Solar Power Systems
South Africa has a long (and often frustrating) history with electricity supply issues, dating back to the start of loadshedding in 2007. The worst year to date is 2023, with an estimated 6,950 hours of power outages, enough to fundamentally shift how South Africans think about energy independence.
Below is a chart comparing annual hours of loadshedding and total energy shed (GWh) in South Africa from 2018 to 2023, highlighting the steep rise in both duration and impact.
In response, thousands of homeowners and businesses turned to solar energy, sparking a surge in installations. While some installations were done professionally, the demand also opened the door for fly-by-night operators offering quick-fix solar packages with little regard for safety or compliance.
To regulate the boom and protect the national grid, Eskom now requires all solar power systems to be registered by March 2026, or risk facing fines of approximately R6,052.
Why must you register your Solar System (according to Eskom):
- Grid Safety – Registration helps Eskom manage electricity flow and avoid overloads.
- Feed-in Payments – You can only legally earn credits for feeding excess power into the grid if your system is registered.
- Regulatory Compliance – Ensures the system meets all required safety and technical standards.
- Insurance Validity – An unregistered system could invalidate your insurance claim in the event of fire or damage.
A Solar Power System can add value, but only if it’s done right
Solar energy is a powerful selling point, especially in today’s market. Property investors are increasingly installing solar systems before listing homes to make the deal more attractive, because no one wants to live without Wi-Fi or rely on candles in the 21st century.
But as a home inspector, I regularly encounter poorly installed, dangerous systems. I’ve seen:
- Lithium-ion batteries placed in unventilated spaces
- Inverters wired with household extension cords
- Exposed cables near water sources
- Zero compliance documents
These aren’t just installation issues, they’re life-threatening hazards. The scariest part is that most homeowners only look at their solar system when it starts giving error codes or stops working. Preventative inspection and maintenance is rarely considered.
What we check during a Pre-Purchase Inspection
While a Comprehensive pre-purchase Home Inspection is not a substitute for a registered Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC), it adds valuable peace of mind. We assess:
- The installation quality of panels, inverter, and batteries
- Visible damage, wear, or cleanliness of solar panels
- Basic system functionality
- Any non-compliant or high-risk components
The advantage is that we give you an independent, visual overview of the system before you commit to buying, if the system is the correct sized for your needs and helping you avoid costly surprises and safety risks.