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Expert Solar System Design & Consultation in South Africa: A Kandua Guide
An expert solar system design and consultation is the crucial first step to ensuring your renewable energy investment is efficient, safe, and perfectly tailored to your needs. This service, performed by a qualified electrician or solar specialist, typically costs between R1,500 and R7,000. It lays the groundwork for a successful installation that can save you from costly mistakes down the line. The on-site consultation generally takes a few hours, while the detailed design process can take a few days.
What is Solar System Design and Consultation?
Investing in a solar system is a major decision for any South African homeowner or business owner. Faced with relentless load shedding and soaring Eskom tariffs, many are seeking a reliable, long-term energy solution. A professional solar system design and consultation is the foundational service that goes beyond a simple quote. It is a comprehensive planning phase that creates a blueprint for your energy independence, ensuring your future solar system is a precise, safe, and efficient solution for your unique property.
Think of it as the architectural plan for your home's power station. Instead of buying a "one-size-fits-all" kit, a professional takes the time to understand your specific energy consumption patterns, assess your property's suitability, and design a system that will deliver genuine value for years to come.
The Value of Professional Expertise
Rushing to install a solar system without a proper design is a recipe for disaster.
“We see it all the time,” says Sipho, a certified Kandua solar installer from Johannesburg. “A client gets a ‘bakkie-brigade’ installer to put in a system that seems like a bargain. But the first time they run the geyser and oven during load shedding, the whole system trips. We discovered their new 5kW inverter was completely undersized for their peak demand. They ended up having to pay another R25,000 for a new inverter, a cost that a proper upfront design would have prevented entirely.”
A professional consultation mitigates these risks by providing a detailed, tailored plan. This process ensures the system is not oversized (a waste of money) or undersized (a source of constant frustration). It is about creating a "just right" solution that maximises your return on investment and delivers reliable power when you need it most.
The Professional Solar Design Process
A qualified electrician or solar designer will guide you through a meticulous process to create your custom solar plan, which adheres to South African industry best practices.
1. Understanding Your Energy Needs (Load Profile)
The most critical step is a comprehensive energy audit. The designer will analyse your electricity bills (ideally for the last 12 months) to understand your average and seasonal electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). More importantly, they will establish your load profile, identifying when you use the most power and what your peak demand is. They will also help you identify your critical loads—the appliances you cannot live without during an outage, such as your fridge, lights, security system, and Wi-Fi.
2. Site Assessment
Next, an expert will physically assess your property. This includes:
- Roof Suitability: They will check the size, orientation, and pitch of your roof. In South Africa, a north-facing roof is optimal for maximum sun exposure.
- Shading Analysis: They will identify any potential shading from trees, chimneys, or neighbouring buildings throughout the day and across different seasons. Even partial shading can cripple a system's output.
- Space for Components: The inverter and batteries require a well-ventilated, secure, and dry space, typically in a garage or utility room, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
3. System Sizing and Configuration
Based on their analysis, the designer will determine the optimal size of the solar array (number of panels), the inverter capacity, and the battery bank size. They will recommend the most suitable type of system for your goals:
- Grid-Tied: Ideal for reducing your electricity bill but offers no backup during load shedding.
- Off-Grid: For remote properties with no grid access, offering complete energy independence.
- Hybrid: The most popular choice in South Africa. This system connects to the grid but also includes batteries to provide power during outages, making it the clear winner for battling load shedding.
4. Compliance and Safety
Finally, the design must comply with all South African National Standards (SANS). A professional designer ensures the plan adheres to these safety regulations, particularly SANS 10142-1 for electrical installations. They will also guide you through the Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) registration process with your local municipality or Eskom - a legal requirement for any system connected to the national grid. For more information, you can refer to resources like the City of Cape Town's renewable energy guide.
What Does an Electrician Generally Do?
When you hire a professional for solar system design and consultation, they will:
- Conduct a thorough site visit to evaluate your property.
- Perform a detailed energy audit to understand your consumption patterns.
- Use specialised software to model your system's performance.
- Specify the exact components needed for your budget and goals.
- Create a detailed proposal with a financial breakdown and performance estimates.
- Advise on regulatory compliance, including the process for obtaining a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) after installation. For more on costs, see our solar installation cost guide.
Checklist: Before Your Solar Designer Arrives
To make your consultation as productive as possible, have the following ready:
- Electricity Bills: Gather at least 6 to 12 months of your most recent municipal or Eskom bills.
- Appliance List: Make a list of essential appliances you need to run during load shedding.
- DB Board Location: Know where your main distribution board (DB board) is located.
- Your Budget: Have a realistic idea of what you are prepared to invest.
- Roof Access: Ensure the designer can safely access the roof for inspection.
The Risk of Not Hiring a Professional
Attempting to design a solar system yourself or hiring an unqualified installer can lead to serious problems:
- Incorrectly Sized System: An undersized system will not meet your needs, while an oversized one is a huge financial waste.
- Safety Hazards: Incorrect wiring is a serious fire and electrocution risk. All electrical work in South Africa must be done to SANS standards and signed off with a CoC.
- Voided Insurance: A non-compliant installation can void your home insurance policy.
- Non-Compliance: Installing a grid-tied system without municipal approval is illegal and can lead to fines and forced disconnection.
Customer Stories and Results
The Naidoo family from Sandtonwere overwhelmed by conflicting quotes—one for a massive 10kW system and another for a tiny 3kW setup. A Kandua pro's consultation and load analysis revealed that a 5kW hybrid system with a 5kWh battery was the perfect fit for their load-shedding needs and budget.
Result: They saved over R40,000 by avoiding an oversized system and cut their municipal bill by 60%.
Priya from Durban was worried that her older tile roof could not handle the weight of solar panels, especially with coastal weather. Her Kandua consultant included a structural assessment in the plan.
Result: The assessment confirmed the roof was strong enough, giving her the confidence to proceed. Her system is now fully operational and has weathered several storms without any issues.
Post-Service Care
Once your design is finalised, you need a qualified installer to bring it to life. A professional installer, like those on Kandua, will:
- Install the system according to the design specifications.
- Ensure all electrical work is performed safely and to SANS 10142-1 standards.
- Issue a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the electrical work.
- Manage the municipal or Eskom registration process for you.
- Provide a comprehensive handover, explaining how your new system works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What's the difference between a solar consultant and a solar installer?
A: A consultant designs the system based on your needs, while an installer physically builds it. Some qualified electricians on Kandua are certified to do both, but the design phase is a distinct and critical first step.
Q2: How long does the design and consultation process take?
A: The on-site visit takes 1-2 hours. Developing the detailed design and proposal typically takes 3 to 7 working days.
Q3: Does the consultation fee go towards the final installation cost?
A: Often, yes. Many reputable installers will credit the design fee towards your total installation cost if you proceed with them. Always confirm this upfront.
Q4: Is a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) included in the consultation fee?
A: No. A CoC is a legal document issued by the electrician after the installation is completed and certified as compliant with South African standards. Its cost is part of the final installation fee.
Q5: What information should I have ready for a consultation?
A: Have 6-12 months of your electricity bills, a clear idea of your goals (e.g., load shedding backup vs. bill reduction), and a list of your essential appliances.
Q6: Can I install solar panels myself?
A: Legally, no. In South Africa, any work connected to your home's main electrical system must be done by a qualified electrician who can issue a CoC. A DIY installation is dangerous, illegal for grid-tied systems, and will void your home insurance.
Q7: Will a solar system work during extended periods of cloudy weather?
A: Yes, but at a reduced capacity (typically 10-25% of their peak output). This is why a professionally designed system includes batteries or a grid connection to ensure you have a continuous power supply.
Q8: What is the lifespan of solar panels and batteries?
A: Quality solar panels come with a 20-25 year performance warranty and can last over 30 years. Modern lithium-ion batteries typically last 10-15 years, depending on usage.
Q9: Can a solar consultation help me choose the best components?
A: Absolutely. A key part of the service is recommending reputable brands and explaining the pros and cons of different panels, inverters, and batteries that fit your budget and needs.
Q10: Why is a shading analysis so important in the design?
A: Even a small shadow from a chimney can drastically reduce your system's output. A professional analysis ensures panels are placed optimally or recommends tech like micro-inverters to minimise the impact of shading, maximising your investment.
This article was written by the Kandua Team with insights from certified electricians and solar installers on the Kandua platform
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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