By Lyndsay Cotton
As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, solar power has emerged as a beacon of hope, promising a greener future and reduced carbon footprint. In this global movement towards renewable energy, South Africa has been a frontrunner, harnessing its abundant sunlight to power homes and businesses alike. The sight of solar panels adorning rooftops has become a familiar one, seemingly reflecting a country committed to a cleaner energy landscape. However, beneath the surface lies a disconcerting truth – an estimated 90% of residential solar installations in South Africa might be operating in a legal grey area or outright illegally.
While the proliferation of solar panels signals progress, it also raises crucial questions about the adherence to regulations, standards, and safety protocols. The potential illegality of these installations casts a shadow on the otherwise promising solar revolution. In this article, we delve into the complexities surrounding the legality of residential solar installations in South Africa, shedding light on five compelling reasons why a significant majority of these installations might find themselves on shaky ground. From regulatory gaps to unregistered installers, we aim to unravel the intricacies of this issue and provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges that the nation must confront on its path to a sustainable energy future.
Registered Person
The Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR) state that a registered person (a person with a “wiremans” licence) shall exercise general control over all electrical installation work being carried out, and no person may allow such work without general control.
This means that -
Only a registered person may carry out such work.
The homeowner will be committing an offence in terms of the EIR if he or she allows such work without the general control of a registered person.
The EIR defines “general control” as instruction, guidance and supervision in respect of that work.
Electrical Contractor
NO PERSON may do electrical installation work as an electrical contractor unless that person has been registered as an electrical contractor.
This means that -
The homeowner may not contract anyone to install his solar solution unless the contractor is registered as an electrical contractor.
The “homeowner” (defined as the user or lessor in stricter terms), SHALL be responsible for the safety, safe use and maintenance of the electrical installation he or she uses or leases. Note - NOT the not the contractor, nor the homeowners tenant.
The EIR defines “electrical installation” as any machinery, in or on any premises, used for the transmission of electricity from a point of control (the distribution board) to the point of consumption (the socket outlet for example).
Certificate of Compliance
Any person who undertakes to do electrical installation work shall ensure that a valid certificate of compliance is issued for such work.
No person shall connect or permit the connection of a completed or partially completed electrical installation to the electrical supply unless it has been inspected and tested by a registered person and a certificate of compliance has been issued.
This means that -
Once the solar installation work has been done, that a certificate of compliance MUST be issued. Even replacing your geyser requires a certificate of compliance to be issued.
The homeowner will be in breach of the EIR if no certificate is issued AND the homeowner may be in breach of his homeowner’s insurance policy.
Approved components
No person may use components within an electrical installation unless those components comply with the standards referred to in the relevant incorporated standards.
This means that -
Only components specified and approved safe for use in PV installations may be used.
The homeowner could not only be in breach of the EIR if he or she allows such products for use, the homeowner may just invalidate the “fire section” of his homeowner’s insurance policy.
There are specific requirements in terms SANS 10142-1 (The wiring of premises) which need to be adhered to. The homeowner remains responsible. Rather employ knowledgeable and registered persons to do the work.
Earthing
All accessible metallic parts of electrical machinery that, though normally not forming part of an electrical circuit, may become live accidentally, to be protected by an insulating covering or to be otherwise enclosed or earthed.
.
This means that -
If these requirements are not met, the homeowner could be putting others’ lives at risk. The safety standards as incorporated in SANS 10142-1 state that people, animals and property are to be protected from hazards that can arise from the operation of an electrical installation under both normal and fault conditions.
The supplier has the right to disconnect the supply if found that the exposed metallic elements are not earthed.
Unsurprisingly then that in an article written by Pieter du Toit, ECA regional director, Free State, he states that: “It is common cause that the majority, if not all, of the electrocution and other electricity-related incidents are not on bigger projects but on the smaller residential/commercial/industrial installations”.
He goes on to say “The risk of electrical wiring in South Africa deteriorating is created by the thousands of illegal, unqualified, inexperienced parasites operating under the noses of the policing authorities”.
My final thoughts: Why, when we tend to respect the 230V at our sockets outlets, do we then try to D.I.Y. a solar installation when the voltages are up to 500 volts or more and currents flowing are 20 to 40 times that flowing through the light bulbs in our ceilings and, IT IS ILLEGAL!
By Lyndsay Cotton
Managing Director, LCP Solar