Useful Resources

Hi, I understand that those with solar installation have to register with Eskom before March 2026, in order to avoid penalties - I further understand that Eskom is waving any potential registration fees until this time for systems below 50 or 100 kwh. I also recently received a SMS from Eskom as follows: Eskom ref 969...... A photovoltaic (PV) installation has been identified on your property. Please apply to have your installation authorised to avoid and further action. For more details, visit: https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/small-scale-embedded-generators/ I did a quick search and found the Eskom Requirements as follows: Eskom on solar registration fees | Sout…

Hello Guys Have you heard about this draft legislation and is it a cause of concern. Apparently every Solar Panel and Generator installed/in use must be registered. Thanks Paul Consultation Paper-Rules for Registration of SSEG.pdf

Hi is there some site i can use to check is an Sunsynk is still under warranty ?

Has anyone solved the problem of connecting the Connecting the Growatt SPF 5000 ES datalogger to the Growatt server. Mine keeps bombing out and failing at around 70% every time. What can I do to fix this?

What exactly is the SPD Clamping Voltage and what does the value on the module stand for.

Hi just a warning don't flash the SPF 5000 ES with the latest firmware as the chip and board has changed on the the newer model...which has the latest update July 22 for it.older models the firmware version number s start with 40. .....41. . the newer inverter model starts with 61 or 67 that's how you tell the difference. for the old versions like mine there is only a febuary 2022 firmware update. I take no responsibility for the updates and / or failure. you do it out of your own volition and accept the consequences (bricking) of a failed update! if it's not broke don't fix it is best policy. Here is the link for ALL the Growatt SPF 50…

In this video, we are discussing the requirements and rules for the choice of the RCD Type on the AC side of a PV-Inverter installation. Is there a mandatory Type-B requirement? This is a topic which is highly complex and very dependent on the individual situation. Let's look into the details.

It looks like different insurance companies have different approaches on how to handle a claim for panels. The best thing to do is to speak to your insurance to understand how they would handle your claim so that you don’t get caught by surprise. https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/483371-big-solar-panel-problem-and-how-south-african-insurance-companies-handle-it.html?utm_source=newsletter

For all the programming fundis out there

https://www.grepow.com/blog/battery-pack-cell-voltage-difference-and-solution-part-1-battery-monday/

Brilliant app. Had it been around five years earlier, I could've saved myself 4months worth of stress-research. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=appinventor.ai_grecotoledo.SOLARPE_english Sent from my BlackBerry — the most secure mobile device

Read this article by ESI Africa. They are mentioning a new "SANS 10142-1-2, The wiring of premises - Part 1-2: Additional special requirements for low voltage small scale embedded generator installations connected in parallel to the normal electrical supply" standard.

Date: 17 September 2020 Time: 10:00 to 11:45 Venue: Microsoft Teams Webinar link: CLICK HERE TO ATTEND https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzI2NGJlZjUtMmY1NC00Njg0LThmYTEtNWZmZjM4NGUwYzI5%40thread.v2/0?context={"Tid"%3a"f32b4671-5e4e-4c38-9ef6-f741f23c136d"%2c"Oid"%3a"e27229d8-c314-4f27-bcfe-278d1f9bdb34"%2c"IsBroadcastMeeting"%3atrue} PLEASE RSVP [email protected] The Virtual launch of SANS 10142-1 - The wiring of premises Part 1: Low-voltage installations Stand…

Hi there Thanks for a great forum guys Are there any recommendations for a type of roof for a solar installation in Gauteng for a home. Eg. 20degree metal? vs standard roof tiles vs? what options are out there? Considerations: What do installers prefer? There must be no birds being able to nest beneath it. Secured well against wind and theft Great thermal and sound insulation for the bedrooms beneath Easy maintenance for washing of panels. How are mounts done on metal vs tiled roofs? Drill through tiles etc? Doesn't this cause waterproofing issues? I'm busy with an architect and have the opportunity to do this corre…

Victron have just released their first version of "Wiring Unlimited" - see https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/2019/09/03/wiring-unlimited/ Although produced by Victron, this book covers a wide range of topics that apply to any installation, irrespective of the brand of equipment. Topics covered are as follows: Ohm’s Law Power Conductivity and resistance Current, cable resistance and voltage drop Negative effects of cable voltage drop Ripple Battery bank wiring Battery bank Large battery banks Parallel battery bank wiring Battery bank balancing Battery bank midpoint DC wiring Select …

Hi, I see that SAPVIA have launched an installation accreditation programme called PVGreenCard together with installation guidelines on their website. Im not sure if I am allowed to upload the doc as a resource but it does give decent overall information and seems to be the current install guidance to be read together with 10142-3 when it becomes applicable. I am putting the site here as reference but please can Energy advise if I must remove the link? https://www.pvgreencard.co.za/Solar PV Guidelines - Digital Spread High-res.pdf

http://www.nabcep.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/NABCEP-PV-Installer-Resource-Guide-August-2012-v.5.3.pdf