Safe and Legal Installations of
Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems
Andrew Janisch
Commercial EE Forum
2016/03/16
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Why an information brochure?
• Concern for the safety of households and
businesses
• Concern for the safety of staff working on
the reticulation network
• Concern for the power quality of the
electricity network
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Why an information brochure?
Easy to
understand
starting point for
the process of
installing PV in
Cape Town –
CCT’s detailed full
Requirements
document the
next step
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Why an information brochure?
• Enables you to make an informed decision
about the PV configuration you are allowed
to install in Cape Town
• Helps you to select the right service provider
• Assists you to ensure that you have met all key
requirements before, during and after your PV
installation
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Is it legal to install a PV system in SA?
YES
• SANS 10142 – the national wiring code
accommodates for DC installations up to 1500V –
most PV installations are below this level
• Electricians, licensed by the Dept of Labour to issue
Certificates of Compliance (CoCs) can sign off on
these installations
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But there are some problems….
• Electricians typically not are used to DC wiring and
PV installations
• There is currently no national PV installation
standard
• There is currently no nationally accredited PV
installation training course for electricians
So you need to make sure that your service provider is
competent
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Is it legal to install a grid tied PV system in Cape Town?
There are some requirements….
• Connecting to the grid legally requires an
application in writing to the distributer
• The distributer has to assess whether they can
accommodate the proposed installation on the
grid. If so, confirmation in writing is provided to the
applicant
• CCT requires signoff from a Professional Engineer in
the absence of national installation standards and
PV installer accreditation. Only then is connection
to the grid allowed
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City of Cape Town and Eskom distribution areas
CCT area - Yes
Eskom area - No
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CCT area - Yes
Eskom area - No
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CCT area - Yes
Eskom area - Yes
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Ensuring a quality installation service
• Check prior business performance
– References
– CoC’s / PrEng sign offs
• Is there a qualified electrician to issue a CoC?
• Additionally, for grid tied systems is there a
professional electrical engineer or technologist to
sign off the system?
• Though not compulsory, registration with SAPVIA
and the Electrical Contactors Board is an indication
of commitment to keeping abreast of industry best
practice
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Before approving the design and purchasing a system
Become more electricity efficient
Obtain written approval from the City
Obtain a structural assessment of your roof
Generally you are not required to submit building plans unless
– PV system 600mm above roof height
– Raised 1.5m above any point on the roof
– If ground mounted, higher than 2.1m
• Buy a city approved inverter
• Ensure PV panels meet IEC standards
• If using batteries, store them safely according to OHSACT
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During installation
• Ensure electrician who issues CoC carries out or
supervises the work
• Don’t connect to the grid without written permission
from the City
• Allow for adequate access on roof for cleaning,
and also the fire department
• Ensure specialised DC circuit breakers are being
used
• Ensure workers have working at height training
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Post installation
• Request CoC – if not you are liable!
• Check for roof leaks
• Ensure you have warrantees, manuals and
maintenance requirements in hand
• If unsatisfied, request an assessment of the work by
an accredited inspection authority
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Way forward
• Brochure, like SSEG requirements, a living document
– will be updated as the landscape changes
• Expected changes in next few years
– Relaxing of Pr Eng requirements once national
standards and installer qualifications in place
– Bi-directional prepayment meters
– NERSA regulatory framework adjustments
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Info on the Electricity website
On this webpage:
www.capetown.gov.za/ElecServiceForms the following inter alia can be found:
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The Safe and Legal PV installation brochure
The Requirements for Embedded Generation
Boundaries of the City’s three electricity distribution areas and licensed area
of supply
A list of inverters approved by the City
Application forms for Embedded generation and for New or Modified Service
Connections
The Supplemental Contract for Embedded generation
Electricity tariffs