For homeowners considering making the move to solar, however, reports of faulty equipment and dangerous installations causing damage are a cause for concern. 

This is not a concern to take lightly, as evidenced in the warning issued by the Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman, which noted a rise in the number of complaints about solar systems and generators.

Head of personal products at Standard Bank Insurance, Hardy Ncube, said insurers have also started to see a rise in unqualified and inexperienced solar installers leaving households with a power solution that doesn’t work, structural damage to the home due to defective design and workmanship or costly repairs that are not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies.

“In the absence of legal requirements to become a solar installer, it’s essential that consumers do their homework before choosing a supplier to ensure that the job is completed properly, safely and securely by a reputable and legitimate solar provider.”

Ncube said it’s important to note that, as with other areas in the home, insurers do not cover faulty equipment, defective design or non-compliant installation including damage to the home resulting from such. 

“To ensure this is not the case, your insurer will typically ask you to provide an invoice detailing the brand, size, type and number of solar panels, inverters and batteries; an electrical certificate of compliance as required by regulation; municipal approval where required; and sometimes a structural engineer’s certificate to ensure the structural soundness of the installation [i.e. the condition of the roof and its ability to carry the weight of the solar panels].  

Both Ncube and North agree that it is important for consumers to get a reputable and accredited installer. “We recommend that consumers conduct online searches of each installer and assess reviews of their services by previous clients before turning to the more technical qualification checks,” said Ncube.

In response to the problem of non-compliant installations, the SA Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) reviewed its current registration system and created the PV Green Card assessment as a form of accreditation that separates qualified and trained installers from the so-called bakkie brigade – installers who claim to do the job but use components that have not been certified or that don’t have proper warranties.

North said with theft and risk so high, it was important to be insured.

“Without the right cover, homeowners could face significant financial losses if their solar panels are stolen. Weather damage from storms and wind are also major hazards for rooftop solar. Fire risks are a growing concern. Inverters and lithium-ion batteries, if not installed correctly or properly ventilated, pose a serious fire hazard. Many insurers require compliance certificates and specific safety measures to ensure coverage in case of damage caused by overheating or electrical faults,” said North.