What Is The Installation Process after Applying for a 'controlled Load 1' with a Smart Meter?

Bignudge on 10/05/2020 - 10:35

Hi fellow OzBargainers!

I've currently got solar panels along with a smart meter. I would like to know the processes of switching to controlled load 1 if anyone's done it before (including cost and time).

One of my biggest questions is that after my meter's been reconfigured by the technician… will the the same guy hook up my hot water system to the controlled load 1 output or do I have to get a seperate sparky to come out?

(PS. I've done my research and can conclude that if I'm heating on controlled load 1, the solar feed in tarrif will neutralise that heating cost.)

Thanks!

Home & Garden

Comments

  • cheaplee on 10/05/2020 - 21:16

    I was heading down the opposite path. I was told with my solar the inverter will only supply solar to the house if that draw is coming through the normal tariff, not controlled load.

    So I could buy on CL for 15c/kWh and at the same time sell my sunbeams for 8c/kWh.

    If you had hot water on normal tariff and actually used the solar produced on your roof rather than buying it you will get 15c/kWh.

    Works for me as we all work during the day so home power consumption is minimal. I'll put a timer on the switchboard and run hot water during middle of day to heat.

    • Quantumcat on 11/05/2020 - 08:27

      I would assume a controlled load would be during the night hours only

      • cheaplee on 11/05/2020 - 10:00
        +1

        Depends on the specific tarrif. Some are guaranteed 18hrs, others only 6 hours.

        My point was rather forget controlled load all together and use your solar to make hot water. Does depend on purchase price of controlled load though

        • Quantumcat on 11/05/2020 - 10:34

          Yeah that makes sense if you're not home during the day. A 6.6kw system in the middle of the day is plenty to cover the spike from hot water. I have been researching tariffs and stuff too, thinking controlled load at night would be best for me as I am home during the day and if the hot water decides to turn on at an unfortunate time like just after I've turned on the dishwasher or something it would start pulling grid electricity and end up costing more

          • Euphemistic on 11/05/2020 - 12:24
            +1

            @Quantumcat: With storage hot water (tank) you will want a backup of some sort, probably a controlled load (off peak) system as well in case of cloudy days. Then for it to be most cost effective, will want to use your hot water in the mornings. That way the controlled load won’t sense the temp dropping at the end of the day and overnight kick in with the mains power.

            There are devices which will divert excess solar into your otherwise controlled load hot water service but they aren’t cheap (or weren’t) and the payback period is quite long.

            I looked into it and have stuck with off peak hot water - for now.

    • Bignudge on 11/05/2020 - 18:37

      Hmmm, I see what you mean by just throwing out 'controlled load' altogether, but in my case I can buy controlled load 1 for 13.4c/kwh and sell my solar output for 21c/kwh.

      So basically I save more selling what I make haha

      • Euphemistic on 11/05/2020 - 22:49
        +1

        Yeah. It depends on your usage patterns and tariffs. Everyone has a different best solution.

  • Euphemistic on 11/05/2020 - 12:25

    The sparky that replaces the meter should hook up all existing circuits.

    • Bignudge on 11/05/2020 - 18:38

      That's what I was hoping for!

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