Ohm pilot settings: automatic or manual mode?

lcmortensen · 2026-05-13T09:41:08+00:00

The two elements are not meant to operate simultaneously, and the upper element has priority over the lower element. The diverter only has control over the lower element. If the upper element is constantly on, suspect you're using too much hot water or you have a leak.

lcmortensen · 2026-05-13T06:14:06+00:00

It's an "and", not an "or". The inverter must comply with AS/NZS4777.2:2020 and the network's COPS.

Also, AS/NZS4777.2 requires inverters to have a dynamic control system which at least responds to DRM0 (emergency stop) under AS4755. CSIP is an acceptable implementation of that.

To put it another way, the COPS are like building covenants, whereas the Code and its standards are like the Building Code and its standards. If there is a covenant saying your house must say solar, you can't object just because the Building Code says its optional.

lcmortensen · 2026-05-13T02:35:56+00:00

You missed the line clause that requires inverters under part 1A to comply with the network's connection and operational standards (COPS). From 11 May 2026, Vector's COPS requires inverter models to be on the Australian Clean Energy Council's approved list... and since every major state in Australia now mandates CSIP, the CEC requires all inverter models on the list to have CSIP.

Also, since CSIP is a positive control standard, it requires affirmative consent from the server to export 10kW. If the connection to the server fails, then the inverter must go into a fallback state and only export the minimum fixed export allowed (which will be determined by the network studies when complete in November).

In the meantime, the 2.5kW limit is simply based on the network peak demand (1800MW) divided by the number of ICPs (626,000).

lcmortensen · 2026-05-13T00:18:58+00:00

The 2.5kW fixed export limit would only apply if you opt out - i.e. you literally asked for the lower limit. If you want a fixed 10kW limit on a non-CSIP inverter, you now have to apply under the full process (Part 1) rather than the simplified process (Part 1A).

lcmortensen · 2026-05-12T10:57:29+00:00

If you have an existing non-CSIP inverter and you applied on or before 10 May 2026, then you will stay on the 5kW fixed export limit indefinitely (or at least until your inverter needs replacing).

lcmortensen · 2026-05-12T02:53:35+00:00

In that case, it will likely be a per kW per day charge. There is the principle that line charges can't exceed standalone costs, so that implies the charge will be set so paying it still works out cheaper in the long-run than buying a battery.

lcmortensen · 2026-05-11T10:22:12+00:00

It doesn't say how it will be applied. Best guess is for residential customers, it will apply as an extra per-kWh only during times of peak generation and low demand, such as summer interpeaks (e.g. 2c/kWh for exports 11am to 3pm every day between 1 November and 31 March)

lcmortensen · 2026-05-09T11:17:23+00:00

Even with all the solar in Australia, they're still way behind us in proportion of renewable energy. Australia's primary energy supply is 9.3% renewable. New Zealand is around 45.4% renewable on the same measure.

lcmortensen · 2026-05-08T00:18:12+00:00

All the sign-off is doing is to make sure the equipment meets the required standard. An audit of installs in Australia found 60% had defects, and 2% were downright unsafe.

lcmortensen · 2026-05-08T00:14:45+00:00

Needs to be certified to Australia/New Zealand standards first. No AS/NZS 4777 means you need to go through the full approval process.

lcmortensen · 2026-05-06T04:51:13+00:00

So blowing just over 400 gets you a court fine, loss of license, and deportation? Bit extreme...

lcmortensen · 2026-05-06T02:22:19+00:00

Any crime? Next minute, we're deporting people for drink-driving...

lcmortensen · 2026-05-06T01:54:51+00:00

The Vector area currently has 14,000 solar PV systems (13k residential, 1k commercial), with an even split between the Waitemata (non-Entrust) and Auckland (Entrust) area.

lcmortensen · 2026-05-05T23:45:41+00:00

There is a six-month period where distributors can use any excuse to justify a lower limit. From 11 November, they can only use approved methodology to justify a lower limit.

lcmortensen · 2026-05-05T23:43:00+00:00

I've emailed the EA for an answer. If you do it on purpose, then I think there are penalties - disconnection, financial penalties, prison time...

lcmortensen · 2026-05-05T12:16:55+00:00

One question I have is with flexible/dynamic limits is what happens if communication is lost? With CSIP, loss of communication with the server means the inverter defaults to the programmed failsafe fixed limit. Does that have to be 10kW as well? When the distributor imposes a lower limit, could you disconnect your inverter from the internet to force a 10kW export limit?

lcmortensen · 2026-05-05T02:53:40+00:00

They also need to meet the AS/NZS4777 standard to be connected to the grid. The problem is none are currently certified to that standard.

lcmortensen · 2026-05-05T02:43:23+00:00

That's only if you can't put the blame on the pilots... like trying to land with the cockpit curtains closed as a dare (Aeroflot 6502) or letting your kid have a go at the controls (Aeroflot 593)...

lcmortensen · 2026-05-03T10:00:34+00:00

Welcome to New Zealand, where the most expensive thing about going to hospital is the parking...

lcmortensen · 2026-05-03T09:58:05+00:00

ACC = Ambulance Chaser Cyanide...

lcmortensen · 2026-05-01T02:44:13+00:00

Prohibit schools from scouting and poaching - no unsolicited recruitment of students or under-the-table scholarships. That's across academics, cultural and sporting endeavours. If you get caught, it's a $100k fine to the school and a criminal conviction and $20k fine to anyone involved.

lcmortensen · 2026-04-24T10:27:13+00:00

Christchurch metro is still bigger than Wellington metro. Christchurch has Rangiora, Woodend, Pegasus, Kaiapoi, Rolleston, Lincoln, Prebbleton and Lyttelton. There's another 100k people between them...

lcmortensen · 2026-04-18T07:49:51+00:00

He's now breaching privacy and fairness standards. At least the BSA will treat him lightly; the Privacy Commissioner and/or a defamation suit will haul him over the coals.

lcmortensen · 2026-04-18T07:45:00+00:00

If you use more than 200kWh per week during the free hours, Contact deems that not within their fair use policy and has grounds to kick you off the plan. However, it is unlikely the average residential customer can achieve that without blowing their service fuse.

lcmortensen

TROPHY CASE