BASIC QUESTIONS ON

SOLAR POWER AND SOLAR INSTALLATIONS

The eventual decision to install a solar system is already a major step for many people.
Apart from questions about finances, which system to install and which product to use,
there is still the question about which installer to use.
One of the first steps that prospective solar power consumers should take is to ask
themselves a few basic questions and to obtain a little more information on the subject.
WHO MAY INSTALL SOLAR SYSTEMS?
Any electrical contractor who installs solar technology must be registered in terms of the electrical
installations regulations (EIR).
This electrical contractor must either be a licenced electrician or must have a licenced electrician as a
full-time employee or as a contractor.
Any contractor who installs solar technology must register annually with the chief inspector.

NEW SOLAR INSTALLATIONS

All new solar installations require supervision and general control by an installation
electrician (IE) or a master installation electrician (MIE).
Any installation should be done only by a qualified and registered electrician. No other person
should do installations unless they do it under the general supervision of a registered and
qualified electrician.

GREEN CARD QUALIFICATION

There are various organisations that install solar technology. It is important to realise that any card (like the green card)
that training companies issue are only supplementary in nature and only adds to the extension of knowledge about solar
installations. It is not a qualification in its own right that allows the holder to perform legal installations; it is merely very
useful for qualified, registered electricians who do installation work.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
Before any modifications or additional electrical work can be done, there must already be a certificate of compliance
(COC) for the existing installation. If not, the COC must first be issued (in terms of the EIR).
Any person who undertakes electrical installation work must ensure that a valid COC is issued for the work done. Only an
IE or an MIE may issue a COC for solar installations.
No licenced tester for single phase may work on direct current (DC) and may therefore not sign off on DC installations,
which includes solar installations. A licenced tester for single phase may therefore also not issue COCs for solar
installations.
LIST OF QUESTIONS FOR THE CONSUMER
Start at question 1 below to ensure that your solar installation is without problem.
1. Is the installer a registered electrical contractor in terms of the EIR?
If yes – request proof.
If not – red light!
2. Did the electrical contractor complete their annual registration with the chief inspector?
If yes – request proof.
If not – red light!
3. Is the electrical contractor a licenced IE or MIE?
If yes – request proof.
If not – a possible red light!
4. If the electrical contractor is not a licenced IE or MIE, does the contractor have an IE or MIE as a full-time employee or as
a contractor?
If yes – request proof of registration with the chief inspector, as well as proof of qualification.
If not – do not use this contractor!
5. Does the electrical contractor have a green card as only qualification to install solar systems?
If yes – red light! Do not use this contractor.
6. Request a list of the last ten installations with the clients’ contact details. Contact each of
the clients and confirm whether the work is 100% and if they are happy with the work.
7. The planned installation must be reported to the local authority (in terms of the EIR)
and you must receive proof of this.
8. Do not pay the contractor in full if you are not completely happy with the work or
before you have received the COC.
9. Increase your insurance to include the system in your cover. You will need the
quotation, invoice and COC for this.
10. Ensure that surge protectors are also installed, otherwise your insurance will reject
your claims.
11. Changeover switches must also be installed, with alternative power.
12. The most important two aspects of any electrical installation are earthing and marking.
13. Single-line diagrams, the date of the installation and the contractor’s contact
details must be submitted together with the COC.