South Africans looking to go solar warned to avoid a big mistake
Homeowners and businesses looking to make the switch to renewable energy are being warned of fly-by-night solar installers who prioritise profits over safety and compliance.
This warning comes from Teresa Kok, director at One Energy, who urged South Africans to be cautious and informed when choosing a solar installer.
“We’re seeing a rise in rogue installers who are undercutting the market by leaving out critical safety components and regulatory requirements,” she said.
“This isn’t just about bad workmanship, it’s about systems being installed in ways that create real risks of fires, electrocution, and legal consequences.”
According to Kok, a professional solar installation involves more than just placing panels on a roof.
She explained that comprehensive protection systems are needed on both the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) sides of the setup.
These systems ensure that any electrical faults are contained and managed safely. But many discount installers skip these features entirely, simply to offer cheaper quotes.
Kok warned that a particularly dangerous practice is the use of incorrect cabling. “Proper installations require specialised DC-rated cables designed to endure harsh outdoor conditions, UV exposure, and high voltages for decades,” she said.
Cut-rate installers often use cheaper, inappropriate cables that degrade quickly and pose fire hazards. Loose or poor connections are especially risky. They generate heat and sparks, which can ignite surrounding materials,” she said.
Another concern is the frequent omission of electrical earthing, also known as grounding. “Earthing is vital for safety. It provides a pathway for fault currents and protects people from electrical shocks,” she explained.
“All metallic components, from panel frames to conduits, must be correctly grounded. Yet we regularly see that many fly-by-night operators ignore this requirement entirely.”
She also added that compliance with South Africa’s energy regulations is mandatory for all grid-tied systems.
The Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) framework requires that solar systems be registered with local municipalities or Eskom, and that they meet stringent technical standards.
Kok highlighted one of the most important aspects is that all inverters must comply with South African National Standards (SANS) and be listed on the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) database.
However, she stressed that many discount installers use non-approved inverters that are illegal to connect to the grid.
What prospective solar system owners should look out for
The consequences of installing non-compliant systems can be severe. “Municipalities or Eskom will reject your SSEG application if your equipment isn’t approved,” Kok said.
“Operating a non-compliant system could break municipal bylaws and electrical regulations. Insurance companies may refuse to pay out claims related to these installations, and on top of that, non-compliant inverters can destabilise the grid.”
Proper SSEG registration also requires comprehensive documentation, including electrical compliance certificates, system specifications, and equipment certifications.
Larger systems, particularly those exceeding 100kW, are subject to even stricter controls.
“For these commercial-scale installations, both local municipalities and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) must approve the project,” Kok added.
In these cases, kok said increasing the Notified Maximum Demand (NMD) and upgrading the property’s electrical infrastructure may be required.
While the lower cost of a discount installer might seem attractive at first, Kok said the long-term risks far outweigh the savings.
“You could face fire and electrocution hazards, be forced to redo the entire system at your own expense, or see your insurance claims denied.”
“We’ve seen too many cases where owners had to bring in professionals to fix unsafe and non-compliant work at great cost.”
Kok warned prospective solar users to watch out for several red flags. These include unusually low prices, vague quotes, no mention of protection systems, or pressure to sign immediately.
“If someone can’t explain what’s required for SSEG compliance or tells you it’s not needed, walk away,” she said. “All grid-tied installations must be registered.”
Other signs of concern include installers who lack formal qualifications or refuse to show documentation, don’t have a fixed business address, or avoid providing references.
“Any installer who doesn’t do a physical site inspection or monitor your electricity usage before giving a quote is not acting professionally,” Kok added.
“This transition needs to be built on safety, compliance, and professional excellence. Saving a few thousand rand upfront can cost you far more in the long run—financially, legally, and in terms of safety,” she said.
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