For SSEG Applications

Grid Impact Studies

Grid Impact Studies are a mandatory requirement for Municipality Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) applications where the inverter capacity exceeds 350kVA. At SolaConsult, we provide end-to-end Grid Impact Studies to ensure your Solar PV (Photovoltaic), PV + BESS (Battery Energy Storage System), or standalone BESS installations comply with all technical, regulatory, and grid connection requirements.

What are Grid Impact Studies?

Grid Impact Studies analyse how your renewable energy system interacts with the electrical grid. These studies evaluate potential impacts on grid stability, voltage regulation, fault levels, and overall compatibility to ensure safe and seamless integration into the network.

Regulatory and Technical Compliance

Grid Impact Studies and SSEG installations must adhere to the following standards and regulations:

  1. NRS 097-2 Series: Grid Interconnection of Embedded Generation – Part 2 Small Scale Embedded Generators, specifically:
    1. NRS097-2-1: Utility interface requirements.
    2. NRS097-2-3: Simplified utility connection criteria for low-voltage connected generators.
  2. South African Renewable Power Plant Grid Code: Addresses grid compliance (NRS 097-2 series covers most SSEG-specific requirements).
  3. NRS 048: Electricity Supply – Quality of Supply.
  4. SANS 10142-1 and 10142-1-2: The wiring of premises (as amended and published).
  5. SANS 474 / NRS 057: Code of Practice for Electricity Metering.
  6. Municipal Electricity Supply By-laws: Compliance with local municipal requirements.

How SolaConsult Can Help

SolaConsult handles the entire Grid Impact Study process, from gathering data to providing a final report. Here’s how we ensure a seamless experience:

1.

Information Gathering from the Client:

  • Single Line Diagram (SLD): Including inverter sizes, cable specifications and lengths for the PV, PV + BESS, or BESS installation.
  • Solar PV Production Data: Typical 1-year generation data from simulation software (PVSOL, Helioscope, PVSyst, etc.).
  • Compliance Documentation: NRS 097 Test Compliance certificates and reports for the relevant inverters.
  • SSEG Application Pack: A copy of your application submission to the Municipality.
  • Load Consumption Data (if available): At least 1 year of measured data at the Point of Connection (PoC) or load transformers, including demand and power factor.

2.

Information Gathering from the Municipality:

  • Source Substation/Switching Station Data: SLD, feeder specifications, transformer capacities, and specific impedances.
  • Network Impedance Data: Equivalent network impedance at the PoC and source substation.
  • Fault Levels and Loading Information: Short circuit currents, cable/line loading details, and consumption data.
  • Operational Diagrams: Preferably a detailed SLD or operational drawing of the feeder.

3.

System Modelling and Analysis:

Once all required data is collected, SolaConsult models your PV, PV + BESS, or BESS system in conjunction with the Municipality’s grid data. Using advanced power system modelling tools such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory, we conduct load flow studies to assess grid stability, voltage regulation, and network compatibility.

4.

Grid Impact Study Report:

The findings from the load flow studies are consolidated into a detailed Grid Impact Study report. This report is signed off by a Professional Engineer in accordance with regulatory requirements.

5.

Presentation to Municipality Committees:

Where required, SolaConsult also prepares a PowerPoint presentation summarizing the study and assists in presenting the findings to Municipality approval committees for streamlined approvals.

Why Choose SolaConsult?

  • Expertise: Our team combines technical knowledge with industry-standard tools to deliver accurate and reliable results.
  • End-to-End Support: From data gathering to presenting findings, we handle the entire process.
  • Fast Turnaround Time: Receive your Grid Impact Study Report in under 2 weeks from the time all relevant information is received.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your system meets all mandatory requirements with a Professional Engineer-signed report.
  • Efficient Approvals: Our comprehensive support accelerates the Municipality approval process.

Let SolaConsult simplify your Grid Impact Study process and ensure your renewable energy system is compliant, efficient, and ready for seamless grid integration.

Reach out to us today!

Office Hours

Monday - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Weekends - Closed

Address

12 Perm Street, Sundowner Ext 8, Sonneglans, Randburg, 2188

Contact Info

011 568 0909
info@solaconsult.africa