energy used on the "now" setting.   See photo below.   I don't understand why as all that is on is a few LED lights, couple of laptops, one fridge and one freezer and normally it is about 10 watts (when no other appliances on like oven, air fryer, iron etc).  There is no hot water running (i e gas boiler using electric motor) and no other electrical appliances on.  I guess the battery and electrics for the solar panels are on all the time.

I am on the Octopus Flux Tariff, but STILL not receiving the FIT payments - I have put in a complaint to Octopus it has been weeks.  (They suggested I raise a complaint with them!).  I just wondered is it because the tariff is more expensive at peak hours on the Flux Tariff?  Although I thought it would show £ not watts and as you will see from the symbol, solar panels are currently generating electricity.  Apologies if this is a numpty question.  I haven't yet monitored it yet to see when it goes back down to about 10 watts.  My battery percentage is currently showing 97%.  

Also, as I am not receiving FIT payments is it better that I come off the Flux Tariff as we are now in autumn?  Still getting sunny days though, but obviously shorter now.  I have been running the washing machine at 3.00am.  I run the dishwasher in the morning once I have generated enough electricity.

Now, at 17:39 the display is 243 W, and it seems to go down gradually. Few minutes later 17:43 displaying 124 W, but now is 443 W.  I had better stop now or I will never post this!  Thanks for any advice.

Netexporter

A fridge and a freezer firing up at the same time could be about half of it. Internet router probably 10 to 15 watts continuous. Laptops perhaps 40 watts each. Soon adds up.

thriftytracey

But now it is displaying 1 W!  All those items are still running.  I am wondering if the Watts fluctuation numbers is the electric generation from the solar panels, as the £ is £0.00.  The solar panels are no longer generating now, but drawing power from the battery.

cm4ever

That photo isn't showing energy 'used', it's showing an instantaneous value for energy 'exported' to the grid, hence the pylon symbol.

Netexporter

Yes, strictly speaking that is showing power, not energy.

cm4ever

Thanks for being picky with my explanation to the OP's perceived 'issue' hahaha

If you'd had said the display was showing the OP it's exporting, my comment wouldn't have been necessary.....

Netexporter

I didn't notice the arrow direction.

I shall go and sit in the corner!