COCT to clarify solar panel requirements

Makes me nervous. COCT hasn't exactly distinguished itself with progressive or enlightened domestic PV SSEG policies. In fact, they've been rather backward. This sounds like a clampdown...
 
I am assuming this is only for those that feed back into the grid?
Wasn't the fee to be allowed to feed back cost prohibitive?
 
Arthur said:
Makes me nervous. COCT hasn't exactly distinguished itself with progressive or enlightened domestic PV SSEG policies. In fact, they've been rather backward. This sounds like a clampdown...
Click to expand...

Exactly.
 
Johnatan56 said:
I am assuming this is only for those that feed back into the grid?
Wasn't the fee to be allowed to feed back cost prohibitive?
Click to expand...

It's certainly not worth the effort of installing grid tied domestic solar if you go SSEG. If I recall correctly the daily SSEG charge to customer is around R13 and the repayment for kwh was about half what COCT charge. This would more than triple the time for return on investment for such an installation.

I am hoping that COCT is not aiming at protecting its cash cow with this.
 
This is all I can find so far regarding "the clarification":

http://www.iol.co.za/scitech/science/environment/cape-town-unveils-solar-requirements-1998850

Nothing new or progressive from COCT.

Nothing new for feed in costs / rates (which are currently punitive).

No new expanded list of inverters which might be 'acceptable' for grid tie (using the G59 certification for example). Just "this is unlawful" and "rules are rules".

Actually useless on behalf of the DA (Democratic Alliance) given Cape Town's supposed status of "leading the way as green city".

GO BACK AND DO IT AGAIN, PROPERLY THIS TIME!
 
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OK, so got my letter in the post this morning from CoCT to say that I would be cut off from the grid shortly given the grid tie situation.

Have spoken to them, they are being reasonable and the date has been extended so long as the grid tie inverter is totally shut down, but now I have to make a decision.

Go full SSEG or install a limiter. A CoC will be required for both. Ultimately I would like to go off grid completely, but cannot afford to at the moment.

What would you do, go SSEG (which seems punitive given my 3Kw array) or install a limiter?
 
Can you elaborate on the requirements?

Limiter?
Why do they want to cut you off?
 
They will cut me off because I have a grid tied inverter. They know this as they have been monitoring my meter and on some days I produce more than I use.

It is illegal in Cape Town to have a grid tie inverter without an SSEG certification + CoC.

A limiter will stop the grid tie inverter feeding back into the grid doing away with the need for an SSEG certificate. CoC will still be required as far as I understand it.
 
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