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.
A commercial solar system should be reviewed after a meaningful business operational change has happened, not only when something fails.
When Your Business Changes, Your Solar Strategy Should Too Read More »
We’re often asked whether a business needs more solar panels, a larger inverter, or extra battery storage.
Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, not at all.
Before you spend more on solar, look at the data first Read More »
Many businesses understood the value of generating their own electricity, but larger systems often felt too expensive, too complex, or simply too difficult to justify.
Why More Businesses Are Looking Beyond 100kW Solar Read More »
There was a time when electricity was simply another overhead on the monthly expense sheet. Businesses budgeted for it, absorbed annual increases, and moved on, but this reality is changing quickly.
Why Electricity Is No Longer Just an Overhead Read More »
For many solar owners, especially those with larger systems, exporting is no longer simply a compliance exercise or a “nice-to-have” feature. It is becoming an important part of a long-term energy strategy.
Exporting to the Grid: Your Solar System Could Be Working Harder Read More »
For many businesses, generating electricity on-site is now cheaper than buying it from the grid. That change alone changes how solar should be viewed – as a financial decision, not as an emergency backup.
Why Solar Payback Looks Better Than Ever Read More »
A large number of systems were installed under pressure, often without the level of engineering oversight, compliance, and quality control required for long-term safety. Today, many of those installations are still in operation, and while they appear to be working, they may be carrying hidden risks.
Mitigating the Risk of Fire in a Solar PV System Read More »
The Hidden Costs and Rewards of Long-Term Solar Ownership
What Happens After Year Five? Read More »
AWPower has established a focused services division of experienced engineers and electricians to provide specialised servicing and support for solar PV installations, and this service is now available nationwide.
Protect The Savings You Paid For Read More »
Now and then, someone tells me, “Our solar system is fine. It’s working…” I always smile and ask, “How do you know?”
Is your Solar System Working… Or Quietly Underperforming? Read More »
Subscribe to our newsletter today and stay up to date with the latest news, advice and industry advancements. We promise to respect your inbox and will not spam you.
