Why compliance is so challenging for the solar industry
THE solar industry is growing at a pace, and one of the bigger challenges it faces is bringing compliance up to speed. With systems and technologies evolving rapidly, laws and regulations often lag behind. In effect, solar is a newer field that sits on top of two mature regulatory regimes: electrical and building regulations, both of which are inherently complex.
For installers, the struggle is particularly real. Many want a clear, unambiguous “right answer” to guide their work, but in practice, there isn’t always a single definitive route.
Two rulebooks, one solar system
For a standard electrical installation, the rules are well established. But once you introduce solar, those additions bring new factors: integration with the grid, possible export to the network, and structural mounting on roofs.
The installer must contend with the existing building regulations and the electrical installation regulations, but must also ask: how does the solar-specific part interface with those regimes? The regulatory framework may not yet speak in perfect detail to every solar scenario.
That means while the rules exist, the guidance for solar installations isn’t always as crisp as many would like. So installers often find themselves in a grey zone: “We know what the regulations say generally, but which clause applies exactly here?” This uncertainty can slow projects, cause cost overruns, trigger compliance headaches, or lead to re-work if an inspector requires changes.
As noted in our recent article, the fact that only certain categories of registered electricians can issue the official Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for solar installations underscores how regulatory integration is still catching up.
Building clarity through collaboration and learning
Even though it is a difficult phase, the evolution of regulation is part of the solar industry’s growth story. As technologies mature and more systems are installed, regulators will build more clarity.
Rather than being frustrated by ambiguity, the process also offers a chance to participate in the development of the industry and help shape it actively, for example, through engagement with industry associations like SAPVIA, the South African PV Industry Association.
Installer training, deeper knowledge of standards and regulations, and active discussion in webinars and forums also become key enablers.
Need help staying ahead of the curve?
GREEN Solar Academy regularly hosts live panel discussions with experts from across the industry, where evolving compliance questions are unpacked in real time. You can catch up on previous sessions on our YouTube Channel and explore our advanced training courses on Compliance for PV Systems and Commercial PV Design to deepen your understanding.
Contact GREEN Solar Academy for a consultation to match your goals with the right course: email info@solar-training.org or WhatsApp +27 73 223 0521.
GREEN Solar Academy has been training solar professionals in South Africa since 2012 and is the 2025 recipient of the SAPVIA Empowerment Through Skills Development Award.
