South Africa’s growing electricity crisis is forcing homeowners, businesses and industries to look at alternative solutions. As a result, solar photovoltaic (PV) has moved from a niche industry, to an integral part of the country’s future. The demand for solar installations has increased at a staggering rate, from homeowners seeking relief due to increasing electricity prices, to businesses and industries investing in long-term energy solutions.
With this, comes great responsibility for regulatory bodies: to properly train competent and compliant professionals who can install and maintain PV systems, safely, compliantly, and in accordance with the relevant local and international standards and regulations.
A rapidly growing sector
South Africa’s solar industry is experiencing unparalleled growth, with the country expected to be the tenth-largest solar market globally, and the continent’s top largest solar market. Currently, Kwa-Zulu Natal is the third largest solar market at 12.6%, with Gauteng and the Western Cape at 45.8% and 24% respectively. Although, as of March 2026, Eskom has maintained over 300 days without electricity, there is still a growing response to loadshedding which has evolved into a sustainable move towards energy independence.
However, this rapid expansion has highlighted a growing concern around poor workmanship and non-compliant installations, underscoring the need for stringent quality control and adherence to standards and regulations. Since January 2026, there has been a 40% increase in complaints regarding unlicensed solar companies. In 2023, the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO) reported a 50% surge in complaints regarding solar systems and generators.
Poor workmanship or inadequate, incompetent knowledge can result in unsafe installations, reduced solar system efficiency, equipment damage, and compliance and liability risks.
For these reasons, PV Training remains a critical priority in addressing these challenges as it equips installers with the technical expertise to ensure safe and compliant installations, reducing the risks of faults and fire hazards, ultimately building consumer confidence in the industry.
Standards and Professional Responsibility
In keeping with the scourge of a rapidly growing industry, the regulatory industry has tightened significantly in terms of actively monitoring the industry. PV installations must be in accordance with the applicable regulations, recognised standards, and practice such as the SANS 10142 standards and the international IEC regulations which govern solar installations and electrical installations, protection measures, testing, and certification. Understanding these standards should not be viewed as an administrative requirement, instead they should be viewed as a fundamental professional responsibility, ensuring the safeguarding of lives and the protection of property.
The Role of the ECB In the Solar Industry
In response to a growing sector, the ECB has remained a key figure in strengthening compliance and competence within the PV sector, by focusing on training and guidance, drawing on the relevant standards and regulations.The ECB supports the development of skilled professionals through promoting adherence to recognised standards.
Through its training mandate and industry engagement, the ECB ensures that professionals are not just technically competent, but are also fully aware of their legal obligations when installing PV systems.
Beyond training, the ECB remains committed to serve as a key regulatory body that promotes ethical workmanship, transparency and accountability within the solar industry, and the electrical industry at large.
Why Structured PV Training is essential
As the South African solar sector continues to reach unprecedented growth, the importance of structured PV Training cannot be overemphasised.
Quality and accredited training gives professionals the practical and theoretical foundation required to operate confidently, competently and compliantly in an ever-evolving market. The ECB PV Critical Knowledge Module (CKM) does exactly that. The CKM Training covers essential topics such as: PV System Fundamentals, Safe installation practices, Information on Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) sign-off and grid-tied systems as well as an in-depth coverage of current SANS 10142-1 (wiring codes) and IEC standards for solar PV. Structured Training provides a critical foundation by covering the theoretical and practical applications. Relying solely on informal learning can create gaps in knowledge, particularly in an ever-evolving industry where complex technologies and changing standards are concerned.
Professionals who understand the underlying fundamentals and principles, are better equipped to solve complex PV systems, and adapt to a changing landscape.
Looking Ahead
The exponential growth of the solar industry in South Africa remains an important part of the country’s broader energy future. As homeowners and businesses seek greater control over rising electricity costs, the demand for PV is likely to continue across many sectors.
Beyond depending on more than the market demand, long-term growth will depend on a thriving ecosystem of competent, compliant, responsible and ethical professionals. The success of the solar industry will not only be measured by the number of solar PV systems in the country, but by how safely, and efficiently those systems can perform over time.
Technology is ever-evolving and advancements in battery storage, smart solar PV system monitoring and more are reshaping the skills required to work in the field. Professionals who evolve with these developments will be better positioned to adapt to consumer needs and opportunities. This creates both opportunity and responsibility for installers and electricians.
For the industry as a whole, critical knowledge training and professional development can help build public confidence in solar PV systems as a reliable energy solution. Those who prioritise adhering to standards, and upskilling themselves will be better placed to participate in the next phase of South Africa’s solar PV journey.
The PV Critical Knowledge Module (PV Training Programme) is a 3 day intensive training designed to equip electricians with updated technical knowledge, regulatory requirements, and practical skills for Solar PV installations.
012 751 4025
info@ecbtraining.org.za
Course Content Includes:
Coc filling
PV Installation
PV Testing report
Integration of updated standards (SANS, NRS, IEC, NRCS)
Best reporting and documentation practices for SSEG sign-off (including CoCs)
PV according to law
PV Practitioner
Eligible Annexures
Fees:
Members: R6 741.00
Non Members: R 7490.00
PV CKM – Western Cape 23-25 June 2026
Conformance Week
Artisan Training Institute Gauteng
22-24 September 2026
Conformance Week KwaZulu Natal
27-29 October 2026