SAPVIA urges collaboration on finalising critical new SSEG safety
The updated SANS 10142-1, designed to consider latest technical requirements for PV systems, has been years in the making
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has carefully considered the extensive public debates and media coverage surrounding the safety and compliance of small‑scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems, led by key organisations in the sector including the Association of Municipal Electricity Utilities (AMEU), the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (ECA(SA)), and the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
For nearly a decade, SAPVIA has consistently advocated for the safe installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, recognising gaps that previously existed in standards. In response, the Association introduced the PV Green Card Programme in 2017 a quality, safety assurance and skills development initiative primarily targeted at electricians.
Fast growing solar sector in SA
With the rapid growth of the sector, these safety issues have now come to the fore and SAPVIA calls on all stakeholders to work collaboratively in ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance.
The Association urges all parties to prioritise the finalisation of the crucial new national safety standard, SANS 10142-1, which is finally at the last stage of development through a South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) process, to resolve the current divergent views on roles and responsibilities of affected entities.
SAPVIA believes that accelerating the completion and adoption of this standard is the quickest and most effective way to resolve ongoing debate regarding safety and compliance for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) installations (up to 1 MVA). It therefore shares sentiments shared by ECA(SA) and OUTA to collaborate and resolve this issue speedily.
The updated version of SANS 10142-1 is specifically designed to consider latest technical requirements for PV systems, addressing the system sign-off responsibilities and issuance of test reports which we believe will resolve many current technical and regulatory issues faced by installers, municipalities and the end users.
SAPVIA stance on the different roles in the solar sector
SAPVIA affirms that all parties have legitimate roles in the electrical and energy distribution landscape:
- ECA(SA)’s Role in Safety – SAPVIA fully respects the legal authority that its members, the Registered Persons, have in complying with the Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR) and issuing the mandatory Certificate of Compliance (CoC), which legally confirms the safety of the entire installations as set and regulated by the Department of Employment and Labour.
- Municipal Authority – The association also acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of municipalities and by association, AMEU, as Distribution Network Owners (DNOs). They have the authority to manage their networks under the distribution code and ensure grid stability and safety at the point of connection.
- OUTA’s role as protectors of the public interest against additional costs of installation that the proposed AMEU ECSA registered engineer will impose.
“We are at a critical juncture for the South African energy transition,” said Dr Rethabile Melamu, CEO of SAPVIA.
“The new SANS 10142-1 has been years in the making and is expected to be finalised within the next six months for public consultation. Constructive debate leads to progress, but focusing on legacy disputes is counterproductive and hinders progress.
“We must pull together to get this crucial standard over the line. Once SANS 10142-1 is published, we expect municipalities and the AMEU will have the clarity they need regarding installation quality, allowing them to relax the current, often burdensome, requirements for Pr Eng sign-off on standard SSEG systems, thus unlocking faster deployment.”
SAPVIA remains committed to working collaboratively with the Eskom, SABS, the ECA, the AMEU, OUTA and the Department of Labour to see the final standard implemented, ensuring a safe, compliant and thriving solar PV industry in South Africa.
Cover photo: Installing solar panels on a roof
