What is and SSEG

[Tradie]

I think we should start here... what is an SSEG?

Only when we understand what is an SSEG can we start discussing registrations and codes. Lets hear what you think is an SSEG and if need to register it.

Chat gpt response :

An SSEG usually refers to a Small-Scale Embedded Generator.

It’s a term often used in the context of electricity supply, especially in countries like South Africa and the UK. Here’s what it means:

• Small-Scale → The system is relatively small compared to utility-scale power plants (typically rooftop solar PV, small wind turbines, or micro-hydro).
• Embedded → It’s connected within a distribution network (often at a customer’s premises), rather than at the large transmission level.
• Generator → It produces electricity, usually from renewable sources like solar PV.

So, an SSEG is a generation system (like rooftop solar) installed on a property, connected to the local grid, and primarily used to offset the customer’s own electricity consumption.

Some key points:

• Many municipalities/utilities require registration and approval for SSEGs.
• They can be grid-tied with export (feeding surplus electricity back into the grid), grid-tied without export (no feed-in, only self-consumption), or off-grid.
• Regulations often dictate safety, metering, and tariff structures.

Would you like me to explain how an SSEG interacts with the grid and metering (like feed-in tariffs and reverse power flow), or more on the technical setup (inverters, protections, etc.)?

[Tradie]

The next question will be, if I have an inverter and a battery but no solar panels, connected to the elctrical installations, is it an SSEG?

If I have a mobile inverter and battery plugged into the wall is it an SSEG?

At what point does it go form being a small mobile power supply to an SSEG?

At what point do you require the services of a registered elctrical contractor to connect and issue a COC, test report and alternate test report ?

So many questions, this is the place to ask them.

We need a lot more open discussions around these topics, considering I have been in this industry for a long time and I am still asking questions, dont be shy to post your question.

There too many "clever" people in the solar industry, but it is good to see people who know what they are doing are starting to get involved and share their knowledge, I have found a few lightning protection and bonding articles created by people who seem to know what they are talking about, which also covers why there should be a calculated gap between .the roof edge and the panel frames, metal roof top and panel frame bonding etc.

[Tradie]

After watching a video with many opinions, but very few facts (boy there are a lot of opinions doing the rounds) , Which leaves me even more confused about SSEG registrations.

I am at a point where, like everyone else, its time to sit back and wait and see what happens. I am sure next year when the registration deadline is reached, hopefully they will actually take action and either start disconnecting customers or start start fining us, which could result in a few court cases, which will help finalize some form of legislation, or just drag out for a couple more years.

[Tradie]

Let me try make some sense of it all.....

1/ What size system must be registered, 5 kw, 10 kw or 100 MW ?

2/ Do we comply with NRS standards (is it even a standard) or SANS and the Oshact ?

3/ Do you have to register an SSEG if I have a prepaid meter?

4/ Do you have to register if you want to feedback into the grid and be compensated ?

5/ Do you have to register if you dont want to be compensated ?

6/ f I have an Axpert type inverter and battery only working as a UPS, does it have to comply with NRS, and be registered ?

7/ Do I need an engineer to sign off my 8 kw solar installation, or can the MIE who installed the SSEG sign it off ?

So many questions and so few facts.

Just imagine if the installers and electrical contractors cant get the facts, imagine what it must be like for the public trying to make sense of it all.

[Tradie]

I think we are at that point where these points would be considered, my opinion.

1/ Domestic installations, 16 kw or below should not require an engineer.

2/ Yes , all SSEGs over 5 kw, should be registered with the supplier, at no cost, for grid management and sustainability.

3/ Small mobile backup units below 5 kw, should not require registration, however if lithium batteries are used, there should be a notice, highlighting the dangers, installed on the enclosure which is clearly visible.

4/ There should only be a cost, for SSEG registrations, if the customer requires a meter to feedback into the grid for compensation for any power fed back into the grid.

5/ Any person who is installing solar or signing off solar, should have to upskill, be tested and carry some form of identification that they have the correct training, that includes the engineer. I have found that there are just as many engineers who are clueless as the installers doing the work. We wont go into the companies offering 10 years of experience, you just have to smile and nod your head.

6/ There should be a detailed document covering safe lithium battery installation locations. The lads down under seem to be getting it right. There was a document shared on this platform which highlighted safe installations.

7/ Should the supplier be allowed access to your inverter, certainly not, it is a private property. The SSEG registration covers the settings used for the inverter, which are attached to the SSEG commissioning document.

8/ There should be a document provided by the supplier, clearly outlining all the requirements of the installation, for example the maximum charge rate of the batteries, maximum feedback and any other details.

9/ There should be no change to the tariff unless the customers feedback into the grid and requires compensation.

[GCE]

The lithium fire hype gets to me - Batteries are Lithium Phosphate and not as dangerous as Lithium Ion

Like I have brought up previously - Is it dangerous to store Hydrogen , could it start a fire - Obviously it can - Will oxygen tank be bad news in the event of a fire ? could be as it might add fuel to the fire
If I take 2 parts hydrogen and one part oxygen it becomes harmless and can put out fires as it is commonly referred to as water

Is lithium phosphate a similar set up - As any conversation I have heard they give you the specs of each different chemical component not the result when all are mixed

[GCE]

With regards to registration of SSEG - SANS 10142-1 tells us to check local bylaws - Local bylaws stipulate the process and requirements

[Derlyn]

Our local by laws do not mention the need for an engineer to sign off on an emergency supply, neither does it mention any cost involved.

The Municipality must however be notified of one's intention to install an emergency system, together with drawings and technical data and only after permission is granted may one proceed to install such system.

The term SSEG is not mentioned in our by laws. The only reference is an emergency supply.