Remove Ripple Control for Solar panel & Charger install or not? Pro's and Con's?

Forums › Renewable energy (solar, wind and others) › Remove Ripple Control for Solar panel & Charger install or not? Pro's and Con's?

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SomeoneSomewhere

1941 posts

Uber Geek
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Lifetime subscriber

#3529790 21-Sep-2026 15:38

Ah, I couldn't find that terms and conditions of connection - I still can't. Not sure if 2012 is still current edition?

Requirement to actually fit a controlled load to the load control is very common. I can see them saying that if you AND the ripple switch and a solar diverter or timer, you may not be eligible. They're generally a lot more antsy about the AICO tariffs than if you have a separate controlled load meter.

This is the WE equivalent which clearly shows separate uncontrolled, inclusive, and controlled loads, with both TOU and non-TOU options:

snj

378 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 283

#3529813 21-Sep-2026 17:06

SomeoneSomewhere:

Ah, I couldn't find that terms and conditions of connection - I still can't. Not sure if 2012 is still current edition?

It was linked off their requirements to connect to the network at https://horizonnetworks.nz/connect-to-electricity/ hadn't actually noticed the date, but good point - was why I did mention antiquated because it did seem a little 'out of it' compared to the current usage climate.

chrisandray

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3529896 21-Sep-2026 20:22

This is getting awfully technical...too tech for me.

I've just been trying to understand why the need to remove the controlled wiring and fit a hw timer when solar system installed - resulting in extra power cost.

Electrician 'explained'...."the issue being a controlled supply is that the timer would keep losing time due to the power companies switching off the supply to the hotwater. There are ways around it but it
starts getting quite complicated with relays and contactors. I still believe you'll get more
savings using the timer on the uncontrolled rate".

Why not fit an electronic timer with battery back up and leave controlled set up as it? Is this too simplistic?

I'm switching to Octopus power supplier and hoping they may put me on a simple controlled plan without any extra costs or surcharges.

All we wanted was a cost effective clean source of energy for the home and EV.🥴

SomeoneSomewhere

1941 posts

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#3529898 21-Sep-2026 20:40

Electrician 'explained'...."the issue being a controlled supply is that the timer would keep losing time due to the power companies switching off the supply to the hotwater. There are ways around it but it
starts getting quite complicated with relays and contactors. I still believe you'll get more
savings using the timer on the uncontrolled rate".

That is outright false. 99% of timers on the market have separate contacts from the timer supply. It's common practice to wire them from the same source but absolutely not required.

/sparky.

chrisandray

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3529900 21-Sep-2026 21:05

Thankyou 'Someone......'

As part of switching supplier I'll speak to an electrician too. Thanks to everybody who's contributed.

Ray C

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