Page 40 - Waterfall City August Issue 2023

Waterfall City Home Front

INSTALLING

SOLAR?

How to choose the right installer and insure your new asset

W ith relentless load for the safety and protection of your It is vital that you are aware of the risks

that come with installing alternative
property,” says Olyott.
shedding and
power supplies, and of the importance
increasing electricity
costs, people have
– which is a requirement on your
become ever more despondent. But Home solar systems offer several of taking reasonable precautions
benefits, including consistent power
there’s a small light at the end of the supply, long-term electricity cost insurance policy.
country’s energy crisis tunnel – solar reduction, and a reduced carbon
(at least, for those who can afford it). footprint. Additionally, installing solar To ensure a safe and reliable solar
panels can increase the resale value of installation, Olyott advises homeowners
Motivated by a global drive towards a property by between 4% and 8%. to take the following steps:
renewable energy and with a local
electricity supply that is unreliable and To further incentivise solar adoption, • Use licensed/accredited suppliers
increasingly expensive, many residents Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and contractors for the purchase and
are joining the energy revolution and announced a 25% tax rebate on the installation of solar power systems.
switching to the sun. cost of new PV rooftop solar panels, • Only allow certified electricians to
up to a maximum of R15,000, available work on the electrical system of your
“The cost of embracing solar energy for one year from 1 March 2023 to home, especially when connecting
was prohibitive a decade ago. However, 29 February 2024. external systems and devices to your
the steady drop in solar panel prices primary circuits.
has resulted in the current boom in While embracing solar energy • Ensure that the appointed contractors
home solar photovoltaic (PV) roof presents numerous advantages, have undertaken an evaluation of
installations,” says Peter Olyott, CEO of improper installation can lead the suitability of the roof to carry the
financial services provider Indwe Risk to significant risks, including fire additional weight of the solar system
Services (Indwe). hazards and potential insurance claim being installed.
repudiation. Indwe has observed an • Verify that appointed contractors
“While solar power has emerged as increase in fire and explosion claims, provide proof of contractor’s liability
a viable solution for those seeking mainly due to the use of unlicensed insurance, with a recommended
reliable and cost-effective energy installers. The result is incorrect and minimum cover limit of R10 million.
alternatives, we urge all homeowners dangerous installations, use of poor- • Keep all relevant documents,
to choose reputable installers who quality materials, and unsafe storage including warranty documents,
adhere to industry regulations and of lithium-ion batteries used with original purchase invoices, and signed
ensure proper insurance coverage inverters. contracts.

38 Waterfall City Issue 8 2023