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.
As the chill of winter rolls into South Africa, your home’s energy needs inevitably shift. Heaters, longer hot showers, and shorter days all contribute to higher electricity demand, right when your solar PV system is producing less power.
Winter’s Here: Is Your Solar System Ready? Read More »
Your solar setup is designed to run automatically, but with a few simple checks and tweaks, you can ensure it performs optimally and avoids any unwanted surprises while you’re away.
Going on Holiday? How to Prepare Your Solar System Before You Leave Read More »
Lithium battery fires are among the most dangerous types of fire. Nearly all lithium batteries connected to solar systems in South Africa are lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4), and this type of battery is considered the most stable of lithium batteries. While they are unlikely to experience thermal runaway under normal operating conditions, and for the sake of safety, it is important to understand the risks.
Battery Fire and Maintenance Read More »
South Africans are no strangers to water shortages, failing infrastructure, and sewage spills. We’ve seen raw sewage polluting rivers, oceans, and communities, and often, the cause is outdated and inefficient pump stations.
Rethinking Pump Station Efficiency Read More »
Solar Tips for the Holidays. While ensuring your home is secure and the fridge is emptied, don’t forget about your solar system. Proper preparation ensures your system runs smoothly, saves money, and avoids any nasty surprises when you return.
How to: Prepare Your Solar System for the Festive Season Read More »
Our MD, Christiaan Hattingh takes a look at whether the motivation for solar is driven by a fear of loadsheddng or thoughtful financial planning.
Going Solar – Fear or thoughtful consideration? Read More »
With winter bringing shorter days and lower sun angles, some of our customers – especially new solar owners being their first winter – have questions about solar panel efficiency and how to optimise their systems during this time.
Tips: Maximising Solar PV Performance in Winter Read More »
With the increasing number of electricity blackouts across South Africa and loadshedding remaining, many households and business owners have been pushed to seek alternative energy solutions. As a result, the demand for solar power has increased significantly.
Sitting in the dark? How to get switched on with solar Read More »
With South Africa experiencing its worst year of loadshedding to date, we’re seeing a surge in demand for alternative power solutions from homeowners and businesses alike.
Solar is emerging as a popular option, enabling people to reduce their reliance on Eskom at a time the utility is asking the regulator to approve a 32% increase in power tariffs.
Getting started with solar: Step-by-step guide Read More »
With Eskom warning that its system is likely to remain constrained for the near future and applying for hefty price hikes with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, many South African companies and households are looking to become more independent from the national power grid.
Considering solar? Here’s 5 common misconceptions Read More »
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