WHO MAY INSTALL SOLAR SYSTEMS

**Dylboy** · 24-Aug-22, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by Isetech

Solar installations are DIY projects.

You can buy solar products cheaper than some installers.

I dont think people realise how many solar in installations are being done as DIY projects, you just have to join a few groups and forums to see all the DIY projects. It does make it easier for insurance companies and suppliers to identify them in case there is a claim.

Inspectors are openly offering to test DIY projects for a small fee.

I think the way smart people are looking at it, ride the crest wave while the councils, electrical industry and DOL scramble to find their way in the maze. the gravy train has left the station months ago, smart people with money have already made millions.

Very clever the way this industry has created a shortage which has resulted in massive price increases. Because people are desperate thanks to load shedding, they are blinded throwing money at the industry.

So here is a problem we have identified, the voltage in some industrial areas is over 250VAC due to the feed back from the massive solar system installed on a few of the factories surrounding the place we are working, as more and more panels are being fitted and grid tied, so the problem is going to increase. Throw in a few large compressors and other industrial machines, I can only see transient spikes getting worse.

Big issue here is there must not be feedback at all... Needs to not happen as there is no standard or control for it yet...

I saw a guys install pumping 5000 watts into the grid at 230V so he him self was supplying the neighbours basically so the transformer had less load thus higher voltage... The oke who installed it was not a sparky or maybe didn't care to understand the inverter.

This problem of higher voltage as you say is going to come to a point where the transformers will be switched off when the sun is shining hahaha

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**GCE** · 25-Aug-22, 05:14 AM

Originally Posted by Dylboy

Big issue here is there must not be feedback at all... Needs to not happen as there is no standard or control for it yet...

I saw a guys install pumping 5000 watts into the grid at 230V so he him self was supplying the neighbours basically so the transformer had less load thus higher voltage... The oke who installed it was not a sparky or maybe didn't care to understand the inverter.

This problem of higher voltage as you say is going to come to a point where the transformers will be switched off when the sun is shining hahaha

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There is controls in place in the NERSA document

The reason all solar projects must be registered is to monitor transformers as you are not allowed to go more than 75% of max loading
It is the reason that you can only go 25% of main C/Breaker size

There are towns that are stopping solar due to the 75% being reached

If your system is installed and not registered with your local Utility you could be charged with Tampering and your supply disconnected

**Isetech** · 25-Aug-22, 07:52 AM

How many people or companies have been charged ?

**GCE** · 25-Aug-22, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by Isetech

How many people or companies have been charged ?

In this country the wheels turn slowly - It will come
The more PV installed and the less utilities are making will push them to go out and find the culprits so that they get an availability charge for the network.

**Derlyn** · 25-Aug-22, 11:33 AM

Does the above apply to generators as well ?

**Dave A** · 25-Aug-22, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by Isetech

How many people or companies have been charged ?

Interesting question.

Tell you what - I wouldn't be surprised if Ethekwini is one of the first to start...
And they'll be going for the owner if the system isn't registered with them.

Now there's some food for thought.

**Isetech** · 25-Aug-22, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Dave A

Interesting question.

Tell you what - I wouldn't be surprised if Ethekwini is one of the first to start...
And they'll be going for the owner if the system isn't registered with them.

Now there's some food for thought.

Have yo tried to register a solar system with them?

**Dylboy** · 25-Aug-22, 06:09 PM

I went to the solar show, NERSA said go to your munic and eskom I had to explain what an electrical contractor was....

The left and right arms dont know of each other.

I went to Joburg Munic website and nothing I can find to register a system at all... Probably some stupid hidden link but I cant find it at all.

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**Isetech** · 25-Aug-22, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by Dylboy

I went to the solar show, NERSA said go to your munic and eskom I had to explain what an electrical contractor was....

The left and right arms dont know of each other.

I went to Joburg Munic website and nothing I can find to register a system at all... Probably some stupid hidden link but I cant find it at all.

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I must give eThekwini credit, their website id very helpful. You can find most of the information on the website. Their response time to to emails I send them are generally within 48 hrs. If they are going to take on this mammoth task of trying to police the solar industry, they are going to need a lot more staff and training.

https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/resi...icity-services

**Dylboy** · 25-Aug-22, 08:27 PM

Dug deeper and it seems City Power here in Joburg rule the roost with the registering of PV systems... Goign to phone tomorrow and email to find more info.

Intrestingly they speak of 25% of main CB for max size of inverter if grid tied.

They even say 60A main CB may not have a a system larger than 4.6 KVA...

I smiled my supplier this and some questions to see what they say... Other wise every Hybrid 5kw is illegal if they have an AC input from the Grid

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