When you set up multiple automations with the same trigger threshold, they will all activate simultaneously. There is no defined sequence in which these automations will execute.
When you use the same trigger threshold, all automations that share this threshold will be triggered at the exact moment when this condition is met. The system doesn't prioritize one automation over another; it simply executes all automations that meet the criteria at the same time.
Imagine you have two automations, both set to trigger at 1 kW of grid injection. If both automations trigger at the same time, the combined effect of turning on both appliances can cause the grid injection to drop significantly. For example, if each appliance consumes 1 kW, the grid injection could drop from 1 kW to -1 kW almost instantly.
This can lead to unintended consequences, such as drawing power from the grid instead of using excess solar power, which goes against the goal of maximizing self-consumption.
What might be an option for creating a trigger order?
- Stagger the trigger thresholds: Set slightly different trigger thresholds for each automation. For instance, you could set one automation to trigger at 0.5 kW and another at 0.7kW. This ensures that automations are activated in a sequence, preventing a sudden drop in grid injection.
- Combine automations: If you intend to turn on multiple devices simultaneously, it's better to include them all within a single automation. In this case, make sure to set the trigger threshold based on the combined power consumption of all the devices. For example, if you're turning on two devices that each consume 0.5 kW, you should set the trigger threshold to accommodate their combined load, perhaps around 1 kW or more.
The limitations you will have with this way of proceeding, however, is that if the combined trigger threshold is very high, perhaps your network injection will never reach this threshold, and you will not benefit from the available grid injection.
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