Solar Regulations.

In South Africa, solar photovoltaic (PV) and inverter installations are governed by a comprehensive framework of national standards, municipal by-laws, and safety regulations. Here's an overview of the key requirements to ensure your installation is compliant and safe:

National Wiring Standards SANS 10142-1
This is the primary standard for low-voltage electrical installations, encompassing general wiring practices.
SANS 10142-1-2 (2021)

A supplement specifically addressing embedded generation systems like solar PV. Key requirements include:

Enhanced Labelling: All components must be clearly and redundantly labeled.

Accessible Disconnector: A lockable disconnector must be installed near the property's boundary for utility access.

Single Line Diagrams: These should be displayed at main distribution boards.

Maintenance Manual: Installers must provide a detailed operations and maintenance manual.

Updated Test Sheet: A new test sheet must be included with the Certificate of Compliance (CoC).

Metal Conduits for DC Cables: DC cables longer than 5 meters must be housed in metal conduits or be armored.

Fire Safety and Structural Compliance

Battery and Inverter Placement: Should be installed behind a 120-minute fire-rated wall, away from living spaces, to mitigate fire and fume risks.
Roof Structural Assessment: A professional engineer should assess the roof's ability to support solar panels, especially for large installations.
Fire Safety Standards: Compliance with SANS 10400-T is essential, particularly when PV panels cover more than 5% of the roof area.

Installer Qualifications and Certification
Registered Electricians: Only Installation Electricians (IE) or Master Installation Electricians (MIE) registered with the Department of Employment and Labour are authorized to perform installations and issue CoCs.

Certificate of Compliance (CoC): This document certifies that the installation meets the required standards and is mandatory for all installations.
Municipal Regulations (Cape Town Example)

SSEG Registration: All grid-connected systems must be registered as Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG), regardless of whether they feed electricity back into the grid.

Inverter Compliance: Inverters must be certified according to NRS 097-2-1 standards.

Building Plan Requirements: Building plans are not required if rooftop panels do not project more than 1.5 meters above the roof or 600mm above the highest point.

Equipment Standards

Solar Panels: Should comply with SANS 61215 (for crystalline panels) or SANS 61646 (for thin-film panels).

Cabling: Use cables that meet SANS 62930 standards.

Batteries: Ensure batteries comply with international safety standards such as IEC 60086 and have certifications like TUV SÜD.
Additional Considerations

Insurance Implications: Non-compliant installations may lead to insurance claims being denied, especially in cases of fire or system failure.
Maintenance Schedule: A planned maintenance schedule should be part of the system handover documentation.