The Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) has warned households and businesses to scrutinise the qualifications of solar system installers in South Africa to avoid load shedding. Solar now dominates the embedded generation market in South Africa, accounting for over 78% of all registered projects, with the highest concentration in the Northern Cape, Free State, and the North West. Investment into solar has shot up, with Nedbank financing over R1.2 billion of private power generation for businesses, small businesses, and private residences. This boom in demand for backup solutions to escape load shedding has also increased the need for electricians in South Africa.
Solar power installations at homes and commercial properties have risen sharply in the past six months, with high demand noted in Cape Town, Gauteng, and Kwa-Zulu Natal. The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (Sapvia) estimates that the number of installations has quadrupled in some places, with high demand noted in Cape Town, Gauteng, and Kwa-Zulu Natal. The association implemented a PV GreenCard to filter out "rogue" installers and ensure compliance with industry and international best practices.
However, the national director of the ECA, Mark Mfikoe, said the industry-backed GreenCard is a "fictitious" proof of qualifications and credibility. Customers must scrutinise the capabilities of solar installers beyond the GreenCard, as it is not formally recognised. The minimum qualification to install solar systems is to be an installation electrician or a master installation electrician.
Sapvia spokesperson De Wet Taljaard said that the PV GreenCard should not be seen as a qualification but as proof that the installer is a registered electrician qualified to do the work properly and can provide a Certificate of Compliance (COC). Despite the ongoing debate, solar consumers are advised to double-check solar installers' qualifications beyond the PV GreenCard to ensure quality and accredited service.
SOURCE: BusinessTech
