The Electrical Contractors’ Association of South Africa (ECASA) has advised homes and businesses to avoid using single-phase electrical testers (ETSPs) when approving rooftop solar power system installations.
Over recent years, there has been much debate within the electricity industry about the level of qualification needed to approve hybrid and grid-tied solar and battery storage systems.
Different electricity utilities have markedly varying requirements regarding which professionals they allow to approve these systems.
The criteria are usually included in distributors’ small-scale embedded generator (SSEG) policies, which specify the technical and safety standards for systems connected to the grid.
Eskom faced heavy criticism for requiring approval from electrical engineers or engineering technologists registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa for its direct customers.
Industry experts, including electrical engineer Chris Yelland, regarded the requirement as excessive considering the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR).
Some experts also argued that certain electrical engineers might have less experience and knowledge working with solar PV systems compared to electricians specially trained to handle the technology.
Following engagements with the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa), Eskom agreed to approve systems that are signed off by electricians registered with the Department of Employment and Labour.
However, sign-off by Electrical Testers for Single Phase (ETSP) is not allowed. Only Installation Electricians (IE) and Master Installation Electricians (MIE) are authorised to approve systems.
Some ETSPs have challenged this approach, referencing correspondence from the labour department on the matter.
One of the main reasons for disallowing ETSPs from approving these systems is that they are not qualified to work on direct current (DC) components.
PV solar panels generate DC electricity, which is converted into alternating current (AC) for use by household appliances. Batteries also store and discharge DC electricity.
In a letter dated 18 February 2025, the department’s chief inspector, Milly Ruiters, clarified that ETSPs cannot be excluded from issuing CoCs on systems solely because of the presence of direct current (DC) elements.
Just because it is legal doesn’t make it a good idea
She pointed out that ETSPs can issue a CoC for an electrical installation supplied from an alternative source in cases where the point of control is single-phase.
“It is incorrect to conclude that the Electrical Tester for Single Phase should not issue a CoC for the solar DC feeding installation because the electricity supply is AC,” Ruiters said.
The control point is the designated and accessible location where the electricity supply to a premises or part of it can be switched off, usually the distribution board.
Based on Ruiters’ remarks, no provision in the law bars ETSPs from issuing CoCs for alternative energy systems in most South African homes with single-phase connections.
Ruiters also stated that South African National Standards should not conflict with the EIR. She further mentioned that the EIR supersedes the standards.
However, ECASA has advised homes and businesses to avoid using single-phase electrical testers (ETSPs) when approving rooftop solar power system installations. It asserts that ETSP registration alone does not provide sufficient competence for designing, installing, and certifying photovoltaic and embedded generation systems.
The association contends that solar PV and integrated battery installations pose additional risks and technical requirements, which may not be included in ETSP training.
These encompass DC hazards, fault current contributions, protection coordination, anti-islanding functionality, earthing arrangements, and network interface compliance.
The association contended that approval for connecting embedded generation to a distribution network is separate from the EIR, with processes regulated by distinct legislative and operational frameworks.
ECASA believes that utilities are entitled to require appropriate technical certification as part of their embedded generation approval processes,” said ECASA technical advisor Grant Seeman.
Supply authorities are responsible for network safety, power quality, and system protection, and they may therefore set connection requirements and approval conditions.
Seeman stated that these requirements must be applied consistently and within the framework of relevant legislation.
