{"id":6246,"date":"2023-02-21T09:12:38","date_gmt":"2023-02-21T07:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/straton.co.za\/solar\/?p=6246"},"modified":"2023-02-21T09:23:13","modified_gmt":"2023-02-21T07:23:13","slug":"western-cape-solar-installer-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/straton.co.za\/solar\/western-cape-solar-installer-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Western Cape Solar Installer Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hot on the heels of this Solar Best Practice Checklist: Solar Installer Best Practices<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0–\u00a0the City of Cape Town has released their own checklist for Western Cape consumers wishing to install rooftop solar.<\/p>\n

1. Verify that your installer is qualified and certified<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The first important step is to decide which solar PV installer to use<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You must ensure the solar PV service provider has substantial prior experience.<\/p>\n

To substantiate this, ask for references and previous proof of electrical Certificates of Compliance (CoCs)<\/a> or professional engineer sign-offs on previous installations.<\/p>\n

You could also request proof that their previous installations were authorised by the relevant authority, such as a municipality.<\/p>\n

In addition, learn whether the solar PV service provider designed, supplied and installed the systems or only carried out one or two of these steps.<\/p>\n

The city also recommends that the installer is an accredited service provider under a third-party quality assurance programme.<\/p>\n

These include the PV Green Card, <\/strong><\/a>a South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) endorsed programme, and the P4 Platform quality assurance programme<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, establish whether the installer employs or subcontracts qualified staff to design and install systems.<\/p>\n

\u201cAsk for proof of up-to-date registration, also called a wireman\u2019s licence and DoLE registration. It is critical,\u201d the city advised.<\/p>\n

If you want to install a grid-tied system, it must be signed off by an Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) registered professional.<\/p>\n

\u201cCheck that the solar PV service provider has such a professional available,\u201d the city said.<\/p>\n

While not required, registration with SAPVIA and the Electrical Contractors Board (ECB) shows the installer is committed to industry best-practice.<\/p>\n

2. Get approval from the relevant authority\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Where the necessary regulation is in place, installers must apply to the relevant authority (like a local municipality) to authorise the system for grid connection.<\/p>\n

That will ensure the continued safety of the electrical network, your home, and people who work on the electrical grids.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf municipal staff and contractors do not know about systems connected to the grid, they run the risk of electrocution,\u201d<\/p>\n

For residents of Cape Town, the city must provide written authorisation for the system, regardless of its type.<\/p>\n

3. Watch out for fake \u201cauthorisation\u201d fees<\/strong><\/h2>\n

An installer may charge an administration fee for the professional services rendered to perform the authorisation on the customer\u2019s behalf, but there is no charge from the City of Cape Town itself.<\/p>\n

4. Get a structural engineering assessment<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Make sure roofs can withstand the weight and wind load of solar PV panels where necessary.<\/p>\n

5. Know when you need a building plan<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Typically, you will not need to submit a building plan to the relevant authority, except if:<\/p>\n