Understanding Your Solar CoC Certificate in South Africa

Key Takeaways

• A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a legal requirement for all electrical installations in South Africa, including new solar PV systems.
• Only a Department of Labour and Employment-registered Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician may issue a CoC.
• Your CoC must cover all aspects of the electrical installation, from wiring to inverter settings and earthing.
• You, as the property owner, are responsible for retaining your CoC and making it available for inspection by authorities.

What is a Solar CoC Certificate?

A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a formal document that confirms an electrical installation meets the safety standards set out in the Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR). For solar energy systems in South Africa, a CoC is not just a recommendation; it is a legal necessity. Eskom defines a CoC as "a certificate in the form of the EIR Annexure 1 issued by an accredited person in respect of an an electrical installation or part of an electrical installation."

This means that whether you are installing a new solar PV system or making alterations to an existing electrical setup to integrate solar, a valid CoC must be issued. Eskom states that "a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) must be issued for every SSEG installation, regardless of Voltage, size or configuration." This ensures the safety of the installation and its compliance with national standards. As the property owner, you bear the responsibility for the safety of the electrical installation on your property in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.

Who Can Issue a Solar CoC?

The authority to issue a CoC for an electrical installation, including a solar PV system, is strictly limited to qualified and registered professionals. According to Eskom, "The CoC must be issued by a Registered Person (Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician only) as defined in the EIR." Similarly, the City of Cape Town specifies that "The Department of Labour and Employment-registered installation electrician who performs the installation must supply you with a CoC."

For some installations, additional professional sign-off is required:

• City of Cape Town (CoCT) Customers: "From 1 October 2023, all new applications for SSEG systems in the City of Cape Town supply area are treated as grid-tied, and are required to be signed off by an Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) registered professional." Residential installations may be certified by an ECSA-registered professional engineer, certified engineer, technologist, or professional technician. Commercial and industrial installations must be certified by an ECSA-registered professional engineer, certified engineer, or technologist.
• Eskom Direct-Supply Customers: For low voltage (LV) systems, the "Person signing off the EGI compliance report for Single and Three phase installations ≤1kV a.c. and ≤ 1.5kV d.c. must be a department of labour registered Installation Electrician or Master Electrician." However, for medium voltage (MV) systems, "SSEG systems >1kV but ≤ 22kV a.c. and ≤ 1.5kV d.c., the system design requires additional sign-off by an ECSA-registered professional."

This multi-layered requirement ensures that the design and installation of solar systems, especially those interacting with the grid, meet stringent safety and quality standards.

What Your Solar CoC Covers

Your CoC is a comprehensive document that attests to the safety and proper installation of your electrical system, including all solar components. Eskom specifies the key areas that a CoC must cover for a solar installation:

This comprehensive coverage ensures that your solar installation is not only functional but also safe and compliant with the national grid standards.

Retaining and Presenting Your CoC

Once your solar PV system is installed and certified, the CoC becomes a vital document that you, as the homeowner, must retain. Eskom clearly states, "The CoC for LV systems ≤ 1kV a.c. and ≤ 1.5kV d.c., must be retained by the owner of the installation and made available for inspection by Eskom or regulatory body upon request." This means you should keep your CoC in a safe and accessible place, as it serves as proof of your installation's compliance and safety.

The CoC is also a crucial document for other administrative processes. For instance, it is one of the "compliance documents" required for SSEG registration with Eskom. Furthermore, the now-expired section 6C solar tax rebate, which allowed individuals to claim a tax credit for new and unused solar PV panels, also required a valid CoC as part of the supporting documentation.

While the published sources do not explicitly detail the CoC requirements or transfer process when a property with a solar installation is sold, it is standard practice and highly recommended to provide the new owner with the valid CoC. This demonstrates that the electrical installation, including the solar system, is safe and compliant, which can be a significant factor in property transactions.

What You Can Check Yourself, and What You Cannot

As a homeowner, you have a role in managing your solar CoC, but there are clear boundaries between what you can do yourself and what requires a registered professional.

What you can check yourself:

• Possession of the CoC: Ensure you have received a physical or digital copy of the CoC from your installer.
• Signatures: Verify that the CoC is signed by a Department of Labour and Employment-registered Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician.
• Relevance: Confirm that the CoC specifically references your solar PV installation and the work performed.
• Retention: Make sure you keep the CoC in a safe place, as you are responsible for its safekeeping.

What you cannot check yourself: You cannot, and should not, attempt to verify the technical compliance, safety, or integrity of the electrical installation yourself. This includes:

• Inspecting AC or DC wiring for correct installation or damage.
• Checking inverter configuration or protection settings.
• Assessing earthing and bonding.
• Performing any electrical work or modifications on the system.

Any work on an electrical installation, especially one connected to the grid, must be performed by a qualified and registered electrician. Attempting to work on live electrical components or making modifications without proper qualifications is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury, electrocution, fire, or damage to equipment. Always ensure that any electrical work is carried out by a registered person who can issue a new or updated CoC as required.

What the published sources do not tell you

While the provided sources offer clear guidance on the necessity and scope of a CoC for solar installations, some specific details are not fully elaborated:

• Exact Circumstances for Fresh CoC After Alterations: The sources state that "all electrical installations must be supported by a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC)," implying that significant alterations would require a new CoC. However, the precise definition of "alterations" that necessitate a fresh CoC, beyond the initial installation of an SSEG system, is not explicitly detailed.
• CoC Transfer Process on Property Sale: Eskom's standard puts responsibility for retaining the CoC on the property owner. However, it does not explicitly outline the legal requirements or best practices for transferring a CoC for a solar installation to a new owner when a property is sold.
• Municipalities Not Covered: This information primarily covers Eskom direct-supply customers and those within the City of Cape Town's municipal area. It does not provide specific CoC requirements or processes for other major South African municipalities such as Johannesburg (City Power), Tshwane, eThekwini, or Nelson Mandela Bay, which may have their own distinct regulations. Homeowners in these areas should consult their local municipality for specific guidance.