The following is an opinion piece written by Teresa Kok, director at One Energy. This is part one of a two-part series.
Teresa Kok – One Energy director. Supplied by One Energy
The solar energy boom has brought tremendous opportunities for South African businesses and homeowners to reduce their electricity costs and carbon footprint. However, beneath the surface of this green revolution lurks a dangerous trend that threatens both lives and livelihoods: fly-by-night solar installers who prioritise profits and quick wins over safety, compliance and long-term savings.
The race to the bottom
As solar technology has become more accessible and competition has intensified, a concerning number of installers have emerged who cut corners on critical safety and compliance requirements. The problem isn’t just about poor workmanship or substandard components. These installers are systematically omitting essential safety features and regulatory requirements that protect solar users from electrical hazards, fires and legal complications.
Critical safety omissions
Professional solar installations require comprehensive protection systems on both the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) sides of the system. Rogue installers frequently skip these components to reduce costs, leaving systems vulnerable to electrical faults that can cause fires, electrocution and equipment damage.
Proper solar installations require specialised DC-rated cables that can withstand outdoor conditions, UV exposure, and high voltages for decades. Quality installations also demand weatherproof connections and appropriate cable management. Cut-rate installers often use cheaper, inappropriate cables or make poor connections that degrade over time, creating fire hazards and system failures. Loose connections are particularly dangerous, as they can generate heat and sparks that ignite surrounding materials.
Electrical earthing (grounding) systems are also crucial for safety, providing a path for fault currents and protecting against electrical shock. Professional installations require proper earthing of all metallic components, including panel frames, mounting structures and conduits. We regularly see fly-by-night operators frequently neglect earthing requirements in a bid to cut costs, leaving property owners exposed to potentially fatal electrical hazards during system faults or lightning strikes.
The SSEG compliance crisis
South Africa’s Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) regulations require that all grid-tied solar systems be registered with local municipalities or Eskom (if a direct client) and comply with specific technical standards. This process ensures that installations meet safety requirements and don’t compromise grid stability.
A key requirement for SSEG registration is the use of inverters that comply with South African National Standard (SANS) requirements and are listed on the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) database. However, many discount installers use cheaper, non-approved inverters that cannot legally be connected to the grid. This creates several serious problems:
- Registration rejection: municipalities (or Eskom) will refuse SSEG applications for systems with non-compliant equipment
- Legal liability: operating non-compliant systems may violate municipal bylaws and electrical regulations
- Insurance issues: insurance companies may refuse claims related to non-compliant installations
- Grid instability: non-compliant inverters can cause voltage fluctuations and other grid disturbances
Source: Supplied by One Energy
