SSEG registrations

[Tradie]

I hear it is a bylaw to register your SSEG, WHAT IS AN SSEG, lets hope someone clarifies this sooner than later, because it seems there is still some confusion.

Lets all be responsible and register our SSEG (whatever that might be) its free right, yes the actual registration is apparently free but only the actual registration.

Then why do you need to still find R20 000 before you apply?

Could it be the bi directional meter, which apparently could take as long as 2 years to be installed, so that you can benefit from the feedback tariff, if you dont have a meter, you are not allowed to feedback into the grid, then how do you get any ROI from your solar installation, especially if you have made a huge investment ?

There is going to be a monthly tariff charged per KVA, some might say no problem, we can make it up on the amount of energy we feedback into the grid (no cash pay back, just credits into your account) not so fast, apparently there could be another catch, the amount of feedback could be limited.

The question I am asking and cant seem to get real answers:

why is this information not being attached to your monthly bill or

shared on our local radio station,

what is happening with the public awareness programs for municipalities,

Will there be an amnesty period.

IF you choose not to feedback into the grid, will you have to pay the monthly SSEG fee for using the sun to power your house?

So many question and it seems that everyone is sitting on their hands tight lipped.

Would you get in trouble into trouble if you choose not to register until, the information is made public?

Will the installer, be held responsible for all the installations that they installed and not registered, they do sign that all bylaws are adhered to, unless they are smart and mark it as N/A or attach a note to the COC, that it is the customers responsibility.

Is there anyone in SA who can answer all these questions, or should everyone just hold out with registrations for another year or 2, until there is some clarity ?

[GCE]

Thought I would add onto this thread

I had a call yesterday from a Client that is in the process of selling his house - We installed a PV system for him about 3 years ago

The conveyancing attorney requested proof of PV registration with the municipality before he can submit the documentation
Not sure if this is now a requirement of the deeds office

We had copies of the approval documents and the electricity account shows net metering installed -So no problem - but it would appear that this could become a problem for people

[GCE]

I see another post from KZN way - Must be a new thing that has been implemented

The Ethekwini municipality Durban is saying my solar installation must be SSEG registered in order for them to issue the rates clearance certificate. Can anyone recommend who can assist with the SSEG registration and also advise the costs involved.

[Tradie]

The silence is deafening, no public awareness from radio stations, media outlets etc, it seems everyone sitting on the fence for now.

Yet so much seems to be going on behind the scenes.

[Derlyn]

If one doesn't have a municipal or eskom supply, must the PV installation still be registered ?

[Tradie]

Some say yes and some say no, what is the correct answer, I am sure the plus +/- 10 million people with backup systems are asking the same question, the +/- 250 people of the +/- 10 million who have registered probably couldn't answer that question either.

If one doesn't have a municipal or eskom supply, must the PV installation still be registered ?

[GCE]

If one doesn't have a municipal or eskom supply, must the PV installation still be registered ?

It is a NERSA requirement that all panels need to be registered - Eskom have an exemption process if there is no actually grid

Whether it happens or not is another issue

[Derlyn]

Thanks GCE.

I enquired because I installed a 5kW system with panels and batteries on a house that is in an area serviced by the municipaliy but not having a supply connection.

I was, incorrectly it seems, under the impression that they only needed registration if connected to the grid.

Seems as if I've caused myself a mischief

I've used that house as a test to see if I could use the same system to go off the grid. It's been in for 11 months now and is working perfectly and supplying all their needs, including 2 electric geysers. The only change necessary was to change the lawn mower from electric to petrol. Other than that it's perfect.

[GCE]

Thanks GCE.

I enquired because I installed a 5kW system with panels and batteries on a house that is in an area serviced by the municipaliy but not having a supply connection.

I was, incorrectly it seems, under the impression that they only needed registration if connected to the grid.

Seems as if I've caused myself a mischief

I've used that house as a test to see if I could use the same system to go off the grid. It's been in for 11 months now and is working perfectly and supplying all their needs, including 2 electric geysers. The only change necessary was to change the lawn mower from electric to petrol. Other than that it's perfect.

Check with your municipalty - PE has a tick box on the forms which has " Off Grid - No connection to distribution grid of NMBM"

[Justloadit]

Thanks GCE.

I enquired because I installed a 5kW system with panels and batteries on a house that is in an area serviced by the municipaliy but not having a supply connection.

I was, incorrectly it seems, under the impression that they only needed registration if connected to the grid.

Seems as if I've caused myself a mischief

I've used that house as a test to see if I could use the same system to go off the grid. It's been in for 11 months now and is working perfectly and supplying all their needs, including 2 electric geysers. The only change necessary was to change the lawn mower from electric to petrol. Other than that it's perfect.

Just wondering if the geysers are running of the 5kW Inverter, or do you have a dedicated solar water heating for the geysers.

[Derlyn]

Geysers are running off the inverter. They are turned on with smart switches.

They have adopted the routine of " if the sun is shining, go for it ".

They have a simple rule. If mommy wants to use the washing machine, first check if the sun's shining then go for it.

[Derlyn]

Just checked with the owner now. That 5Kw system I installed 11 months ago has produced 3950 Kw/hrs. That's an average of about 350 units per month. My monthly usage is max 250 units, so that system should be more than enough for us.

It was handy having a system running on a house without any other source to see in practice how it works.

[Tradie]

We just had a 1000 watt 12 VDC inverter and 2 x 100 amp/hr batteries for the lights and TV and a gas stove for heating water for bucket baths, to wash dishes and coffee. I have upgraded to a 1800 watt inverter with a 24 VDC system

Then there are people with more than 50 solar panels on the roof, 80 amp inverters and almost 50 kwh of battery power and a generator and they still have to monitor their usage.

It all depends on your lifestyle.

The key to a good system, understand your usage and when you use it, and most important ... the budget. I would love to have a 50 kw inverter with a stack of high voltage battery and my entire roof covered in solar panels, but in reality is is going to take me awhile to get there

Just checked with the owner now. That 5Kw system I installed 11 months ago has produced 3950 Kw/hrs. That's an average of about 350 units per month. My monthly usage is max 250 units, so that system should be more than enough for us.

It was handy having a system running on a house without any other source to see in practice how it works.

[Justloadit]

Geysers are running off the inverter. They are turned on with smart switches.

They have adopted the routine of " if the sun is shining, go for it ".

They have a simple rule. If mommy wants to use the washing machine, first check if the sun's shining then go for it.

Using my Geyserwatcher Ultra and 3 panels, you would have +60°C every day with a 150L geyser with out compromising the load on the inverter for other things such as dishwasher and cloths washing machines. You can download the brochure on www.geyserwatcher.com.

[Justloadit]

Just checked with the owner now. That 5Kw system I installed 11 months ago has produced 3950 Kw/hrs. That's an average of about 350 units per month. My monthly usage is max 250 units, so that system should be more than enough for us.

It was handy having a system running on a house without any other source to see in practice how it works.

What I notice is the savings really clocks up if one is at home and able to make use of the solar energy, my average savings daily in the house is only around 6kWH, however I have 2 of 150L geysers running on my Geysewatcher and average another 6kWH and giving me 300L if over 60°C of water, yesterday being particularly cold, we consumed more hot water in the morning, dropping the geyser temperatures and I checked I clocked just under 10kWH on my 2 geysers. Substantial savings with returns on investment on the Geyserwatcher in less than 3 years. I still have the option of using Mains as an alternative source for high hot water usage or when there are really rainy and cloudy days if required.