CoCT rejects new application - "Only grid-tied allowed"

[chrisc]

Completed in July an installation with 12 panels, Mecer Axpert 11kW inverter (off-grid) and 3 x SHOTO batteries.  All wiring nicely in steel pipes, breakers for PV and battery, neat and tidy.  Job took 4 days to complete

Customer is architect and submitted application. with COC, drawings, installer qualifications on 1st August

Upon enquiring, he is told that since only Grid-tied installations are accepted, his installation is illegal and must be dismantled

[hoohloc]

he should have checked the requirements before investing all that money in the installation. But not a train smash, they can just sell the Mecer inverter and get one which is approved by the city and re-apply again 

[PierreJ]

 

Upon enquiring, he is told that since only Grid-tied installations are accepted, his installation is illegal and must be dismantled

That only applies to applications made from 1 October 2023. Someone at CoCT clearly didn't get the memo.

Edited September 23, 2023 by PierreJ

[madness_za]

 

he should have checked the requirements before investing all that money in the installation. But not a train smash, they can just sell the Mecer inverter and get one which is approved by the city and re-apply again 

Maybe you need to read the guidelines more closely

https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-for-authorisation-to-install-a-small-scale-embedded-generation-system

 

clearly says that’s the date is October 2033 onwards for their definition of “grid tied” and the need for their “approved” inverter

[hoohloc]

 

Maybe you need to read the guidelines more closely

https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-for-authorisation-to-install-a-small-scale-embedded-generation-system

 

clearly says that’s the date is October 2033 onwards for their definition of “grid tied” and the need for their “approved” inverter

Good luck explaining that to the officials, unfortunately I do not work for the COCT. Your anger shout be directed to them, not me 

[WestCoastUPS]

Time to get some lawyers involved and challenge the constitutionality of these fascist by-laws. To threaten fines etc is extortion, and to exclude off-grid inverters is insane. They make no sense whatsoever.  This will render every single UPS system illegal?

[Steve87]

That's the problem we have here. Officials given too much power & don't know the facts, misinformed or advised poorly by the technical ppl. 

But strongly agree, we need to push back very hard against such ignorance. They in dire need of solar specialist technical expertise in that office. It would avoid a lot of embarrassment later. 

Lawyers would run circles around this one. But typical of how things work in official circles. They not appointed for their technical expertise. On the contrary. 

My hope is class action like the OUTA guys get hold of this. It will help because strength in numbers counts. 

[chrisc]

Another installer told me he is moving away from solar as this "sometimes ok, sometimes not" is bad for his business.  He is paying off 3 tech guys at the end of next week and going back to irrigation systems 

The CofCT officials he deals with are very arrogant and unhelpful 

[Bobster.]

 

That's the problem we have here. Officials given too much power & don't know the facts, misinformed or advised poorly by the technical ppl. 

But strongly agree, we need to push back very hard against such ignorance. They in dire need of solar specialist technical expertise in that office. It would avoid a lot of embarrassment later. 

Lawyers would run circles around this one. But typical of how things work in official circles. They not appointed for their technical expertise. On the contrary. 

My hope is class action like the OUTA guys get hold of this. It will help because strength in numbers counts. 

There's a greater problem. COJ, for example, don't have a policy in place for SSEG. But there is a vague statement from them that they are aligning themselves with COCT codes & principles. I'm guessing that's partly because they don't have to do all the spadework. But in the meantime any poor ideas in the COCT regulations get carried into other domains.

[Bobster.]

COCT have responded to the criticism. 

See https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/509322-why-cape-town-is-banning-off-grid-inverters-for-solar-installations.html
 

[WannabeSolarSparky]

 

COCT have responded to the criticism. 

See https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/509322-why-cape-town-is-banning-off-grid-inverters-for-solar-installations.html
 

They do try clarify a bit about the options you have with regards to off-grid not approved inverters.
You essentially have to make 100% sure you are NOT connected to the grid in any way by means of a suitable grid-interlock.
So as far as I am concerned and by my interpretation most of the small off-grid systems should be ok as long as they are 100% not connected to the coct grid.

The new rules will not apply to mobile solutions like trolley inverters or power stations that can be plugged into wall sockets.
It will also not apply to scenarios where residents completely sever their homes from the grid.
The city’s regulations apply only where there is a connection to the electricity network.

That makes a lot more sense and is in line with how it works in most other countries.
 

For all the small axpert type "off-grid" systems

Put all your inverter backed up circuits on the other side of the grid-interlock (Most/many installs already do this or may need a simple adjustment to the wiring)
And also be sure to NOT use the grid for charging batteries or be connected to the inverter. Only charge up with solar or if you do not have solar then simply buy/add a lithium battery charger to your setup, the type that gets plugged in to one of your regular wall outlet sockets (i.e. the charger is an electrical appliance which is allowed).

Basically just a small tweak to how your system is setup/wired then you no longer have to worry about the stupid COCT regulations.

AND STILL MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VALID Electrical COC

Just my 1cents

 

 

 

[Jakobus]

If a few solar panels are mounted on building's roof... As in connected to a caravan or motorhome. (Where caravan is shaded by the house or trees most of the day).

But not connected to house's certified 230V AC wiring DB board- Wonder if municipality will still have a pain about it.

Coct already make use of their aerial imagery data to fine residents for putting up wendy houses and shade cloth carports or additions without approved plans.

These pictures are in the public domain on their website. From around 1926 to 2023.

https://citymaps.capetown.gov.za/EGISViewer/  

From the layer list select imagery and select a date. Then zoom in to find your house.

 

Edited September 30, 2023 by Jakobus
more detail added

[WannabeSolarSparky]

 

If a few solar panels are mounted on building's roof... As in connected to a caravan or motorhome. (Where caravan is shaded by the house or trees most of the day).

But not connected to house's certified 230V AC wiring DB board- Wonder if municipality will still have a pain about it.

Coct already make use of their aerial imagery data to fine residents for putting up wendy houses and shade cloth carports or additions without approved plans.

These pictures are in the public domain on their website. From around 1926 to 2023.

https://citymaps.capetown.gov.za/EGISViewer/  

From the layer list select imagery and select a date. Then zoom in to find your house.

 

AFAIK, you do not need permission for off-grid systems.

[AlexV]

It will also not apply to scenarios where residents completely sever their homes from the grid.
The city’s regulations apply only where there is a connection to the electricity network.

It will also not apply to scenarios where residents completely sever their homes from the grid.    Does a mechanism exist to voluntarily disconnect from the COCT grid and what is it?

The city’s regulations apply only where there is a connection to the electricity network.   If you do not have a grid connection, your installation is by definition, off-grid - in this case, do you still need to get approval from COCT, and must your inverter still be on the COCT list, and what about approval for the panels?

Thanks!