Amidst South Africa’s rooftop solar rush of 2023, fuelled by the looming threat of severe load shedding, homeowners face a daunting new challenge: the aftermath of non-performing or non-compliant solar PV installations.
We’ve been inundated with calls from stranded homeowners and business owners seeking assistance after being left in the lurch by dodgy installers who have either vanished into thin air after the installation failed to deliver on their promises.
Here are some cautionary examples of the requests we received from customers, shedding light on the perils of choosing the wrong solar partner:
1. Safety Compromises
A homeowner sought to upgrade their existing solar system, only to uncover a litany of safety hazards. From mismatched circuit breaker sizes to improper trunking installations, the shortcuts taken by the original installer posed a significant fire risk and violated basic safety standards.
Incorrect cable and circuit breaker sizes will pose a risk of overheating and risk of fire, whether it is battery, inverter or solar wires.
You don’t want to risk something being wrong or being a safety risk to your home or business, receiving a COC from an appropriately qualified and registered electrician, along with a PrEng Electrical Engineer signoff, should not be viewed as an unnecessary expense, but a must.
2. Inefficiency and Incorrect Settings
Many existing solar systems suffer from suboptimal inverter settings, resulting in higher-than-permitted grid charge rates and missed opportunities for energy cost savings. Clients are often unaware of these inefficiencies, which can lead to both financial losses and regulatory headaches down the line.
3. Regulatory Oversights
In one case, a homeowner approached us to rectify a non-performing system, only to discover that the installer had neglected to submit the necessary regulatory paperwork to the City of Cape Town. Shockingly, the installer’s excuse was that the bureaucratic process was too cumbersome, so they had opted to skip it altogether.
In most cases, all solar installations must be registered at the local municipality or Eskom.
4. Design Flaws
Some systems are plagued by design flaws that limit their capacity and effectiveness. For example, installing an oversized inverter with inadequate battery storage can render the system inefficient and redundant during power outages, defeating the purpose of the investment.
In wrapping up, homeowners must conduct meticulous research when choosing a solar installer. Seek out professionals with a solid reputation, backed by years of experience in the industry.
Remember, your solar PV system is a significant long-term investment, with a potential lifespan of more than ten years. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your chosen installer is committed to providing ongoing support, efficient warranty management, and reliable servicing.
Consider partnering with a reputable company that offers a comprehensive succession plan to safeguard your investment for years to come.
If you’ve fallen victim to subpar solar installations, don’t despair.
AWPower boasts a team of certified engineers and electricians specialising in design, inspecting, rectifying, and assisting with regulatory approvals. Our popular Solar Maintenance & Support Agreement (SM&SA) is tailored to the needs of both residential and commercial users, offers peace of mind and ensures long-term benefits from your investment in renewables.
Choose AWPower for reliable, compliant, and efficient solar solutions that stand the test of time. Watch this space for updates on our revamped SLA and take the first step toward a brighter, greener future.