Kontakt & Support von ecodata

Dynamic electricity prices

• What are dynamic electricity tariffs?

  Dynamic electricity tariffs are based on the current wholesale electricity price. When a lot of wind and solar power is available, prices are often lower. Customers usually pay the actual electricity price plus taxes, grid fees and a small basic charge.

  With SmartDog, dynamic electricity tariffs can be used intelligently. The system can be configured to include the actual gross electricity prices, including grid fees and VAT, in its calculations. This helps shift loads to lower price periods and optimise energy costs.

• Do I need a PV system for dynamic electricity tariffs?

  No, a PV system is not required for dynamic electricity tariffs. SmartDog can intelligently control the electricity consumption of your devices even without your own photovoltaic system. This allows loads to be shifted to lower price periods and helps optimise electricity costs.

• How much can you save with dynamic electricity tariffs?

  With dynamic electricity tariffs, savings of up to 40 percent compared to conventional electricity tariffs are possible. The actual savings depend on consumption behaviour, the devices used and the ability to shift electricity usage to low price periods. With SmartDog, loads can be aligned specifically with lower electricity prices to help optimise energy costs intelligently.

• Which devices can be controlled using dynamic electricity prices?

  With SmartDog, various devices can be controlled based on dynamic electricity prices. These include wallboxes, battery storage systems, heat pumps, heating elements and inverters. This allows loads to be shifted automatically to lower price periods and helps optimise energy costs efficiently.

• Can I also make money with dynamic electricity tariffs?

  Yes, with dynamic electricity tariffs, electricity prices can occasionally become negative during certain periods. This means you may receive compensation for your consumption at that time. Grid fees and other charges usually still apply.

  With SmartDog, loads can be shifted specifically to these periods in order to use very low or even negative electricity prices intelligently.

• What happens if electricity is cheap at night but a lot of sunshine is forecast for the next day?

  With SmartDog, grid charging based on dynamic electricity prices can be configured to take place only if the forecast PV yield for the next day falls below a defined value. SmartDog creates this forecast using weather data and the available PV data.

  This helps avoid charging the battery from the grid unnecessarily when sufficient solar power is expected the next day. In many cases, using your own solar energy is the more economical option.

Parc-controller

• Our grid operator requires remote control technology. How does that work?

  Many grid operators require remote control technology from certain system sizes onwards. With SmartDog, this function is already integrated, so in many cases no additional hardware or separate provider is required.

  SmartDog supports different connection types such as IEC 101, IEC 104, digital contacts, analog signals and Modbus TCP. This makes it easy to implement the right remote control solution in a practical way.

   

EZA-controller

• When do I need an EZA controller?

  A certified EZA controller is required for systems connected to a transformer that can feed more than 270 kW into the grid. This total includes the combined output of the PV system, CHP unit and battery storage system.

  With SmartDog, this requirement can be implemented reliably and in compliance with grid regulations.

• Which components are required for an EZA controller?

  An EZA controller system first requires the EZA controller itself as the central control unit. In most cases, an additional meter at the grid connection point is also required. For mixed systems, a PV generation meter is usually needed as well.

  The exact components required in each case are specified in the E9 form provided by your grid operator.

• Can I use any inverter?

  No, not every inverter is suitable for every system. For the relevant application, the inverter must have VDE 4110 certification. This is the only way to ensure that the required technical and grid related specifications are met reliably.

  With SmartDog, the right solution for grid compliant system control can be implemented reliably.

• Can I use any meter?

  No, not every meter is suitable for this application. VDE 4110 sets high requirements for the accuracy of the measuring devices used. These accuracy classes are generally only met by high quality devices.

  With ecodata solutions GmbH, you receive a coordinated package that meets the relevant requirements and is designed for use with SmartDog.

   

• Which documents does the certifier need for the EZA controller?

  The certifier usually requires the component certificate of the EZA controller as well as a commissioning report with the configured settings. ecodata provides both documents.

  Depending on the grid operator, additional proof of the control behaviour may also be required. We can provide this documentation as well if needed.

   

   

   

• What information does Ecodata need from me?

  We need the following information:

  • Who is the grid operator?
  • Is there power measurement at the grid connection point (GSP)?
  • Is there power measurement for PV generation?
  • Which inverter manufacturers are being used?
  • Is a direct marketer to be integrated?
  • Does the grid operator require remote control technology, and should this be supplied by Ecodata?

  • We need the grid operator's E9 questionnaire.

     

  Feel free to use our interactive park controller inquiry form and receive a customized offer!

  https://beta.ecodata-sl.de/de/kontakt-support/parkregleranfrage#form

• What is the delivery time for an EZA controller cabinet?

  The delivery time for an EZA controller cabinet is currently usually between two and five weeks, depending on the configuration. However, it may vary depending on workload and supply chains.

  For a more precise estimate, ecodata provides the delivery time on a project specific basis according to the required design.

TOR-Erzeuger Austria

• From what system size do I need a park controller?

  A park controller is generally required from a system size of 100 kW. From 250 kW, an additional remote control connection to the grid operator gateway is usually required.

  With SmartDog, these requirements can be implemented in one central solution. This provides a practical and grid compliant system control setup from a single source.

• What is a park controller used for?

  A park controller is used to meet the requirements of the TOR generation regulations and to ensure grid compliant operation of a PV system. These requirements primarily support grid stability and help prevent overloads and excessive voltage levels in the power grid.

  When there is a high surplus of PV power in the grid, the grid operator can reduce feed in power to relieve the network. In addition, park controllers perform important voltage control functions, for example through the Q(U) control of the inverters. As grid voltage rises, reactive power is provided in a targeted way to help stabilise the voltage.

  The certified SmartDog park controller performs these functions reliably and supports safe, grid compliant and economical system control.

• What does the park controller need for proper operation?

  For proper operation, the park controller requires a meter at the grid connection point. This allows SmartDog to record the relevant measured values and control the system reliably and in compliance with grid requirements.

Systems according to NELEV (Solar Package 1)

• I don't know how my large-scale installation is classified - VDE 4105 or 4110?

  If a system is connected to low voltage, the VDE 4105 regulations always apply. For systems connected to a medium-voltage or high-voltage transformer, a distinction has been made since May 2024. Previously, a grid controller and certification were required for systems with a capacity of 135 kW or more. 

  Exceptions now exist under the NELEV (New Electricity Grid Expansion Ordinance). The new NELEV regulations (Solar Package 1) have been in effect since May 17, 2024, and are intended to simplify and accelerate the expansion of photovoltaics.

  Systems that meet the following criteria fall under this new regulation and are classified as VDE 4105: Total generation capacity of the system under 500 kW (PV, storage, CHP, etc.) Feed-in limit of max. 270 kW (PV, E)

  Our Park Controller Inquiry Wizard will ask you for specific information and provide you with a customized offer that meets the legal requirements.

   

  https://beta.ecodata-sl.de/de/kontakt-support/parkregleranfrage#form

• Do I need a park controller for NELEV (Solar Package 1) systems?

  Yes, for NELEV (Solar Package 1) systems with an output above 270 kW and below 500 kW that must be limited to 270 kW feed in power, a PAV,E control system is required. This limitation must be implemented by a suitable PAV,E controller. The specified control limits, known as the envelope curve, must be followed very precisely.

  If the controller does not react fast enough, the system may be shut down, for example during rapid changes between sun and clouds. The certified SmartDog PAV,E controller meets these requirements and controls the inverters at 200 millisecond intervals.

• Can I use simple meters for a NELEV system with PAV,E control?

  No, simple meters are generally not sufficient for a NELEV system with PAV,E control. Many grid operators require high accuracy classes for the measuring devices used. Depending on the specification, this also includes very precise measurement of voltage, current and current transformers.

  These requirements can only be met by high quality measuring devices. With ecodata solutions GmbH, you receive a coordinated package that meets the relevant requirements and is designed for use with SmartDog.

   

• Do I also need a park controller for systems below 270 kW?

  Even for systems below 270 kW, requirements for remote control technology, reactive power control, active power control or connection to a direct marketer may still apply. With SmartDog, these functions are already integrated, which means that in many cases no additional hardware is required.

  SmartDog meets the relevant requirements of different grid operators and provides a practical solution for grid compliant control and communication. This gives you a reliable all in one solution.

• Can I use any inverter?

  Not every inverter is suitable for every application. If PAV,E control is required, the inverters used must also have the appropriate PAV,E certification. This is the only way to ensure that the required control specifications are met reliably.

  With SmartDog, the right solution for grid compliant system control can be implemented effectively.

Parc-controller generally

• Why should I use SmartDog as a park controller?

  SmartDog offers a practical and reliable solution for grid compliant plant control. From selecting the right park controller to delivery and remote commissioning, ecodata supports you throughout the entire process. This allows you to focus on your core business and helps avoid unnecessary surprises during commissioning.

  If you have any questions, our partner hotline and ticket support are available to provide fast and competent assistance.