Look out for the following when you choose your installer:

1. Experience and references

Do they have a proven and established track record and experience?

They should be able to provide references of previous

projects and installations.

2. Qualified staff

Do they employ or subcontract qualified electricians?

Ask for proof of registration from the electrician (also called a wireman’s licence) and validate.

3. Home visits

The installer should be able to produce a simulation or

feasibility study, of the electricity production estimate for the system for a

year with average weather, based on a physical site visit and advise on the

size of your components (solar panels, inverter and batteries) to meet your

household consumption.

4. Technical expertise

Are they able to demonstrate their technical capabilities

and know-how, on how to install a solution that meets your electricity

requirements? For example, are they able to advise on the best position for

your solar panels to obtain maximum exposure to the sun during the day?

5. Rules and regulations

Do they understand the municipal and Eskom’s by-laws and

process for installations in households?

6. Post-installation service

Do they have an after-sales service or offer maintenance

contracts?

If so, what are the service level agreements?

7. Warranties/Guarantees

Do they provide necessary warranties and guarantees both for

the installation and for the various equipment/components of the system (solar

panels, inverter, battery and the structure of the system)?

Compare these with that of the manufacturer’s warranties and

guarantees.

8. Optional: PV GreenCard certification

Do they have a PV GreenCard certificate? A PV GreenCard is a

certification that has been developed to promote safe and high-quality solar PV

installations.