I have a solar installation with solar panels, Sacolar (Goodwe subsidiart) inverters and batteries. I need to register my installation with the CoCT. We use the grid for backup when there is not enough solar and the batteries are low. My problem is that my inverters are not specifically mentioned on the CoCT list of approved inverters. I am confused as to whether this list applies only to grid tied inverters used to supply electricity to the grid and other inverters may be used if only used if not supplying to the grid.

Can anyone advise please?

Thanks

Philip

Was wondering the same. If for instance you have small system and it's not connected to DB panel, but like mobile system, including solar. What doe s regulation say. What is actual purpose of registering. I guess they don't know if you feeding back into grid. Strange nobody has answered your question.

You are liable to receive the following response from CoCT:

"You are making use of an inverter that is not on the City’s list of approved inverters (see list attached). Your installation will have to be off grid.

You will then have to complete the declaration for off grid form.

I understand its a requirement to have it registered but of the handful of people I know who have done an installation none have gone through with the registration - no different to boreholes which also technically need to be registered.  My installer said it was up to me to do..   

Hi Guys has anyone made any headway with this? I also want to install some panels but I do not want issues down the line with COCT. 

All installations have to be registered, but the process differs slightly. Grid tied / hybrid is a more involved process needing approval, whereas off-grid is easiest to do and only requires a simple registration. 

Only if you have a grid-tied or hybrid inverter (e.g. one capable of feeding back to the grid) does it need to be on their list.

My understanding: as soon as you connect it to your DB you must register it because there is a potential of backfeeding into the grid.  It also has to do with safety.  If incorrectly installed it can burn your house down.   I will not compare solar to a borehole.  Borehole won't burn your house or your neighborhood.   Registration is free so not sure what's the fuss?  By registering your system you are protecting your biggest asset: your house.  Scrupulous installers will tell you it's up to you.   I believe the city is providing a safety net for the uninformed because the design must be signed off by an registered engineer. Many installers are not electricians or engineers.  However, they do have a know how.  

 

Be careful of installers "doing" the registration on your behalf.  Not one of the installers are willing to do the instal for me unless they do the registration.  I suspect that they actually don't do it.   Was willing to still pay the installers registration fee whilst I do the registration myself........alas they were not willing.   I recommend they cc you in all all emails to the city whilst registering your system.  Registration is an online process. Don't be fooled.  

 

Download the registration forms from city's website, fill in your bit then give to installer to do his bit. If something goes wrong the owner will be held accountable not the installer. Do your due diligence.

Any solar or inverter installation done grid tied or off grid need to have a COC issued by an electrical contractor registered with DOL( minumum) or registered with DOL and ECASA even better. There are many installations done without a COC been issued that is unlawful for grid tied systems and for off grid systems if your house should burn down the insurance company will not pay out in the event of any damage caused by the installation. Most importantly your family safety is at risk if not checked, inspected and tested by a qualified installation electrician (credentials above)issuing a COC. When registering your solar system you will be asked to produce a valid COC.