Fuenkli

their argument is that the inverter has a theoretical maximum power rating > 3.5Kw. II have a Goodwe ES 4.6kW inverter.

I don't think it will make a big difference. The water temperature in a solar water panel is probably close to the PV panel and the heat transfer to the copper pipes without fins is poor.

as far as I know the CoCT has not officially disproved the change over switch for the back up (UPS) supply. But we will only know for sure once they sign off systems with this facility.

I don't think so. Did you also point out the uncovered battery terminals and using the same conduit for AC and DC? Although I think SA is to paranoid about the separate conduit requirements for AC and DC if the fusing and insulation resistance aspects of the wires are correctly addressed.

I am going through the > 3.5 kW (on a 60A single phase supply) SSEG registration process problem at the moment. So far the CoCT has refused to accept my application although I have applied for the zero export option. If they refuse I will try to have my supply increased to 80A.

are the conductors allowed to terminate in the same DB board? In my case the DC cables from the panels are routed in their own conduit but end up in the main DB board. When I build the house I made sure I have lots of spare conduit running from the roof to the DB board.

I agree. lets sleeping dogs lie.

are we talking about liquid metal batteries here? I remember that Ambri was quite hopeful to get something onto the market and then they ran into some kind of problems.

that would definitely be a reason to switch to Victron. I will do some homework and see if it could help me utilizing my PV overcapacity. I have a 4000 liter hot water storage tank in the basement and a 50000 liter pool I could dump the excess energy into.

they are but @Elbowis referring to the change over switch requirement.

yes

yes. the inverter disconnects from the grid but keeps on supplying power to the back up output using solar (first preference) or the batteries or a mix of the two depending on availability.

yes I know. But would it be legal if they WOULD except the engineers report. Would the engineer then not risk liability issues under the SANS regulation?

Most pre paid meters are ok with the small short duration back feed if the inverter is set to zero export

I agree. The only functionality I miss is automatic PV surplus management with zero export (like the SolarEdge "Smart Energy hot water" option). But to be fair not even the blue equipment can do this 🤣.

would the Western Cape or the CoCT have the legal authority to allow the engineer signing off the installation to ignore the requirement for a change over switch?

the heat transfer from the exhaust pipe to the water will more than sufficient without modifying the flow characteristic. The problem is the heat transfer from the exhaust gas to the pipe.

no, I use 50mm2 cables.

8 pairs. I am in Cape Town

this is what I am looking for. Where did you buy them?

how did you cover the battery terminals? My batteries are in the open and I am sure it is illegal to have uncovered live battery terminals. The only place I found selling them is wantitall but I am not paying over R500 for 2 🤬.

The heat transfer to the water over only one meter will be insufficient. I used to calculate air/water heat exchangers. There is commercial heat exchangers available but they are expensive. Maybe you can use an old car radiator and make a funnel type of shroud and connect the exhaust pipe to the outside of the radiator and run the water through the radiator.

I must say that I am quite impressed. The DA councillor as well as the SSEG North department have responded quickly. Lets see what they can do for us.

I know what you mean I am Swiss.

maybe it is the bribe you did not pay 🤣