Recognise the situation
Common enquiries and what changes the job
Backup time fell after an appliance was added
First review actual essential loads and discharge history; the battery could still be operating normally.
Two battery modules report different status
Communication and module balance need manufacturer-compatible assessment, not random terminal swaps.
Battery feels hot or smells unusual
Stop using affected equipment and seek qualified assessment; signs of overheating are not routine optimisation issues.
Quotation scope
What affects the cost and work programme?
- Battery chemistry, model and configuration
- Usable capacity and historical load demand
- BMS data availability and manufacturer support
- Environmental temperature and ventilation
- Safe test scope, warranties and compliance impacts
Where applicable in the City of Cape Town electricity supply area, new solar PV/battery systems and relevant system changes must follow the City authorisation process. Professional sign-off and suitable approved inverters are important requirements; never activate an unauthorised modified system.
Runtime estimates depend on usable storage
Battery runtime cannot be derived from the inverter size alone. Use realistic load patterns, usable storage, discharge limits, conversion losses and any loads that cycle on and off. Battery age and temperature may also affect performance. We encourage a documented runtime assumption and correct system testing rather than promising a fixed number of hours from the battery label.
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