There has never been a bigger demand locally for solar power systems than right now. If you have the funds available for a quality system, it is a highly effective way to beat the ongoing and ever-changing loadshedding schedule. But, before you rush out and buy some solar panels, you need to be aware of the documentation required when getting a solar installation.

Before you arrange installation, you need to apply for permission. This could be through your municipality, as is the case for residents whose electricity is supplied through the City of Cape Town, or through Eskom, if Eskom for most other residents. If approved, you’ll receive a letter confirming your permission to install.

Above all, the most important documentation you’ll need when getting any solar power installation – whether linked to the grid or simply as backup or standby power – is a Certificate of Compliance.

Why get Solar Certification?

The aim of this certificate is to warrant that your installation and electrical circuit is according to regulatory standards, functional, and safe. It can, therefore, only be issued by a qualified and registered electrician. It is essential that your installer has the correct qualifications in place, or that you arrange for a registered electrician to supervise the solar installation.

Failure to secure a Certificate of Compliance can result in electrical fires or outages, fines from the relevant authorities, as well as forfeiting insurance pay-outs.

For an off-grid or standby system, the above requirements are typically sufficient. If, however, you are installing a grid-linked system, you can be required to provide the following documentation for approval:

● Certificate of Compliance
● Grid-tied SSEG Installation Commissioning Report
● Copy of final circuit diagram
● Supplemental Contract for Embedded Generation

Switch Electrical supplies all certified parts required to get your circuit ready for your solar installation. Call us, or contact us here and we’ll help you get up and running with top-quality products and qualified experts at your service.