G-Man

Just an update - the inverter still did not charge batteries from PV when the grid was down. It just provides exactly enough to support the load, but sends nothing to the batteries. If the grid is up, it will take the minimum from the grid whilst supporting the load and charging the batteries.l
I am working with Goodwe support who are trying to be helpful. They upgraded the firmware remotely - I didn't think that would help as I have quite recently upgraded the firmware to the latest version ... I was right, it didn't help. They have now "escalated" (are you as tired of that term as I am?) to their team who are supposed to be checking the settings.
This issue only becomes a problem when we don't have grid power for more than a day ... which unfortunately does happen with our unstable grid, cable theft and substations blowing up. We have experienced this in our area (Randpark) 3 times in the last 2 years - no grid for between 2 and 4 days.
Does anyone else find the options available in PV Master a bit limiting? For example there are times during the day when the load is quite high and at the same time the batteries are charging, requiring substantial draw from the grid. Then a bit later the load is low, batteries are fully charged and there is still hours of sunshine, which could have been charging the batteries.
 

This is the 2nd time I have typed the following, don't know where the first one went?
The grid eventually came back on just after 18:00 last night. A few hours later, still no charge going to batteries - I was very concerned and started imagining dollar signs. I went through the advanced settings again checking that all the settings suggested by everyone were checked - they were. So I again checked the "Battery Activated" and "charge immediately" options (this hadn't helped previously) and hit reset.
Hallelujah - started charging slowly ramping up to eventually somewhere around 3300W. Very exciting ... but at the same time concerning. Why would the inverter not charge from the PV during the day when the grid was down? I really want to understand that so I don't have this situation again.
Batteries were still charging nicely and up to about 50% when loadshedding kicked in at 22:00. Instead of the inverter/ batteries taking over seamlessly, the inverter must have tripped because there was no supply. Would this have been because there was a big load when the grid supply stopped suddenly? I was half asleep by then so didn't do anything about it. This morning I awoke to load shedding again (I'm sure people from abroad must read this and not believe we live like this), but the backup system was working properly, with the batteries at around 45%. Today all is good and everything working great.
I hope Goodwe Support can answer some questions tomorrow ... or Pylontech?
Thanks to everyone for all the advice and help, it is much appreciated and I have learnt a lot. 

Yes they are on, I have had to a activate them a few times while trying different settings, by holding down the red button for a couple of secs. The not charging problem started when they were still at 20% soc. 

Yes they are on, I have had to a activate them a few times while trying different settings, by holding down the red button for a couple of secs. The not charging problem started when they were still at 20% soc.