Solar Installer Certifications South Africa

Last updated: February 2026

Protect yourself by understanding installer certifications. Verified credentials mean safer installations and better warranty protection.

Quick answer: Always verify COC capability. Look for ECA or PV GreenCard for quality assurance.

COC Certificate ECA Certification PV GreenCard

Why Certifications Matter

Using an uncertified installer can void your equipment warranty, invalidate home insurance claims, make your installation illegal, and leave you without recourse if problems occur. Always verify credentials before signing a contract.

Essential Certifications

These certifications are critical for any solar installation. The COC is legally required.

Essential

COC

Registered Electrical Contractors

Legal requirement for all electrical installations in South Africa. Proves your solar system meets safety standards.

Essential

ECA

ECA South Africa

Professional body representing qualified electrical contractors. Members must meet strict standards.

Essential

PV GreenCard

SAPVIA & GreenCape

Solar-specific certification for installers. Proves competency in photovoltaic system installation.

Important Certifications

These certifications indicate professionalism and may be required for specific situations.

Important

SABS

National standards body. SABS-approved products meet South African quality and safety requirements.

Important

SAPVIA

Industry association representing solar companies. Members commit to ethical business practices.

Important

SANS 10142

SABS

The wiring code for electrical installations. All solar installations must comply with this standard.

Important

NERSA

Regulates energy sector including embedded generation. Required for grid-tied solar systems over certain sizes.

Important

CIDB

Regulates construction industry. Required for contractors working on government and large commercial projects.

Beneficial Certifications

These certifications are beneficial for specific use cases like government tenders.

Beneficial

B-BBEE

Verification Agencies

Measures transformation in businesses. Important for companies tendering for government contracts.

All Certifications at a Glance

Certification	Issuing Body	Priority	Learn More
Certificate of Compliance (COC)	Registered Electrical Contractors	Essential	View Details
Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)	ECA South Africa	Essential	View Details
PV GreenCard	SAPVIA & GreenCape	Essential	View Details
South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)	SABS	Important	View Details
South African Photovoltaic Industry Association	SAPVIA	Important	View Details
SANS 10142	SABS	Important	View Details
National Energy Regulator of South Africa	NERSA	Important	View Details
Construction Industry Development Board	CIDB	Important	View Details
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment	Verification Agencies	Beneficial	View Details

Certification FAQs

At minimum: Registration with the Department of Employment and Labour (to issue COC), and ideally ECA membership or PV GreenCard certification. SAPVIA membership is a good sign of professionalism. The more certifications, the better protected you are.

The COC (Certificate of Compliance) is legally required. Without it, your installation is technically illegal and may void insurance. ECA membership and PV GreenCard are the next most important as they indicate quality and solar-specific expertise.

Ask for certification numbers and verify them: Check the DoEL database for electrical registration, the ECA website for membership, and SAPVIA for member companies. We provide links to verification databases on each certification page.

No, DIY electrical work is illegal in South Africa. Only registered electrical contractors can do electrical installations and issue COCs. Using an unregistered person could void your insurance and leave you liable for accidents.

You won't receive a valid COC, your installation is illegal, your insurance may be void, you have no recourse if something goes wrong, and your equipment warranty may be affected. Always verify certifications before hiring.

Find Certified Installers

Browse our directory of verified solar installers with confirmed certifications.

View Certified Installers How to Choose an Installer