jeeva

There is nothing to ship, their stock is already in Kempton Park.

Hi Jeeva & Scorp007
* PS: This can be used for other municipalities, but at own risk and research
The doc above is not clear enough. I understand that your MCB is 63A, but the rest of the diagram is not clear from an electrical standpoint. Understand that I am coming from this advise as if you do not have a complete CoC for your system. Ignore if you have a complete CoC for your system that Cape Town municipal has accepted.
From the little I am following from your diagram and description is:
* The first thing I have to say from a CoC & general standpoint is that you either need to keep your Cape Town power, far separate from any other power source (they are very strict, so don't push them), or get a signoff (tricky/time consuming) to use in single distribution. Try avoid taking anything pushed back to the first distribution point from their mains (not illegal, but avoid the stress).
* As above, set up a Cape Town input power in a completely separate MCB, and any solar/other/backup/generator/etc in a separate MCB
* Dont make "jippo" wiring, it will make your life harder later. Make sure all your wiring is up to specification (don't use 1mm connections for a 10A draw without a CB in place). Even if you can't get an expensive electrician in, make sure you are still doing things as close to legit as possible until a later CoC.
* Definately have a Switch over switch as close as possible to your Municipal input... Be able to isolate and switch over to municipal power without you backup using a change over. This will also help you isolate your solar system for checking of various faults/issues without killing your home of power.
* If you want to do things 100%, the SANS10142 & SANS10142A are available online with a search, if you follow those you should have no problem getting a CoC from a qualified electrician later.
* DONT feed back into the grid unless you have done the relevant paperwork with your municipality. It is such an easy cheat with the old meters, but if you get caught there are HUGE fines involved. Make sure you can prove that you either have the documents, or that your Invertor is set not to do that.
* Even though it might mean multiple MCB's, make sure you distribute your backup/solar power to the relevant essentials. You can power everything in the home, but some stuff should be left out (anything with an element is usually first, no geyser/kettle/oven)

This is about all I can come up with at the moment. Good Luck and the expense in doing the electrical right is worth it in the long run. If you can offer power back to Municipality, then examine the costs/reward first as it might not be worth it... I have preferred buying more batteries for storage rather than accepting their pricing, but that is a cost call you have to decide on.

Thank you everyone for your insights. I see there was quite the discussion about the split neutrals... but as far as I am concerned the matter has been settled for me.
Combining feedback from various sources I have updated my wiring diagram a bit, this time only looking at the AC side (since the DC / PV side is quite straightforward and seems to be fine):


 
In the setup above I have hopefully covered all the modes of operation that I will need to support. I might have gone a bit heavy on the SPDs though... I have one now at my main db, another one right at the inverter input (which might not strictly be necessary given the main db one), and one on the inverter output (to protect against spikes on the load circuit going back into the inverter). But I would rather have more protection than needed, than not have enough.
So now there are mainly 2 things that I need to clear up...
I want to use an industrial type socket / plug combo as indicated in the diagram to connect the inverter power station (which is mounted on a standalone steel frame with batteries) to the house wiring. Is there any kind of regulation that would prevent me from doing this? Important to note here is the socket will be before the main RCD, but it is not a general purpose socket and will only ever be used for the inverter. Also, it is really hard to find these types of sockets rated above 32A. How much of an issue would it be to use a 32A socket/plug with a 40A (theoretical max) circuit? The next step up would be 63A, and those plugs are a lot more expensive.
  My house is quite old, and there is one sub db that I would like to keep without modifying. However it has 25A breakers on the plugs. According to my understanding the max breaker you are allowed for normal sockets is 20A... would this be an issue? Or can it stay that way since it is part of the existing installation?
  Thank you to everyone who shared feedback - I appreciate it.

Here is my As built with legal certification

What printer were you using ?

Remember you need to use ePLA (Fire retardant) and can't use standard PLA, ABS, PETG, SBS, etc

You also need to compress those batteries, received my batteries from Apex a few weeks ago, going to build a steel chassis, with fans in /out on both sides.

So this is my DIY box 32 EVE 280amp 20mm shutter ply

They said this will be coming in the new year. They are busy with company registration , banking, getting someone local.

Remember it is currently going through the Buffalo Warehouse which is a China-state based entity to promote exports.

These are from my order a week or so ago. 16 x 280AH + BMS

Haven't started playing with anything because i still need a Bench PSU or battery balancer. Got my 3x Victron 5kw & 250/100 mppt. (using 2x 5kw & 1 mppt for now). However still missing some BOM, and the solar combiners are only arriving in the new year from Aliexpress.

Bench PSU also coming from Aliexpress, January sometime if lucky. Don't know too much about these things so will wait for the hardware first.

In the meantime I'll build the battery holder with some nice fans & compression Also got some fire retardant ePLA to 3D print a casing for it.

I used FNB SWIFT (took 7 days to clear and a couple of calls & paper work from the bank)

These are from my order a week or so ago. 16 x 280AH + BMS

Haven't started playing with anything because i still need a Bench PSU or battery balancer. Got my 3x Victron 5kw & 250/100 mppt. (using 2x 5kw & 1 mppt for now). However still missing some BOM, and the solar combiners are only arriving in the new year from Aliexpress.

Bench PSU also coming from Aliexpress, January sometime if lucky. Don't know too much about these things so will wait for the hardware first.

In the meantime I'll build the battery holder with some nice fans & compression Also got some fire retardant ePLA to 3D print a casing for it.

I used FNB SWIFT (took 7 days to clear and a couple of calls & paper work from the bank)

4-5A Heltec is fine. If you have a seplos/apexium bms it's best to use AGM voltage settings to do you first balance with an active balancer then switch to lithium/ bms communication. 
Set charge/absorbtion/float voltages the same. Set bms up so protection voltage is 3.65V and 3.65Vx16 for the pack. 
First charge pack to 3.5V x16 you can start balancing when first cell hits 3.5V then gradually increase inverter charge voltage to 3.55 then 3.6V then finally 3.65V all x16 for pack charge voltage. 
The bms will stop allowing a charge once the first cell hits 3.65V

There is nothing to ship, their stock is already in Kempton Park.

Yes, received my 16x280AH batteries + BMS this morning.

The "shipping" on their quote, is from China to Kempton park, that they are factoring in at a bulk rate. Which is a fraction of when you want to import it directly. My Last quote for self-shipping from China worked out more than the batteries itself.

Ordered & Paid: 27th October, took a week to be cleared by FNB/SWIFT (3rd November).
Ready for collection: Friday the 3rd November. Got a quote from Courier Guy at 9 AM and accepted. They collected at 10:30AM. (R770) + R30 000 insurance (R700), so ~R1470 for delivery from Kempton Park to Cape Town.
Delivered: 6th November (Bellville) @ 08:00 AM
Haven't tested them, but from inspection they all look 100%. No swelling, fall damage, etc. Also very thoroughly packed and stuffed.

Total Cost: Around ~R35 000 (BMS + 16x280AH cells + Forex R/$ + FNB fees. At the time FNB calculated me at R19.01 per 1USD )

Yes, received my 16x280AH batteries + BMS this morning.

The "shipping" on their quote, is from China to Kempton park, that they are factoring in at a bulk rate. Which is a fraction of when you want to import it directly. My Last quote for self-shipping from China worked out more than the batteries itself.

Ordered & Paid: 27th October, took a week to be cleared by FNB/SWIFT (3rd November).
Ready for collection: Friday the 3rd November. Got a quote from Courier Guy at 9 AM and accepted. They collected at 10:30AM. (R770) + R30 000 insurance (R700), so ~R1470 for delivery from Kempton Park to Cape Town.
Delivered: 6th November (Bellville) @ 08:00 AM
Haven't tested them, but from inspection they all look 100%. No swelling, fall damage, etc. Also very thoroughly packed and stuffed.

Total Cost: Around ~R35 000 (BMS + 16x280AH cells + Forex R/$ + FNB fees. At the time FNB calculated me at R19.01 per 1USD )

Yes, received my 16x280AH batteries + BMS this morning.

The "shipping" on their quote, is from China to Kempton park, that they are factoring in at a bulk rate. Which is a fraction of when you want to import it directly. My Last quote for self-shipping from China worked out more than the batteries itself.

Ordered & Paid: 27th October, took a week to be cleared by FNB/SWIFT (3rd November).
Ready for collection: Friday the 3rd November. Got a quote from Courier Guy at 9 AM and accepted. They collected at 10:30AM. (R770) + R30 000 insurance (R700), so ~R1470 for delivery from Kempton Park to Cape Town.
Delivered: 6th November (Bellville) @ 08:00 AM
Haven't tested them, but from inspection they all look 100%. No swelling, fall damage, etc. Also very thoroughly packed and stuffed.

Total Cost: Around ~R35 000 (BMS + 16x280AH cells + Forex R/$ + FNB fees. At the time FNB calculated me at R19.01 per 1USD )

Yes, received my 16x280AH batteries + BMS this morning.

The "shipping" on their quote, is from China to Kempton park, that they are factoring in at a bulk rate. Which is a fraction of when you want to import it directly. My Last quote for self-shipping from China worked out more than the batteries itself.

Ordered & Paid: 27th October, took a week to be cleared by FNB/SWIFT (3rd November).
Ready for collection: Friday the 3rd November. Got a quote from Courier Guy at 9 AM and accepted. They collected at 10:30AM. (R770) + R30 000 insurance (R700), so ~R1470 for delivery from Kempton Park to Cape Town.
Delivered: 6th November (Bellville) @ 08:00 AM
Haven't tested them, but from inspection they all look 100%. No swelling, fall damage, etc. Also very thoroughly packed and stuffed.

Total Cost: Around ~R35 000 (BMS + 16x280AH cells + Forex R/$ + FNB fees. At the time FNB calculated me at R19.01 per 1USD )

Deal with Candice.

I bought my 16 x 280AH + Apex BMS on Friday, Worked out about R35000 for it all. Just waiting for the SWIFT to be cleared then getting it collected, +- R1200 from Courier Guy to get it to Cape Town.

081 794 8465
[email protected]
https://apexium.en.alibaba.com/

They contacted me back after I've sent them a DM on alibaba a couple of months ago.

They have an offset point in Kempton Park now, however you still need to pay via SWIFT in Dollars to their Chinese company.

I have found the seplos BMS to do a pretty good job at top balancing if keeping the pack at 100% SOC until its done. It has a process called intermittent charge/discharge once it hits 100% SOC and before dropping below 96% SOC. It uses small current constantly. Between 1A and 6A and continually balances. 
Provided the cells start out reasonably in balance that is. 

Hi
Do you guys recommend these? Been communicating with Candice / Apex for a couple of months now, after getting hold of them through Alibaba.

I'm looking to buy 16 x 280AH cells (paired with v3 seplos) since they have stock at their Kempton Park warehouse @ $97/pc.
So roughly ~R30 000 for ~15kWh

I'm running 3x Shelly EM's for longer than 2.5 years already. Got a bunch of Shelly 4PRO's as well.
But busy rebuilding my DB from scratch. Got these last week:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003736312354.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.4d9c18022d1yLz
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003725796800.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.4d9c18022d1yLz
 

Got Sonoff NS Panels and these for light switching,
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004265613032.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.4d9c18022d1yLz
All flashed with ESPHOME integrated with HASS.
 

@p_i,I no longer import Shelly on a B2B basis, had too many people incorrectly wiring their items, popping it. Then they were completely oblivious when the item is half blown away or melted away, "I have no idea how it broke" and demanded a refund.

Nology is the currently the only B2B importer and distributor, however they don't bring in the Shelly EM's. I actually had a conversation with them yesterday morning, asking when will they bring it in, but they said the demand for it was too low. I called BS on it, but anyway its up to them.

Your best bet is to wait for black friday and then order a shelly EM + clamps from shelly EU site. 25 November 2022 and tt takes like 3 days with DHL.

cc: @Energy-Jason