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A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Installation in South Africa: Process, Costs, and What to Expect
Solar installations in South Africa typically range from R70,000 for a basic backup system to over R250,000 for a comprehensive setup designed for energy independence. The physical installation by a qualified electrician and their team usually takes one to three days. This process involves a detailed site assessment, bespoke system design, and the professional installation of solar panels, inverters, and batteries to provide reliable power.
With persistent load shedding and rising electricity tariffs, South African homeowners are increasingly turning to the sun for energy security. But what does a solar installation actually involve? It is much more than just attaching panels to your roof. This guide, built on insights from Kandua’s network of vetted solar installers, demystifies the process from start to finish.
"The biggest mistake I see is homeowners buying a kit online and thinking it's plug-and-play," says Sipho., a certified solar installer in Roodepoort. "A proper assessment is crucial. We check your roof's integrity, sun path, and existing wiring to design a system that actually meets your needs during Stage 4 loadshedding, not just Stage 1."
The Solar Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Every successful solar project is built on a solid foundation of careful planning and expert execution. Here’s what you can expect.
Step 1: The Foundation: Site Assessment and System Design
Before any work begins, a qualified technician performs a thorough site assessment. This is not just a quick glance. The assessment includes:
- Energy Audit: A detailed review of your electricity bills and appliance usage to understand your consumption patterns and determine the right system size.
- Roof Evaluation: Checking your roof’s structural integrity, orientation, angle, and any potential shading from trees or buildings that could impact performance. South Africa boasts some of the highest levels of solar irradiation in the world, and a pro knows how to maximise this advantage.
- Electrical System Check: Inspecting your home's existing distribution board (DB) and wiring to ensure it complies with South African National Standards (SANS 10142-1) and can safely integrate with a solar system.
This data is used to design a system tailored to your home and budget. For more details on what you can expect to pay, check out our solar installation cost guide.
Step 2: Understanding the Core Components
Your proposal will detail the key components of your system:
- Solar Panels: These convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC) electricity.
- Inverter: The brain of the system, it converts DC electricity into the Alternating Current (AC) your home uses. Hybrid inverters are the standard in South Africa as they manage power from the panels, batteries, and the grid.
- Battery Bank: This stores excess energy for use during load shedding or at night. Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for their long lifespan and efficiency.
- Mounting System: This framework securely attaches the panels to your roof, ensuring it remains waterproof and stable.
- Cabling and Protection: High-quality wiring, circuit breakers, and surge protection are vital for safety and are non-negotiable parts of a compliant installation.
Step 3: The Physical Installation
Once the design is approved and components arrive, the hands-on work begins.
Before Your Installer Arrives: A Quick Checklist
- Clear the Area: Ensure the path to your roof, the DB board, and the area where the inverter and batteries will be installed is clear of clutter.
- Confirm Access: Let your installer know about any security gates, access codes, or pets to be aware of.
- Wi-Fi Password: Have your Wi-Fi password ready, as many modern inverters connect to the internet for monitoring.
- Plan for Power-Down: The installer will need to switch off your main power for several hours. Plan accordingly and charge your essential devices beforehand.
The installation involves mounting the racking, securing the panels, and then installing the inverter and batteries in a cool, well-ventilated area. A crucial step is the AC integration, where the inverter is safely connected to your home's DB board, often with an automatic transfer switch that kicks in seamlessly during a power outage.
Step 4: Commissioning and Handover
After wiring is complete, the system is rigorously tested. The installer will then issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). This document is a legal requirement certifying that the installation is safe and adheres to all South African electrical regulations. Finally, you will be shown how to monitor your system’s performance, usually via a mobile app.
Why a Professional Installation is Non-Negotiable in SA
This is not a DIY project. A solar installation involves high-voltage DC electricity, which requires specialised knowledge to handle safely.
- Safety and Legality: Incorrect wiring is a serious fire hazard. A valid CoC issued by a qualified electrician is a legal requirement. Without it, your installation is non-compliant.
- Insurance: Most home insurance policies will not cover damage caused by an improperly installed or non-compliant solar system.
- Warranty: Manufacturers’ warranties on panels, inverters, and batteries are typically voided without proof of installation by a certified professional.
- Performance: A professional ensures your system is optimised for maximum energy generation, protecting your investment. For more advice, see our expert energy saving tips.
Real Stories from Kandua Customers
The Mkhize family in Durbanville initially went with a cheaper, unvetted installer. Their system chronically underperformed. A Kandua Pro discovered the panels were at the wrong angle for the Cape sun, and the wiring was not compliant with SANS 10142-1, posing a fire risk. Redoing the installation correctly cost them nearly R30,000 extra, wiping out their initial savings. It is a hard lesson that a valid CoC is not just a piece of paper.
Pieter in Stellenbosch noticed his system's output dipping. He called a Kandua pro who, during a R950 inspection, identified that a thick layer of dust from the nearby winelands was choking the panels. A professional clean restored his system's output by nearly 15%. 'It is a simple thing,' says Pieter, 'but it saved me from thinking my R150,000 investment was failing.'
Post-Installation Maintenance and Care
To maximise your investment, ongoing care is key.
- Clean Your Panels: Dust, pollen, and bird droppings reduce efficiency. In drier parts of South Africa like Gauteng or the Karoo, cleaning every 3 to 6 months is recommended.
- Monitor Performance: Use your system’s monitoring app to watch for any unexpected dips in production.
- Schedule Annual Inspections: A yearly check-up by a professional can identify potential issues with wiring, batteries, or the inverter before they become serious problems. This ensures your system runs efficiently for its entire lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Installations
1. How long does a typical solar installation take?
The physical installation usually takes 1 to 3 days. The entire process, from the initial consultation and design to municipal approval, can take several weeks.
2. What is a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and why is it essential?
A CoC is a legal document from a registered electrician certifying your installation meets South Africa's SANS 10142-1 safety standards. Without it, your installation is illegal, and your insurer may reject related claims.
3. Do I need municipal approval to install a solar system?
Yes. In South Africa, all grid-tied or hybrid systems must be registered with your local municipality via an SSEG (Small-Scale Embedded Generation) application. Your installer should manage this critical process for you, as documented by authorities like NERSA.
4. How much can I save on my electricity bill?
A well-designed system can reduce your bill by 40% to 80%. The exact savings depend on your system size, electricity usage, and how much sun your home receives.
5. What is the difference between a grid-tied and a hybrid system?
A grid-tied system works when the grid is up but provides no backup during an outage. A hybrid system, the most common choice for load shedding, includes batteries to store energy for use anytime.
6. How long do solar components last?
High-quality solar panels have a performance warranty of 25 years. Inverters typically last 5 to 10 years, and modern lithium-ion batteries have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
7. Can I expand my solar system in the future?
Often, yes. It is possible to add more panels or batteries, but this depends on your inverter's capacity and the initial system design. Discuss this possibility with your installer upfront.
8. How often should I clean my solar panels in South Africa?
This depends on your location. In dusty areas or during high-pollen seasons, cleaning every 3 to 6 months is a good idea. Otherwise, an annual clean is often sufficient.
9. What kind of maintenance does a solar system require?
Beyond panel cleaning, systems are low maintenance. An annual professional inspection is recommended to check connections, test components, and ensure everything is working optimally.
10. What are the signs my solar inverter might be faulty?
Look for a consistent drop in energy production, unusual error codes on the display, strange noises like excessive buzzing, or the unit frequently shutting down.
This guide was written with insights from Kandua’s network of vetted solar professionals across South Africa.
Why you can trust Kandua to get it right
At Kandua, getting your home projects done is simple, safe, and stress-free.
- Tell us what you need – Or let our smart AI Home Companion help diagnose your problem if you’re not sure where to start.
- Get answers as you go – While posting your job, you can ask our smart AI home companion anything, from understanding typical costs, to how the process works, to how long it might take. Ask questions whenever they pop up, and get clear, helpful answers instantly.
- We match you with the best – All our pros are 100% vetted: ID-verified, criminal background checked, certification verified, and maintaining at least a 4.5-star rating. You don’t have to worry about picking the right person. We make sure the pro we send has the right skills and certification to get your job done right.
With Kandua, you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe hands from the first click to the final handshake.
Electricians in South Africa: what to know before you book
Electrical issues have a way of starting small… and turning serious fast. A plug that “sometimes trips” can become a melted socket. Flickering lights can point to loose connections. And if your earth leakage keeps going off, it’s often your home telling you something isn’t right.
Kandua helps you get it sorted by matching you with a vetted electrician for your job — whether it’s a repair, installation, inspection, upgrade, or an urgent call-out.
A few quick answers (so you don’t have to scroll)
How do I choose a good electrician?
Pick someone who explains the cause (not just the symptom), tests before they replace parts, prices transparently, and can issue the right compliance paperwork when it’s required.
Do I need an Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) in South Africa?
Often, yes — especially for property transfer and for any additions/alterations to an installation. The Department of Employment and Labour has also warned against “paper CoCs” issued without proper testing, and urges homeowners to use legally registered electrical contractors.
What should electrical work cost?
Most electricians charge a call-out fee + labour + materials, with higher rates for after-hours, complex fault finding, DB work, or urgent callouts. (There’s a pricing guide further down.)
What should I do first in an electrical emergency?
If it’s safe, switch off power at the main breaker, keep people away from the affected area (especially if there’s water), and call an electrician. If there’s smoke/fire risk, treat it as an emergency immediately.
Common electrical problems (and what they usually mean)
You don’t need to diagnose like an electrician — but it helps to know what the usual “signals” point to.
“My plugs keep tripping / the power keeps going off”
Often caused by an overloaded circuit, a faulty appliance, a loose connection, or a problem at the DB (distribution board). If it’s frequent, don’t just keep resetting — you want proper testing to prevent heat build-up and damage.
“My earth leakage trips randomly (especially at night or when it rains)”
This can indicate moisture ingress, a faulty appliance, deteriorating insulation, outdoor circuits taking on water, or an earthing/bonding issue. It’s common — and it’s exactly the sort of thing that needs systematic fault finding.
“My lights flicker / dim when I use appliances”
Sometimes it’s a supply issue — but it can also point to loose connections, voltage drop, an overloaded circuit, or a stressed neutral. If you’re noticing it across multiple rooms, get it checked.
“I smell burning / a plug is warm / there’s buzzing at the DB”
Treat this as urgent. Heat + electrics is how small problems become big ones. Switch off the circuit (or main breaker if you’re unsure) and book an electrician.
“I get a small shock/tingle from taps or appliances”
That can be an earthing/bonding fault and should be investigated quickly — especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere near water.
When it’s a DIY job — and when it isn’t
DIY can be fine for low-risk, non-electrical basics (like replacing a light bulb, resetting a tripped breaker once, or unplugging an appliance to test if it’s the cause).
Call an electrician when:
- a socket/switch is hot, crackling, discoloured, or smells burnt
- breakers/earth leakage keep tripping
- you suspect faulty wiring, water exposure, or a hidden issue
- you’re touching the DB, adding circuits, or upgrading capacity
- you’re installing high-load appliances (oven, hob, geyser, heat pump) or adding dedicated circuits
- you’re adding solar/inverter equipment or changing the installation layout
- you may need a CoC for compliance, insurance, or sale/transfer
Certifications, registrations & compliance in South Africa (what matters and when)
This is the part people usually discover too late. Here’s the simple version.
1) Electrical CoC (Certificate of Compliance)
A CoC is a legal document confirming an electrical installation has been inspected and tested and is compliant. It’s commonly required before property sale/transfer, and it’s also required when electrical work involves additions or alterations.
Also important: the Department of Employment and Labour explicitly warns that a registered contractor may only issue a CoC after proper inspection/testing, and may not issue on behalf of an unregistered person.
2) “Registered person” (who is actually allowed to certify)
In practice, certification is tied to being a properly registered/authorised person (often referred to as a wireman’s licence / registered person in the industry). If you need a CoC, ask upfront:
“Are you legally registered to inspect, test, and issue the CoC for this work?”
3) CoC validity (the part everyone argues about)
A useful way to think about it:
- For transfer purposes, the regulations are commonly applied as “not older than 2 years”.
- For day-to-day living, it remains relevant until changes are made — if you alter/add to the installation, you’ll typically need a supplementary CoC for that work.
4) Solar / inverter / PV additions (very common now)
If you’re adding solar PV or inverter equipment, treat it as a compliance-sensitive electrical project. Industry guidance stresses that PV work should be under the supervision of properly qualified electrical persons, and the City of Cape Town’s guidance notes you should request the original electrical CoC from the registered installation electrician.
Pricing: what to budget for an electrician in South Africa
Pricing varies by city, travel distance, urgency, and complexity — but most homeowners will see a familiar structure:
Typical cost structure
- Call-out fee (travel + initial assessment)
- Labour (hourly)
- Materials/parts
- After-hours premium (nights, weekends, public holidays)
- Specialist testing / fault finding time (often where the real value is)
Typical ranges you’ll see (guideline)
- Labour: roughly R350 – R700/hour for many standard jobs (average often around the mid-range), with higher rates for specialised work.
- Emergency call-out: often around R600 – R900 (and may or may not include the first hour — always ask).
A realistic “small job” expectation
Even when it sounds simple, budget for a call-out + 1–2 hours labour plus parts. If you have a few small fixes, bundling them into one visit often saves money.
10 Genuinely helpful electrician FAQ's
- What’s the difference between “the power tripped” and “earth leakage tripped”?
A normal breaker trip usually points to overload or a circuit fault. Earth leakage trips when it detects current leaking to earth (often moisture, insulation breakdown, or a faulty appliance). If earth leakage trips repeatedly, it needs proper fault finding. - How do I figure out if it’s my appliance or the house wiring?
A safe starting point is to unplug high-load appliances and see if the trip stops — but if trips continue (or you see heat/burning smells), stop testing and get an electrician. The correct method is measured testing, not guesswork. - Why does my plug socket feel warm?
Warmth can mean a loose connection, overload, poor contact, or damaged wiring — all of which can create heat and become dangerous. Book it in sooner rather than later. - My lights flicker when I use the kettle/microwave — is that normal?
Occasional minor dimming can happen, but persistent flickering/dimming can signal voltage drop, loose connections, overloaded circuits, or neutral issues. If it’s happening across rooms, get it checked. - Do I need a dedicated circuit for an oven/hob/geyser/heat pump?
Very often, yes — these are high-load items and are safer (and usually more reliable) with correct isolation and wiring sized for the load. An electrician should assess and advise based on your DB capacity. - What’s involved in a DB (distribution board) upgrade?
Typically: inspection of existing circuits, correcting unsafe/incorrect connections, adding/replacing breakers, ensuring earthing and bonding are correct, labelling circuits, and testing. DB work should be done carefully and properly documented. - Do I need a new CoC after renovations?
If the renovation involved electrical additions/alterations (new circuits, moved points, new DB work, solar/inverter additions), you’ll usually need a supplementary CoC for that work. - How long does a CoC take to issue?
It depends on how many defects are found. A proper CoC requires inspection and testing — if repairs are needed, it may take longer. Be wary of instant “paper CoCs” with no testing. - Does an electrical CoC cover everything in the house?
A CoC generally relates to the electrical installation and its safety/compliance (distribution, wiring, earthing, bonding, etc.). If you have specialised systems (like solar PV or an electric fence), ask what additional documentation is required for those. - What should I ask an electrician before they start?
Three questions cover most issues:
- “What do you think is the likely cause, and how will you test it?”
- “Is this priced as call-out + hourly + materials, and what counts as after-hours?”
- “Will this work require a CoC or supplementary CoC — and are you registered to issue it?”
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