Hessequa Local Municipality is allowing small-scale solar PV embedded generators (SSEG) to connect to their distribution grid.
It is important to know IF SYSTEMS ARE ALLOWED TO CONNECT and HOW TO GO ABOUT APPLYING FOR PERMISSION.
WHAT IS A SOLAR PV SMALL-SCALE EMBEDDED GENERATOR (SSEG) SYSTEM?
A Solar PV Embedded Generator is a solar-electricity (PV) generator that is connected to the electricity distribution grid via a grid synchronising inverter (which converts the DC solar power to AC power). If a system is connected to the wiring on your premises which is connected to the distribution network, this is still a grid connected, or embedded generator. Systems generating 100MW or smaller are called Small Scale Embedded Generators (SSEG). Solar PV is the main technology type used as an SSEG, but wind, biogas electricity, hydro power and diesel generators connected to the grid are also forms of SSEG. This document only covers solar PV SSEG.
CAN I INSTALL A PV SSEG SYSTEM WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE MUNICIPALITY?
No. National legislation prohibits the connection of SSEG systems to the distribution grid (even if it is on the customer’s side of the distribution board) without specific written permission from the municipality. The municipality is obliged to disconnect customers from the grid if they have unapproved, illegal systems.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR PERMISSION TO INSTALL A PV SSEG SYSTEM?
The application form for an alternative power supply is available from Electricity Department offices. The ‘Requirements for Small-Scale Embedded Generation in Hessequa Local Municipality’ provides additional information and should be consulted when completing an application for SSEG installation.
DO I NEED PERMISSION TO INSTALL A SOLAR PV SYSTEM THAT IS NOT CONNECTED TO THE GRID?
Permission from the municipal Electricity Department is not needed for systems that are not connected to the distribution grid (note that if it is connected to the wiring on your premises which is connected to the distribution network, this is still a grid connected, or embedded, generator).
WHICH SSEG SYSTEMS ARE ALLOWED?
Systems need to comply with a range of technical criteria to be approved by the municipality. This ensures that safety and power quality issues on the grid are avoided. The ‘Requirements for Small-Scale Embedded Generation in Hessequa Local Municipality’ document.
WHO CAN INSTALL A SOLAR PV SSEG SYSTEM?
The municipality only permits installers who are registered electrical contractors to install SSEG systems. PV GreenCard installers are recommended. This ensures quality of installation and protects both the customer and the municipality. Local installers are encouraged to register – see www.pvgreencard.co.za
WHAT TARIFF WILL APPLY TO A CUSTOMER WITH SSEG?
All SSEG customers will be subject to a fixed charge in addition to a normal energy purchase tariff. The municipality will also compensate SSEG customers for power exported onto the municipal grid. SSEG tariffs are given in the municipality’s current tariff schedule.
WHERE TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AND FORMS
The Requirements for Small-Scale Embedded Generation document, as well as the Application Form and Commissioning Report are available from the municipality at our municipal offices:
REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL-SCALE EMBEDDED GENERATION
ANNEXURE A – SUPPLEMENTAL CONTRACT FOR EMBEDDED GENERATION
ANNEXURE B – APPLICATION FOR THE CONNECTION OF SMALL-SCALE EMBEDDED GENERATION
ANNEXURE C – SSEG Installation Commissioning Report
ANNEXURE D – SSEG Decommissioning Report
ANNEXURE E – LIST OF INVERTERS COMPLYING WITH HESSEQUA MUNICIPALITY REQUIREMENTS
ANNEXURE F – MUNICIPAL BY–LAW AMENDMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ADOPTION OF SSEG
Any queries may be directed to:
Mr S Chikamhi at 028 713 7888 or silent@hessequa.gov.za
