Property Thought of The Week - Solar Panels: Compliance Certificates Required?

The Electrical Installation Regulations obliges every user or lessor of an electrical installation to be in possession of a valid Certificate of Compliance for that installation. Does this include solar panels?

The definition of ‘electrical installation’ in the regulations is such to generally include solar panel control circuits. A Certificate of Compliance is therefore necessary where a home with such an installation is transferred unless there is an existing certificate in place that is not older than 2 years. Ideally this should be provided for in the sale agreement.

Note further that certain municipalities, specifically the City of Cape Town, have additional requirements if the installation is attached to its grid.