Christiaan Hattingh is the Managing Director of AWPower, a specialist solar and water engineering firm based in Cape Town. With over a decade of hands-on experience in solar PV systems, energy infrastructure design, and embedded generation regulations, Christiaan is regarded as one of South Africa’s foremost experts on renewable energy integration.
Under his leadership, AWPower has completed more than 500 solar installations across South Africa, including pioneering projects in solar-powered wastewater systems, multi-unit developments, and grid-export-enabled PV systems. Christiaan’s engineering expertise and passion for energy efficiency have positioned AWPower at the forefront of innovative clean energy projects – where reliability, compliance, and cost savings intersect.
When he’s not overseeing projects or speaking to the media, Christiaan champions industry collaboration and has helped shape solar best practices in line with insurance, regulatory, and engineering standards.
A frequent contributor to media outlets like MyBroadband and BusinessTech, Christiaan is known for his ability to translate technical energy challenges into practical, sustainable solutions for businesses, residential estates, and municipalities. His insights regularly inform national conversations around solar policy, compliance, and the financial viability of going off-grid.
Follow Christiaan’s articles for practical, experience-backed advice on navigating South Africa’s evolving energy landscape – from smart solar investments and export-ready systems to solar audits and EV-ready infrastructure.
We’re excited to announce that AWPower has been awarded MSPD Africa Gold Installer status for 2024! This recognition highlights our commitment to delivering top-tier solar solutions that help homes and businesses reduce their reliance on Eskom and take control of their energy future.
AWPower awarded Gold Installer status at MSPD Africa Awards 2024 Read More »
After investing a substantial amount of money in a solar PV system, are you sure your system would pass a rigorous test, aligned with requirements from major insurancecompanies? With an installation base of more than 500 solar PV systems and being recognised as one of the Top Solar Companies in South Africa by MyBroadband, the AWPower Solar Systems Audit was designed along guidelines supplied by a leading insurance group. This comprises of an objective Risk Analysis for a residential or commercial solar PV installation of up to 100kWp (larger subject to quotation) in size, with a focused review of the following: 60-Point Risk Analysis Checklist with Scorecard A 60-point Risk Analysis Checklist will provide a score out of 100% on the following categories: A. Documentary proof of warranties, signoffs for COC & SSEG, and maintenance.B. Solar Panels – Quality & replacement availabilityC. Solar Panels – Risk of TheftD. Solar Panels – Risk of FireE. Solar Panels – Efficiency & SafetyF. Inverter – Risk, safety, conformance, efficienciesG. Batteries – Risk, safety, conformance, efficienciesH. Switchgear – Risk, safety, conformance.I. System Settings – Safe & efficient operation Red flags will be raised for any item that would be considered a risk. Cost for Solar Systems Audit is R3 278.50 (incl. VAT) (Cape Town Area) On promotion: Subscribe to an AWPower Maintenance & Support Agreement and receive an on-site Solar Systems Audit at the start of your subscription period. Confirm your audit by emailing us at info@awpower.co.za South Africans making big mistakes with batteries South Africans with backup power batteries should avoid keeping them fully charged for long periods as this can degrade their long-term health or cause inaccuracies in battery level readings. Solar power company AWPower has told MyBroadband that its customers were often apprehensive about discharging their batteries deeply, even if they could be recharged with self-generated power. A part of this concern might have developed from the many years of consumer experience with lead-acid and gel batteries, neither of which were designed for a deep depth of discharge
Will your solar investment pass a 60-point systems audit? Read More »
Eskom’s plans to increase their electricity tariffs by a combined 66% over the next three years sparked a re-visit of going off-grid for commercial and residential users. Here’s the good news: Prices of solar panels, inverters, and batteries have plummeted in 2024 due to an oversupply of stock, with the result that going off-grid and saying goodbye to Eskom has never been this good. This makes it the perfect time to invest in solar and say goodbye to rising electricity costs. Also, read this article as published by MyBroadband. Here’s an example: AWPower has put together a beefy solar PV system that is modular and expandable, sized for off-grid capability for a large household or small to medium-sized commercial building with a monthly electricity consumption (currently) of about R5 000. Fully installed, this system includes: Total cost: Approximately R420,000 (including VAT), with a 10-year warranty and a 1-year Solar Maintenance & Support Agreement. Need financing? AWPower partners with trusted financial providers to make your solar investment more accessible. Indicative monthly repayments for such a system are outlined below, giving you an affordable path to energy independence. Not ready to go fully off-grid? No problem. Exporting excess generated power to the grid (especially in summer) can provide significant savings while keeping you partially
Go off-grid & Kiss Eskom goodbye Read More »
Nestled in the breathtaking Devonvale of Stellenbosch, Landtscap Wedding Venue is a jewel in the Cape Winelands. Situated on the Fransmanskraal fruit farm, Landtscap is not only a working farm but also an exclusive destination for weddings, events, and accommodation. Surrounded by manicured gardens, rolling vineyards, and framed by majestic mountains, Landtscap offers the ultimate event experience. To ensure uninterrupted operations during South Africa’s frequent power interruptions and to achieve significant savings on electricity costs, Landtscap partnered with AWPower for a state-of-the-art solar energy solution. This investment in renewable energy aligns perfectly with the venue’s commitment to excellence and sustainability. The Solar Solution Landtscap’s solar installation was designed to balance functionality, efficiency, and elegance, seamlessly integrating with their operations. Here’s the system we implemented: The combination of these components ensures Landtscap has a reliable and efficient power supply, while significantly reducing electricity costs. Why Landtscap Went Solar Operating as a wedding venue demands uninterrupted power—especially during critical moments like food preparation for receptions and running lighting, sound systems, and air conditioning during events. Loadshedding posed a significant challenge to their business, but the solar solution provided by AWPower now guarantees smooth operations no matter the circumstances. Additionally, the financial savings achieved through solar power made this decision a smart long-term investment for the venue. With their new solar installation, Landtscap can now deliver exceptional service to their clients without worrying about power disruptions. The venue is not only reaping the benefits of lower energy costs but also contributing to a greener future, enhancing its appeal as an environmentally conscious event destination. At AWPower, we’re proud to have played a role in helping Landtscap achieve its energy
Landtscap Wedding Venue Goes Solar Read More »
Is your investment in solar entrusted to a company that can fully support you?Are you sure your investment in solar will generate savings over the next 15 to 20 years? Being recognised by MyBroadband as one of SA’s Top Home Solar Installers in South Africa, AWPower’s experience spans close to 500 solar PV installations. Starting initially with residential systems, we now have an impressive list of blue-chip commercial installations. From our experience in servicing residential to medium-sized commercial systems, the distinct differences between summer and winter including fluctuations in irradiation levels of the sun, will require seasonal adjustments to optimise generation of power. If well-serviced and maintained, your investment in solar will outperform grid-supplied power in Rand per kWh, and that gap will grow over the years. With a growing demand for maintenance and support, and after collaborating with one of SA’s leading insurance groups on factors that may have an influence on the insurance risk and hence premiums charged, we redesigned our SLA and renamed it AWPower’s Maintenance and Support Agreement (M&SA) It includes the following options and benefits, subject to the choice of package (Basic, Premium & Premium Plus): We also offer the following services that you can benefit from: Solar PV Systems Audit with a 60-point Risk Analysis Checklist to assist with providing you with peace of mind: PV Cleaning Services including basic checking of panels and
AWPower’s Solar Maintenance & Support Services Read More »
Our client in Llandudno, Cape Town, was facing frequent loadshedding disruptions, significantly impacting their ability to work from home. With an increasing need for reliable power, they turned to the AWPower team for a sustainable and dependable energy solution.
Residential Installation: Grid-tied Hybrid PV Solution in Llandudno, Cape Town Read More »
In collaboration with Master Maths, AWPower Engineers have elevated their energy resilience by integrating a Hybrid Solar System into their existing loadshedding protection setup. The strategic integration includes a robust 30kVA generator, ensuring uninterrupted learning experiences at two distinct locations.
Empowering Education Centers | AWPower Unleashes Hybrid Solar Solutions for Master Maths Read More »
We take a look at Lithium batteries and whether or not users should be concerned about battery fires. We also discuss causes and preventative measures that can be taken to avoid any unlikely incidents.
The Rising Concern of Lithium Battery Fires Read More »
Our mission? To conduct a routine check-up on the Victron inverter and Revov batteries powering the off-grid solar systems that ensure a seamless and sustainable getaway experience for visitors.
Off-Grid Bliss at the River Retreat Cottages Read More »
We’re thrilled to provide a progress update on our latest project at an upmarket Eco Estate based in Noordhoek, Cape Town, where we’re making significant strides in enhancing energy and water security while delivering substantial cost savings.
A Progress Update: Alternative Energy & Water at Eco Estate Read More »
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