How to Spot Rogue Installers, Avoid Costly Traps, and Ask the Right Questions Before You Sign Anything
Gauteng's solar industry is booming. While this means there are many fantastic solar installers, it also means hundreds of "bakkie brigade" operators have popped up—unlicensed handymen selling cheap, unsafe setups who will disappear when your system breaks down.
This guide is designed to give you, the homeowner, the exact questions to ask and red flags to watch for so you can secure a safe, high-performing solar system that actually protects your home and finances.
Trap #1: The "No-Compliance" Fine Trap
Many cheap installers will set up your system, collect their cash, and drive away. However, in Johannesburg, connecting a solar system to the grid without municipal approval is illegal and carries heavy penalties.
What to check:
Ask the installer: "Will you handle the City Power/Eskom grid registration process, and are your inverters certified on the approved municipal list?" If they tell you to handle registration yourself, it means they are trying to hide a non-compliant installation.
Trap #2: Rebranded & Short-Life Batteries
Batteries are the most expensive component in your solar system. Unscrupulous installers often purchase cheap, low-grade lithium cells, put them in a generic box with a fake label, and sell them as "tier 1" batteries.
Red Flag Brands
Ensure the battery you buy has a verifiable manufacturer warranty. Stick to reputable, globally trusted brands with established South African service centers: Sunsynk, Freedom Won, Dyness, Pylontech, Hubble, and Shoto.
Trap #3: The Missing Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
Without a valid electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC) signed by a registered installation electrician, your home insurance is **completely void**. If your house burns down due to a solar fault, the insurance company will pay out R0.
What to check:
Verify that the lead electrician doing the connection is registered with the Department of Labour. Ask to see their registration card *before* they touch your DB board. You must receive a signed CoC specifically covering the solar installation within days of completion.
Trap #4: The False Warranty Trick
An installer might tell you: "This system has a 10-year warranty." But if that installer goes bankrupt or changes their phone number next year, your warranty is worthless. You must have a warranty directly backed by the equipment manufacturer.
Industry Warranty Standards (The Safe Minimums)
Inverter Warranty: 5 Years minimum (often extendable to 10).
Lithium Battery Warranty: 10 Years or 4,000 to 6,000 cycles.
Solar Panel Product Warranty: 10 to 12 Years (and a 25-year performance warranty).
Trap #5: Non-Certified Installers
In South Africa, professional solar work is overseen by SAPVIA (South African Photovoltaic Industry Association) and SESSA (Sustainable Energy Association of Southern Africa).
The Ultimate Vetting Test:
Ensure the contractor can issue a **PV GreenCard**. This card is a standardized compliance report indicating the system was installed by a certified, assessed technician. It is your proof of quality.
Your Quote Meeting Checklist: 25 Questions to Ask Every Installer
Print this list and bring it to every site visit. A reputable installer will welcome these questions — a rogue one will get uncomfortable.
🪪 Credentials & Business
1. Are you registered with SAPVIA or SESSA?
Ask to see their membership number and verify it on the association's website.
2. Can you issue a PV GreenCard on completion?
This is the standardised solar compliance certificate — only certified installers can issue one.
3. Is your lead electrician registered with the Department of Labour?
Ask to see their registration card before any work begins on your DB board.
4. How long has your company been operating, and can you provide references?
Anyone can open a new company — ask for at least 3 recent local installations you can call.
5. Are you VAT registered and do you carry public liability insurance?
Legitimate businesses carry proper insurance. Unregistered operators often won't.
⚙️ System Design
6. How did you calculate the system size you're recommending?
They should reference your electricity bill (kWh/month), not just guess. Ask to see the load calculation.
7. What will this system actually power during a full load-shedding event?
Get a specific list of appliances, not vague statements like "your whole home".
8. Will the system be grid-tied, hybrid, or off-grid — and why is that right for my usage?
Each has trade-offs. Make sure the recommendation fits your needs, not just their stock.
9. Where will the panels be mounted, and have you assessed shading?
Shading from trees, chimneys, or a neighbouring wall can significantly reduce output.
10. What monitoring app will I use, and can I see the system data remotely?
Reputable inverters have live monitoring — you should be able to see your production daily.
🔋 Equipment & Brands
11. What inverter brand and model are you quoting, and is it on the City Power/Eskom approved list?
Only approved inverters can be legally registered for grid-tied use in Johannesburg.
12. What battery brand and model are you quoting — who is the South African importer?
You need a local importer with a service centre, not a container-load of grey-market stock.
13. What solar panel brand and tier rating are you using?
Ask for the panel's datasheet. Reputable Tier 1 panels will have published specs.
14. Are these items in stock locally, or ordered from abroad?
Long lead times can leave your project stalled or mean substitutions you haven't agreed to.
📄 Warranties & After-Sales
15. Show me the manufacturer's warranty document — not just your word for it.
The warranty should be from the brand, not just "we guarantee it". Ask for the written document.
16. What is your workmanship warranty, and what does it cover?
Installation quality issues (leaks, loose connections) should be covered separately from equipment.
17. If the inverter fails in year 3, what is the process — and who pays for call-out?
Understand the claims process in advance. Some warranties require you to courier the unit at your cost.
18. Does your company offer a maintenance plan or annual service check?
Panels accumulate dust. Connections loosen. A maintenance plan protects your investment.
✅ Compliance & Legalities
19. Will you handle the City Power/Eskom Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) application?
If yes, confirm it's included in the quote. If they say it's your problem, walk away.
20. Will I receive a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) specifically for the solar installation?
A general electrical CoC is not sufficient — you need one specifically covering the solar work.
21. Will you notify my home insurer, or do I need to do that?
Adding solar changes your home's risk profile. You must inform your insurer. Ask who handles this.
💰 Pricing & Contracts
22. Is this quote fixed-price or subject to change?
Get it in writing. Price escalations mid-job are a common tactic.
23. What is the payment schedule — and how much deposit do you require?
A 30–50% deposit is normal. Demanding 100% upfront is a major red flag.
24. What is the estimated installation timeline from deposit to switch-on?
Hold them to a written completion date, and ask about penalties for overruns.
25. What is your cancellation and dispute resolution policy?
Know your exit rights before you sign. Reputable companies have a clear, fair process.
💡 Pro Tip: Don't Roll the Dice
Don't waste time rolling the dice with dozens of contractors. We've done the hard work for you by matching you with ONE strictly vetted, premium solar installer in your specific area. Use this guide to hold them to the highest standard during your site visit.