Aartappel

No you cannot just install a 300–350 kW hybrid inverter system behind a 200 kVA Eskom supply without formal approval and likely network upgrades.
You mentioned: Supply: 200 kVA
Proposed inverter: 300–350 kW (~300–350 kVA) Immediate problem: You are proposing generation larger than your point of supply that triggers Nersa registration required and Eskom connection study.
Not a simple SSEG anymore moves into embedded generation project territory.
In real projects like yours (irrigation / farms)
Option A What most guys do (legal route) is upgrade supply to 500 kVA or MV then install 300–500 kW solar.
Option B Hybrid workaround (semi-legal if approved) Keep 200 kVA supply and install large PV. Use zero export + strict control, but still requires Eskom approval.
The second option if you don’t want to upgrade to 500 kVA Eskom supply you can go off grid(remove point of supply) and install what you want(need) with backed up supply in mind.

@Aartappel I would recommend that you contact @Steve87 he has experience with commercial systems of that scale, another option would be @TaliaB.

Hi Aartappel,
Thanks for the details on your potato farm setup in the Western Cape. Irrigation is excellent for solar self-consumption during the day.
On oversizing beyond your 200 kVA supply points:
You're right that many farms push larger PV arrays, but the inverter AC export capacity is normally limited to or below the supply transformer rating to avoid network issues. When the local transformer is at or near maximum capacity, the common compliant solution used by Western Cape farmers is.
Oversize the PV array add Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with strict export limitation and zero-export control.
This allows you to.
Generate more solar higher DC:AC ratio, e.g. 1.2–1.5 for better yield.
Store excess daytime production in batteries.
Discharge batteries to loads pumps, etc. without exceeding the transformer’s export and import limits.
Keep net export at or below the allowed value (often 0 kW or a small % of NMD).
Modern hybrid inverters (e.g.Solis Sunsynk, Victron, Deye, GoodWe, etc.) support dynamic export limiting via CT sensors or zero export mode. The system throttles PV/battery output so the net flow back to the grid stays within Eskom’s approved limit.
Important rules & realities Eskom SSEG:
The generator size inverter AC rating is generally capped around your supply rating 200 kVA or 75% of transformer capacity on LV supplies. Significant oversizing usually requires a network impact study.
Batteries do not bypass the limit Eskom assesses the total possible export. However, with proper export control plus anti-islanding, many farms get approval for larger PV and BESS setups because net export is controlled.
Systems >100 kW total need NERSA registration plus a Pr Eng sign-off.
Battery charging from the grid is usually limited e.g. 25% of breaker size in some guidelines to prevent cold load pickup issues.
Practical recommendations for your 4 × 200 kVA points:
Do a proper load & export study Measure actual daytime irrigation demand vs proposed solar. Batteries shine here for shifting energy.
Contact Eskom Western Cape early [email protected] with your account numbers and proposed setup PV kW and BESS kWh plus export limit. Ask for a pre application network assessment.
Choose installers experienced with farm BESS us export limited SSEG in the Western Cape. Ask for references of similar approvals.
Key documents needed:
Eskom SSEG application.
Detailed single line diagram showing export control.
Inverter and Battery datasheets (NRS 097-2-1 compliant).
Export limitation settings & test procedure.
CoC and Pr Eng sign off where required.
This approach larger PV + batteries + export limit is indeed what many farmers are successfully using when transformers are constrained it maximises self-consumption, reduces diesel and generator runtime, and stays compliant.
If you share more info current peak loads, quotes received, exact transformer details, or whether you want zero export or limited expor ), the forum can give even more specific feedback.
Solar with storage should significantly cut your pumping costs. Good luck!