How to Choose a Solar Installer

May 30, 2024

This is the question in South Africa there is a surge in solar installations the “solar boom”. It seems that everyone is suddenly a solar specialist with companies popping up everyone wants to be part of this boom which is understandable in the current economic situation in South Africa.

When considering a solar installation, it's crucial to keep the following points in mind:

Products

Quality Over Cost: Ensure that the installer selects high-quality products. While cheaper inverters, batteries, and panels are available, they often lack efficiency and come with poor or non-existent aftersales support. Investing in reliable, high-performance components can save money and hassle in the long run by ensuring better energy efficiency, durability, and service.

Installation Quality

Certified Installers: Hire certified and experienced installers to ensure proper installation and adherence to safety standards. Poor installation can lead to system inefficiencies and potential safety hazards.

Reputation and Reviews: Research the installer's reputation and read customer reviews. Look for companies with a history of successful installations and satisfied customers.

Warranties and Maintenance: Product Warranties: Check the warranties on all components. High-quality products usually come with longer and more comprehensive warranties.

Maintenance Services: Choose an installer that offers maintenance services to keep your system running efficiently over its lifetime.

System Design

Custom Design: Ensure the system is custom-designed to meet your specific energy needs and site conditions. Factors such as roof orientation, shading, and local climate can significantly impact system performance. b. Scalability: Consider future energy needs and ensure the system can be easily expanded if necessary.

Financial Considerations

Cost vs. Savings: Analyse the upfront costs against the long-term savings on your energy bills. High-quality systems may have higher initial costs but can offer better savings over time.

Incentives and Rebates: Investigate available incentives, rebates, and tax credits that can reduce the overall cost of your solar installation.

Energy Consumption Analysis

Current Usage: Conduct an analysis of your current energy consumption to accurately size the solar system.

Future Needs: Consider any potential changes in your energy usage in the future, such as purchasing an electric vehicle or adding more electrical appliances.

By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure a successful solar installation that meets your energy needs efficiently and reliably for years to come.

We recommend the following brands:

Inverters

Deye/Sunsynk
- These inverters have a proven track record over the past few years, with approximately 100 units installed and a failure rate of less than 1%. They are ideal for residential, farming, and even light commercial applications.
SMA
- With over 40 years in business, SMA produces high-quality, efficient inverters. Although they come at a higher price, they are built to last. We have had great success with their systems, particularly in the commercial sector, and their grid-tie inverters are the best we have encountered.
Commercial Inverters
- Atess
- Goodwe
- Megarevo

Each of these brands has its own strengths and is suitable for different applications, depending on specific needs and circumstances.

Panels

We only recommend Tier 1 panels from manufacturers with a strong reputation and a commitment to honouring their warranties. Brands we use include:

Q-Cells
Jinko
Longi
Axitec
Trina
JA Solar

Batteries

When selecting batteries, it's important to ask your installer about their repair process in case something goes wrong. Specifically, inquire about the average repair time. Some reputable brands may have lengthy support procedures, and larger repair centers can be very busy.

For redundancy, we recommend installing two 5kWh batteries instead of a single 10kWh battery. This approach ensures greater reliability and flexibility in case one battery needs servicing. Recommended brand names:

Lithium Batteries South Africa
BYD
Dyness
Deye/Sunsynk (HV)
Volta
Greenrich

Switchgear

I've seen many well-designed systems compromised by the use of cheap switchgear, distribution boards, and incorrectly specified cable sizes. It's important to be cautious of inferior products in this area, as these components are essential for protecting both your solar equipment and your home or business. Investing in high-quality circuit breakers and other switchgear components is crucial, as they offer superior protection and reliability. The cost difference between high-quality and cheap options is minimal and doesn't justify opting for the cheaper alternatives.

Workmanship

Workmanship is crucial to ensure your investment is installed correctly and a Certificate of Compliance (COC) is issued. Panels should be mounted using brackets designed specifically for your roof type, and the installation should be neat with properly labeled distribution boards. Request photos of the installer's previous work; if it looks subpar on the surface, it's likely worse beneath the trunking and inside the distribution board.

Choose a company with a robust support system in place. Ask how long they will provide support after the installation and when their support services begin. Quality workmanship and reliable support are key to a successful solar installation.