Who May Issue a Certificate of Compliance for a Solar System?
The straightforward answer is that only a registered Installation Electrician (IE) or Master Installation Electrician (MIE) is authorized to issue a Certificate of Compliance (COC) for a solar system.
According to Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, specifically regulation OHS 3/1/5/7/9, there are three categories of electricians in South Africa:
- Single Phase Electricians (ETSP);
- Installation Electricians (IE); and
- Master Installation Electricians (MIE).
An ETSP may only install a solar system under the "general control" of a licensed IE or MIE. Furthermore, an ETSP cannot issue a COC for a solar installation unless they have passed a trade test and completed the required unit standards on inspection, testing, and certification of a single-phase domestic installation. Even after fulfilling these requirements, an ETSP is limited to issuing COCs for single-phase solar systems.
Both IEs and MIEs are qualified to install solar systems and issue COCs for those installations. They also supervise ETSPs to ensure that solar installations are performed in accordance with applicable electrical and South African National (SAN) standards.
A solar system installed by an unregistered electrician is considered "illegal."
To verify an electrician's classification (ETSP, IE, or MIE), confirm their registration status. A Registered Electrical Contractor must be registered with the Department of Employment and Labour and the Electrical Industry Bargaining Council. Therefore, it is advisable to request the electrician's registration certificate or card before engaging their services.
The certificate or card will clearly indicate the electrician's registration category, enabling you to confirm their authorization to install a solar system and/or issue a COC for it.