Time to register the solar systems

[Isetech]

We have an intial and the supplimentary COC for the property. System is up and running and you are ready to register, it cant be that difficult.

Where do we start, first find all the relevant info on your local electricity department website.

Find the application form and you realise that it is not that simple.

The document has to be filled out by the installer, the owner and an engineer.

This is where it gets interesting, you thought you had saved money getting the installer to design and install the system and left out the engineer.

You budgeted for the system, took a loan from the bank and maxed out the funds with the installation.

This is wher eit is going to get interesting.

You have to decide who is going to register the system, can the customer do the application without the installer and the engineer, no, all 3 signitures have to be on the application form.

Now you you looking at increasing your credit card limit to fork out the registration costs, the installer is going want to be pad for the time, the engineer is going to want their cut.

If you read the quote you will notice that it only includes a comment about offer the services of an engineer, not the cost for the engineer.

YOu thought it cant get any worse, well you add a more zeros to the application, because now to register the system, the engineer must check the design and installation, verify the COC is legit and the installtion is installed correctly.

What should the registration cost.

I hear anything from R2500.00 - R20 000.00

Then there is stil lthe meter which has to be replaced, someone must pay for the meter to be replaced with an elctronic meter suitable for bidirctional metering.

[Dylboy]

Yeah I reckon it's time to tap out of solar installs and stick to backup.

How I plan to do this is to add R60K for this and the engineer and the meter and the client can fill the form.

I worked too hard for my licence and it makes me cold thinking I can lose it just so someone else can have PV

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[Dylboy]

What now if the client supplies all and you only install ?? Who takes on what. ?

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[Derlyn]

It's quite a gemors at the moment.

[GCE]

Most municipalities are only asking for engineering certification when the system is over 30KVA

I have argued that as an IE we should be able to sign off up to 3 MVA same as MV supply - which is a good place to start and I will be happy to settle at 350Kva which is were network studies start coming into play.

You can only do that fight as a collective

We have also spoken to Municipalities to simplify the applications under 30Kva which is under consideration and being tested .

[Isetech]

I am trying to figure out what it is that the engineer has to do, that hasnt already been done.

Anyone can buy a solar design package, or even find them free on the internet.

You have to be a licensed IE or MIE to design the elctrical part of the installation, test it and sign it off.

[Isetech]

Lets start at the beginning.

I decide to install a 5 kva inverter with a 5 kwh lithium battery and 6 460 watt solar panels.

1/ Do I need an engineer to deisgn the system and sign the SSEG registration application form?

2/ What qualification is required to do the shading and a yield assessment, is it a requirement, or just a nice to have.

3/ What qualification would be required to design the system:

* Panels required.
* Equipment layout.
* Safe lithium battery location.
* Wiring requirements AC and DC
* Earthing and bonding.
* Equipment parameter settings.
* COC (IE or an MIE)
* Safe isolating proceedure.
* Schematics and wiring diagrams.
* General documents required for the safe operation of the system.

[Isetech]

4/ Who can do the installation?

* DIY.
* Green card holder.
* Semi skilled labourer.
* All of the above if supervised by an IE or MIE?

Can an IE or MIE sign off a project which they have not personally supervised ?

What happens if the property owner wants to sell and the system is not registered with the council and has no COC?

[Dylboy]

I went to the solar show quick and went straight to the Eskom desk, asked about registration of PV and she said fill in a from and will email.... So we wait.

All those questions above I have as well and I don't think there is a singular person who knows the answer.

All I can say is a real sh*t show and at that solar show was people just trying to pump there products out and no regard to the law.

That whole show should be based on the questions above not selling stuff

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[Dylboy]

Also to add, there where not many electrical contractors there... Says a lot of who is supplying.

Also some big numbers being swung for this and that install... What happens when what we speak of comes law...

I am critical because I want to be as legal as I can but wow !

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