Rautenk

Hi Denarius,
That is exactly what I was thinking! I am playing with that right now. 
I have done this, but the Node-Red does not connect to the inverter, my expectation was that it would not work as you do not have a RS485 link between the inverters.
For this to work you might want to add an additional RS485 cable from the slave inverter to the same RS485 to USB converter.
What I will be doing is adding another USB converter and then running this separately via the same Node-Red.
@Bloubul7, thanks for all the hard work. This is working on my side, just go the PI communicating with Master inverter today and the Node-Red links works perfectly (once I made an edit or two on the influxDB server settings!).
 

@Rclegg,
I think you have a few items to play with. 
I would strongly recommend that once you have gone through the measurement campaign look at doing a Hybrid system. 
The Axpert is nice and cheap and great for back-up, but as per the video once PV becomes involved it is a different story. What the Video does not cover is what happens at load shedding times. That Grid Tied shuts down and only the batteries provide power. Bloody waste in the day! Whereas a true Hybrid will still utilise the PV panels.
Then, I am going to severely disagree with @plonkster on the battery choice. I would AVOID the 200Ah batteries if you want to go over 3kVA. Your Deep Cycle lead acids actually do not like giving high current. So lets say you have a 5kW/kVA system and you switch things on max. Then you need to deliver 100A+ at 48V, batteries just do not like it. Better to go for 8x105Ah to manage the current draw overall. Your batteries will thank you.
But, then again, it is MUCH cheaper(lifetime) to go for lithium at 90% d.o.d than it is to go for 8x105Ah batteries at 30% d.o.d (for if you want it to last 5 years). You actually end up with a very small margin of difference if you compare the 2.4kWh pylon to 8x105Ah deep cycle. And with Lithium advance BMS systems you can actually buy one now and add a few later. quite impressive, this CANNOT be done with Lead Acids, except with expensive electronics (which is included in the Pylon/BYD/SolarMD packages).
With a Hybrid configuration (GoodWe for example, just because I don't want to satisfy the blue guys and say Victron), you will be able to have dedicated back-up circuits (i.e. your plugs and lights) and then the hybrid function will allow you to utilise the PV component for your geyser, stove, etc. Only thing will be that geyser, stove, etc will be off during load shedding.
So summary:
1. Get you PEAK LOAD ( in kW) which you want to connect to your back-up system
2. Use worst case energy usage(kWh) over 3 hours as your required back-up time. (But only estimate with back-up system)
3. plonk got it right, always install a change over switch... you never know if the inverter might go bonkers. It happens, especially with the Axperts (clones)
4. Second DB is advisable and depends who reads the regulations, required. Some inspectors insist that back-up systems be physically separate from main circuits. This is very open to interpretation. 
5. If you go CoJ route then you will probably need someone to certify the system
6. If you add panels later, then you need to make sure that you take into account the Combiner or DC distribution box. You need to have fuses (or DC Circuit breakers) and Surge Arrestors before going into the inverters.   
 

Hi @Bain Viljoen you are on the forum as well! 
 
You should have told me you are now shipping to Cape Town! Last time I asked shipping was for own cost... made me not consider your product this time around. 
I wanted also to point out that the DoD for testing to 2000cycles is 100%, so makes a difference if doing 80% DoD. 
Anyway, a few questions on that:
1. Does your BMS allow you to connect old and new batteries in parallel without affecting the new ones.
2. Are you planning on integrating a "smart" BMS and Control system that can do communications (CAM-bus i think is the standard) to any of the main inverter suppliers (or that ICC used with the Axperts).
 
At this stage, I believe the units are sold as "dumb" batteries, fully controlled by the Inverter voltage setting and then heat protected by the internal BMS. 
 
ps. I would still recommend that someone use your batteries due to the price! 

No, The infini does it itself. So no need to have the Axpert in the system... [O wait, saw this was answered]
However, I really want to hit this home:
The Axpert is not a Hybrid at all, people advertising it as such is a bit ignorant of the internationally accepted nomenclature.
Even the makers of Axpert (Voltronic) does not call it a Hybrid, but an Off-Grid inverter. Massive difference. 
Hybrid can use both Grid AND Solar at the same time, Axpert can only use Grid OR Solar at a time. Yes, it switches between the two, so you either have Eskom power or you have Solar/Battery power. But not both at the same time
Infini is also made by Voltronic if anyone wondered...
 

No, The infini does it itself. So no need to have the Axpert in the system... [O wait, saw this was answered]
However, I really want to hit this home:
The Axpert is not a Hybrid at all, people advertising it as such is a bit ignorant of the internationally accepted nomenclature.
Even the makers of Axpert (Voltronic) does not call it a Hybrid, but an Off-Grid inverter. Massive difference. 
Hybrid can use both Grid AND Solar at the same time, Axpert can only use Grid OR Solar at a time. Yes, it switches between the two, so you either have Eskom power or you have Solar/Battery power. But not both at the same time
Infini is also made by Voltronic if anyone wondered...
 

@Rclegg,
I think you have a few items to play with. 
I would strongly recommend that once you have gone through the measurement campaign look at doing a Hybrid system. 
The Axpert is nice and cheap and great for back-up, but as per the video once PV becomes involved it is a different story. What the Video does not cover is what happens at load shedding times. That Grid Tied shuts down and only the batteries provide power. Bloody waste in the day! Whereas a true Hybrid will still utilise the PV panels.
Then, I am going to severely disagree with @plonkster on the battery choice. I would AVOID the 200Ah batteries if you want to go over 3kVA. Your Deep Cycle lead acids actually do not like giving high current. So lets say you have a 5kW/kVA system and you switch things on max. Then you need to deliver 100A+ at 48V, batteries just do not like it. Better to go for 8x105Ah to manage the current draw overall. Your batteries will thank you.
But, then again, it is MUCH cheaper(lifetime) to go for lithium at 90% d.o.d than it is to go for 8x105Ah batteries at 30% d.o.d (for if you want it to last 5 years). You actually end up with a very small margin of difference if you compare the 2.4kWh pylon to 8x105Ah deep cycle. And with Lithium advance BMS systems you can actually buy one now and add a few later. quite impressive, this CANNOT be done with Lead Acids, except with expensive electronics (which is included in the Pylon/BYD/SolarMD packages).
With a Hybrid configuration (GoodWe for example, just because I don't want to satisfy the blue guys and say Victron), you will be able to have dedicated back-up circuits (i.e. your plugs and lights) and then the hybrid function will allow you to utilise the PV component for your geyser, stove, etc. Only thing will be that geyser, stove, etc will be off during load shedding.
So summary:
1. Get you PEAK LOAD ( in kW) which you want to connect to your back-up system
2. Use worst case energy usage(kWh) over 3 hours as your required back-up time. (But only estimate with back-up system)
3. plonk got it right, always install a change over switch... you never know if the inverter might go bonkers. It happens, especially with the Axperts (clones)
4. Second DB is advisable and depends who reads the regulations, required. Some inspectors insist that back-up systems be physically separate from main circuits. This is very open to interpretation. 
5. If you go CoJ route then you will probably need someone to certify the system
6. If you add panels later, then you need to make sure that you take into account the Combiner or DC distribution box. You need to have fuses (or DC Circuit breakers) and Surge Arrestors before going into the inverters.   
 

@Rclegg,
I think you have a few items to play with. 
I would strongly recommend that once you have gone through the measurement campaign look at doing a Hybrid system. 
The Axpert is nice and cheap and great for back-up, but as per the video once PV becomes involved it is a different story. What the Video does not cover is what happens at load shedding times. That Grid Tied shuts down and only the batteries provide power. Bloody waste in the day! Whereas a true Hybrid will still utilise the PV panels.
Then, I am going to severely disagree with @plonkster on the battery choice. I would AVOID the 200Ah batteries if you want to go over 3kVA. Your Deep Cycle lead acids actually do not like giving high current. So lets say you have a 5kW/kVA system and you switch things on max. Then you need to deliver 100A+ at 48V, batteries just do not like it. Better to go for 8x105Ah to manage the current draw overall. Your batteries will thank you.
But, then again, it is MUCH cheaper(lifetime) to go for lithium at 90% d.o.d than it is to go for 8x105Ah batteries at 30% d.o.d (for if you want it to last 5 years). You actually end up with a very small margin of difference if you compare the 2.4kWh pylon to 8x105Ah deep cycle. And with Lithium advance BMS systems you can actually buy one now and add a few later. quite impressive, this CANNOT be done with Lead Acids, except with expensive electronics (which is included in the Pylon/BYD/SolarMD packages).
With a Hybrid configuration (GoodWe for example, just because I don't want to satisfy the blue guys and say Victron), you will be able to have dedicated back-up circuits (i.e. your plugs and lights) and then the hybrid function will allow you to utilise the PV component for your geyser, stove, etc. Only thing will be that geyser, stove, etc will be off during load shedding.
So summary:
1. Get you PEAK LOAD ( in kW) which you want to connect to your back-up system
2. Use worst case energy usage(kWh) over 3 hours as your required back-up time. (But only estimate with back-up system)
3. plonk got it right, always install a change over switch... you never know if the inverter might go bonkers. It happens, especially with the Axperts (clones)
4. Second DB is advisable and depends who reads the regulations, required. Some inspectors insist that back-up systems be physically separate from main circuits. This is very open to interpretation. 
5. If you go CoJ route then you will probably need someone to certify the system
6. If you add panels later, then you need to make sure that you take into account the Combiner or DC distribution box. You need to have fuses (or DC Circuit breakers) and Surge Arrestors before going into the inverters.   
 

@Rclegg,
I think you have a few items to play with. 
I would strongly recommend that once you have gone through the measurement campaign look at doing a Hybrid system. 
The Axpert is nice and cheap and great for back-up, but as per the video once PV becomes involved it is a different story. What the Video does not cover is what happens at load shedding times. That Grid Tied shuts down and only the batteries provide power. Bloody waste in the day! Whereas a true Hybrid will still utilise the PV panels.
Then, I am going to severely disagree with @plonkster on the battery choice. I would AVOID the 200Ah batteries if you want to go over 3kVA. Your Deep Cycle lead acids actually do not like giving high current. So lets say you have a 5kW/kVA system and you switch things on max. Then you need to deliver 100A+ at 48V, batteries just do not like it. Better to go for 8x105Ah to manage the current draw overall. Your batteries will thank you.
But, then again, it is MUCH cheaper(lifetime) to go for lithium at 90% d.o.d than it is to go for 8x105Ah batteries at 30% d.o.d (for if you want it to last 5 years). You actually end up with a very small margin of difference if you compare the 2.4kWh pylon to 8x105Ah deep cycle. And with Lithium advance BMS systems you can actually buy one now and add a few later. quite impressive, this CANNOT be done with Lead Acids, except with expensive electronics (which is included in the Pylon/BYD/SolarMD packages).
With a Hybrid configuration (GoodWe for example, just because I don't want to satisfy the blue guys and say Victron), you will be able to have dedicated back-up circuits (i.e. your plugs and lights) and then the hybrid function will allow you to utilise the PV component for your geyser, stove, etc. Only thing will be that geyser, stove, etc will be off during load shedding.
So summary:
1. Get you PEAK LOAD ( in kW) which you want to connect to your back-up system
2. Use worst case energy usage(kWh) over 3 hours as your required back-up time. (But only estimate with back-up system)
3. plonk got it right, always install a change over switch... you never know if the inverter might go bonkers. It happens, especially with the Axperts (clones)
4. Second DB is advisable and depends who reads the regulations, required. Some inspectors insist that back-up systems be physically separate from main circuits. This is very open to interpretation. 
5. If you go CoJ route then you will probably need someone to certify the system
6. If you add panels later, then you need to make sure that you take into account the Combiner or DC distribution box. You need to have fuses (or DC Circuit breakers) and Surge Arrestors before going into the inverters.   
 

I must also add, that +-3 years worth of actual data to verify the calculation and simulations were a very big help! 
Seems that sanity does prevail! 
@plonkster, why would you want to decommission the system?

This forum thread is still going! 
Well, this is actually a change because another department was reading it too literally! The SSEG side does not care about the Off-Grid sizing, but due to the wording in the SSEG Guidelines another department started rejecting declarations (note the work here, DECLARATIONS). So the SSEG guys just made a minor change to it.
So where you are truly off-grid, you declare and note that it is not on the grid.
For those on Axpert, you limit your charging to 15A and be done with it, now... Again had to talk to various people to get this understanding.
Seems enough people complained, and once CoCT departments started speaking they realised the problem! 
Lets hope the other Munics follows! I know a lot of people are really pissed off at Drakenstein! (But that was their changes to the feed-in/credit tariff)! 
Also, might be good to note:
Off-Grid: Never have Grid and Solar connected at same time. When Batteries are low and Solar not sufficient it CAN change over to Grid-Only [Not parallel to Grid]
Hybrid: Has batteries and Solar, can export to the grid and can have Grid and Solar at the same time on the Output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, continue to operate at grid outage]
Grid-Tied: No Batteries, Grid and Solar on output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, stop operation at grid outage]
 
Hybrid Off-Grid is a confusing term and not usually defined by Inverter Manufacturer. 
 
 

This forum thread is still going! 
Well, this is actually a change because another department was reading it too literally! The SSEG side does not care about the Off-Grid sizing, but due to the wording in the SSEG Guidelines another department started rejecting declarations (note the work here, DECLARATIONS). So the SSEG guys just made a minor change to it.
So where you are truly off-grid, you declare and note that it is not on the grid.
For those on Axpert, you limit your charging to 15A and be done with it, now... Again had to talk to various people to get this understanding.
Seems enough people complained, and once CoCT departments started speaking they realised the problem! 
Lets hope the other Munics follows! I know a lot of people are really pissed off at Drakenstein! (But that was their changes to the feed-in/credit tariff)! 
Also, might be good to note:
Off-Grid: Never have Grid and Solar connected at same time. When Batteries are low and Solar not sufficient it CAN change over to Grid-Only [Not parallel to Grid]
Hybrid: Has batteries and Solar, can export to the grid and can have Grid and Solar at the same time on the Output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, continue to operate at grid outage]
Grid-Tied: No Batteries, Grid and Solar on output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, stop operation at grid outage]
 
Hybrid Off-Grid is a confusing term and not usually defined by Inverter Manufacturer. 
 
 

This forum thread is still going! 
Well, this is actually a change because another department was reading it too literally! The SSEG side does not care about the Off-Grid sizing, but due to the wording in the SSEG Guidelines another department started rejecting declarations (note the work here, DECLARATIONS). So the SSEG guys just made a minor change to it.
So where you are truly off-grid, you declare and note that it is not on the grid.
For those on Axpert, you limit your charging to 15A and be done with it, now... Again had to talk to various people to get this understanding.
Seems enough people complained, and once CoCT departments started speaking they realised the problem! 
Lets hope the other Munics follows! I know a lot of people are really pissed off at Drakenstein! (But that was their changes to the feed-in/credit tariff)! 
Also, might be good to note:
Off-Grid: Never have Grid and Solar connected at same time. When Batteries are low and Solar not sufficient it CAN change over to Grid-Only [Not parallel to Grid]
Hybrid: Has batteries and Solar, can export to the grid and can have Grid and Solar at the same time on the Output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, continue to operate at grid outage]
Grid-Tied: No Batteries, Grid and Solar on output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, stop operation at grid outage]
 
Hybrid Off-Grid is a confusing term and not usually defined by Inverter Manufacturer. 
 
 

This forum thread is still going! 
Well, this is actually a change because another department was reading it too literally! The SSEG side does not care about the Off-Grid sizing, but due to the wording in the SSEG Guidelines another department started rejecting declarations (note the work here, DECLARATIONS). So the SSEG guys just made a minor change to it.
So where you are truly off-grid, you declare and note that it is not on the grid.
For those on Axpert, you limit your charging to 15A and be done with it, now... Again had to talk to various people to get this understanding.
Seems enough people complained, and once CoCT departments started speaking they realised the problem! 
Lets hope the other Munics follows! I know a lot of people are really pissed off at Drakenstein! (But that was their changes to the feed-in/credit tariff)! 
Also, might be good to note:
Off-Grid: Never have Grid and Solar connected at same time. When Batteries are low and Solar not sufficient it CAN change over to Grid-Only [Not parallel to Grid]
Hybrid: Has batteries and Solar, can export to the grid and can have Grid and Solar at the same time on the Output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, continue to operate at grid outage]
Grid-Tied: No Batteries, Grid and Solar on output [Parallel to Grid in normal operation, stop operation at grid outage]
 
Hybrid Off-Grid is a confusing term and not usually defined by Inverter Manufacturer. 
 
 

I had some conversation with GInlong on this issue.
 
It seems the "Grid" Value that is provided in the monitoring website is actually the AC output of the inverter, where as the AC output is the DC value * efficiency! Thus one cannot see your total power usage on the website. There is also no way to look at the CT Clamp values in real time, thus no way to estimate own usage  Really bad website.
 
However! You CAN download 5 minute data intervals from the website which is useful:
When you logged in, select "devices" and click on your inverter. a New tab should open.
Then on the graph top left there is an export function which will export EVERYTHING (not just selected parameters). @IdlePhaedrusthis might assist you, unfortunately the loss of data from Saturday is unfortunate.
The combination of low load, high generation or change in load during high generation will cause an instantaneous current EXPORT onto the grid. However, the inverter should react fast enough to prevent the export from tripping your meter... You can always be brave and test this theory and report back...
I like that PI meter... its not that expensive if you compare to the OWL meters out there (which are inaccurate at best of times).
 
 

Dear all,
 
I am looking to set up the meeting with Ryno and CoCT next week Tuesday.
Just a heads up.
 
Cheers,
 

@The Bulldog,Jip, that is the one... Someone I know spoke to the guy that submitted it and they acknowledge that it was a printing error! Its per month (or so they say, we would see in the final tariff)
I agree, but would like to know that with 100% certainty (thus putting the two options on the table)
@flamegrilled, I thought of it but how would it be best put in? Trying to keep it simple, would you go for a negative saving at the start or would you want to take the approach of wirting off the cost over 5 years (first option would be accurate, if you want to do it over 5 years then interest should start coming in).
My intention here is to show that should you have two exact same systems (and had the meter installed already), then the discrepancy becomes more prominent over time. Note this is only 4 years, so the longer (say 15 years) you go along the worse it becomes! 
I am more than happy to upload the base document if someone wants to play around with it and make more useful figures.
The data used is as follows:
1. My own home utility bill per month
2. PVSyst estimations of monthly energy generation for a 2.5kW system (sized specifically so that I have 100% utilisation), also the system has less than optimal placement
3. Energy loss of 0.05% per year (this is not 100% correct as I actually used nicely oversized DC component - and due to West facing placement for 1 string)
 

Not having a PC at hand is sometimes a frustration, so please imagine that I am quoting the relevant part of Fuenkil's message. 
 
I doubt that the prepaid meter for SSEGs would be the same as the normal prepaid, reason being that the normal prepaid would be measuring current and not current direction, thus if you export you would pay for exporting as if you are using. The one they would be installing should be reading multiple registers and allow for net metering. 
And the city is hell bent in getting everyone onto prepaid. 
All said, I was under the impression that the city was progressive and opting for smart grid technology (thus the normal prepaid early on should have been the dual version now quoted). 
So @The Terrible Triplett, it would be interesting if you can find out if your meter is the net metering type... 
This definitely deserves to be on the list of questions to CoCT... 
 

@The Bulldog,Jip, that is the one... Someone I know spoke to the guy that submitted it and they acknowledge that it was a printing error! Its per month (or so they say, we would see in the final tariff)
I agree, but would like to know that with 100% certainty (thus putting the two options on the table)
@flamegrilled, I thought of it but how would it be best put in? Trying to keep it simple, would you go for a negative saving at the start or would you want to take the approach of wirting off the cost over 5 years (first option would be accurate, if you want to do it over 5 years then interest should start coming in).
My intention here is to show that should you have two exact same systems (and had the meter installed already), then the discrepancy becomes more prominent over time. Note this is only 4 years, so the longer (say 15 years) you go along the worse it becomes! 
I am more than happy to upload the base document if someone wants to play around with it and make more useful figures.
The data used is as follows:
1. My own home utility bill per month
2. PVSyst estimations of monthly energy generation for a 2.5kW system (sized specifically so that I have 100% utilisation), also the system has less than optimal placement
3. Energy loss of 0.05% per year (this is not 100% correct as I actually used nicely oversized DC component - and due to West facing placement for 1 string)
 

I have had quite a few people asking: "Should I do net metering (or exporting) to City of Cape Town?" 
To answer this question I have done a quick analysis on the pricing, costs and exports.
Note a few assumptions on the below:
1. The Cost of installing the Net Metering Meter is NOT INCLUDED (this is around R8k to R12k)
2. Escalation of electricity price is capped at a 5% rate (after 2020, the 2019/2020 increase used)
3. No Escalation on the Feed-In Tariff (The possible increase in FIT is offset by the reduced Electricity Cap rate, also note the new changes to the SSEG rates by City of Cape Town [very much reduced])
4. Home usage is more that 1000units(kWh) per month, however should this be less than 1000kWh then the excess energy is sold to Cape Town (or lost if not exporting)
5. Access Fee per year (currently 248p/m on the 2019/2020 budget), changes by 5% annually
Then, two options are given side by side, this is depending on how CoCT will be implementing the fee structure (sorry, there is no clarity on this, perhaps someone can assist?)
We have two charges on for Home Users, which is a R160(+-) "Network Access and Administration Charge" and the other is the SSEG "Service Charge" R248.32. Option 2 will be WITHOUT the Home User Charge, option 1 is with both (most likely scenario).
It can be seen from the graphs over a period of a few years that Exporting to the City will REDUCE your saving vs. just tossing the energy in the bin (figuratively speaking, if you do it literally you might have to pay for the fire department to come out...).



OPTION 2: Only the Service Charge (I like being optimistic):



 
 
 

I have had quite a few people asking: "Should I do net metering (or exporting) to City of Cape Town?" 
To answer this question I have done a quick analysis on the pricing, costs and exports.
Note a few assumptions on the below:
1. The Cost of installing the Net Metering Meter is NOT INCLUDED (this is around R8k to R12k)
2. Escalation of electricity price is capped at a 5% rate (after 2020, the 2019/2020 increase used)
3. No Escalation on the Feed-In Tariff (The possible increase in FIT is offset by the reduced Electricity Cap rate, also note the new changes to the SSEG rates by City of Cape Town [very much reduced])
4. Home usage is more that 1000units(kWh) per month, however should this be less than 1000kWh then the excess energy is sold to Cape Town (or lost if not exporting)
5. Access Fee per year (currently 248p/m on the 2019/2020 budget), changes by 5% annually
Then, two options are given side by side, this is depending on how CoCT will be implementing the fee structure (sorry, there is no clarity on this, perhaps someone can assist?)
We have two charges on for Home Users, which is a R160(+-) "Network Access and Administration Charge" and the other is the SSEG "Service Charge" R248.32. Option 2 will be WITHOUT the Home User Charge, option 1 is with both (most likely scenario).
It can be seen from the graphs over a period of a few years that Exporting to the City will REDUCE your saving vs. just tossing the energy in the bin (figuratively speaking, if you do it literally you might have to pay for the fire department to come out...).



OPTION 2: Only the Service Charge (I like being optimistic):



 
 
 

Yes, exactly what I asked read the full response:
Red is Ryno's answers. So basically this is not currently a SANS standard and only to be taken into consideration in the future.
As Engineer I would (if such a Change Over is installed) make the following finding:
1.It should be noted that the Change over switch was tested by the Electrician and COC provided for such
2.Appendix 4, b is outside of SANS standards and not technically possible with most (if not all) inverters currently NRS certified.
3. Change over switch as per CoC complies to all standards.
 
I have noted the concern back to Ryno about the Appendix 4,b - But to be honest we have a way forward and something they would not be able to reject on reasonable grounds.
 
"Thank you for the response, however this still remains confusing. 
In our previous communication you indicated the change over switch should be on the Grid / City side of the inverter (AC-in) [Can be on grid input to the inverter when all loads supplied from backup, else practically as a switched solution between the normal grid supply and the storage mode to essential supplies]. With a Hybrid inverter with Anti-islanding this will be a single source, am I correct? [Yes, if in grid-tied mode but will have 2nd source when islanded storage mode operation is used]
Thus the change over noted in appendix 4 would not be required, as the inverter eliminates its Ac-in output (if it has export capability) during grid faults, which would isolate it from the network [No, inverter disconnection device is only used for point of source separation for abnormal conditions as per  NRS0978-2-1: 2017, Clause 4.2.2]. These inverters typically do not have the capability on the Ac-in side to island that area [Noted, an Appendix 4 switch must isolate the grid supply circuit before the islanded storage mode operation is used and controlled by the hybrid inverter]. 
 
Secondly the battery driven side (Ac-out) is not connected to the Ac-in side at all during times of grid outage (As required by NRS097). [See 1st comment above.]
 
Could you for simplicity sake, provide us with more information should one use the Victron or Goodwe, which is both Hybrids with Anti-Islanding functionality how it should be set up, considering that neither can cause a part of the network (on the AC-in) side to island? [Refer to the practical comment above and attached diagram]
 
The biggest concern is appendix 4, b : The switch shall provide feedback to the inverter. [Installer/supplier control circuit can be implemented using switch auxiliary contacts to provide the status of the switch. Proposed draft SANS 10142-1-2: 20XX to be taken into consideration in future.]"
 
For ease of reference please see attached block diagram, if you could add your comments to the switch position into this, please do so. This can put the topic to bed finally.[See attached Hybrid Block Diagram - K Rautenbach (rvdr comments 2019-04-11).pdf]
 
Note also that you make the statement that: "The ECSA professional is not responsible for the sign-off of the separate suitably interlocked change-over switch.", however in the commissioning sheet (Page 10, Appendix 1 of the application) the ECSA registered person needs to sign-off on :"And, where applicable for a grid-tied hybrid SSEG installation, the suitably interlocked change-over switch conforms to the requirements of Appendix 4 of the Requirements for SSEG document."
Is this not in effect the ECSA registered professional signing off on the switch? [The professional declare that the registered person’s CoC conforms to Appendix 4.]
 
I will not comment on the NRS097-2-3 application, however the city gives this note in the Requirements: "Note: The generation size limits in the table apply to normal residential connections on a shared low-voltage (LV) network. Customers who wish to apply for an installation with a generation capacity exceeding the limits in the above table should consult with EGD before commencing with their formal application.". This opens the door for the request to deviate from the NRS requirement, which is in the discretion of the owner of the shared feeder. [No NRS deviation and the Note refers to shared. Only possible in rare cases for an existing residential customer supplied by a dedicated supply when 75% rule is applicable, depending on our engineering studies.]

I am busy with a SANS10142 update course, looking at the OHS act as part of it. Riveting stuff... 
 
That reminds me, might need to ask admins, I am an organising member of the Western Cape chapter South African Institute of electrical engineers and will post training somewhere here... What do you think? 
Cost is around R7k per 2 day course fpr non members... 

I am busy with a SANS10142 update course, looking at the OHS act as part of it. Riveting stuff... 
 
That reminds me, might need to ask admins, I am an organising member of the Western Cape chapter South African Institute of electrical engineers and will post training somewhere here... What do you think? 
Cost is around R7k per 2 day course fpr non members... 

Dear all, conclusion on the Change Over Switch
Also, as I noted to TTT... Sanity has prevailed at the City of Cape town. Ryno is not the best communicator. I have posted all his replies on this forum to date, but finally due to the work done by those on this forum we finally got him in a position to give us his example on a block diagram. After he originally just sent that confusing Single Line diagram.
It is VERY clear... The Change Over switch is basically only when you want to "bypass" the inverter. This basically is the same as you would have for a diesel generator, the only difference is we run die diesel generator constantly and when it stops go to grid. See below the solution. SANS might be another issue, but I am not sure what exactly the problem is, believe it or not but the guy presenting the course disagrees with the additional isolation and agrees that you should trust the equipment if type tested to various standards.

In Electrical Drawings that would be the Terminal numbers.
 
I recommend using Profi-Cad, very easy and free to use... Use the IEC symbols.