Can You Install Solar Yourself in South Africa? – Complete 2026 DIY Rules
Yes – you can legally do a large part of a solar installation yourself and save 20–30 % of the total cost. But there are very clear legal boundaries you cannot cross.
What You ARE Allowed to Do Yourself (2026)
- Mount the racking and rails on your roof
- Install and secure the solar panels onto the rails
- Run DC cabling from panels to the inverter location
- Install the inverter and battery inside your DB board area
- Do all conduit and trunking work
- Paint rails to match your roof (many owners do this)
What You Are NOT Allowed to Do
- Connect anything to your main DB board (AC side)
- Connect the inverter to the grid or essential loads circuit
- Sign the Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
- Submit SSEG registration to the municipality
- Issue any electrical warranty
Only a registered electrician (with Wireman’s Licence) may do the final AC connections and sign the CoC – no exceptions.
Typical DIY Savings in 2026
| System Size |
Full Professional |
DIY + Pro Sign-off |
Savings |
| 5 kW | R110 000 | R80 000 – R90 000 | R20 000 – R30 000 |
| 8 kW | R165 000 | R125 000 – R140 000 | R25 000 – R40 000 |
The “Hybrid” Approach Most People Use
Weekend 1–2: Mount rails + panels yourself
Weekday: Pay a registered installer R8 000 – R15 000 to do final wiring, CoC and SSEG submission
Insurance & Warranty Implications
Most insurers and banks accept DIY mounting as long as a registered electrician signs the CoC. Panel and inverter warranties remain valid if installation follows manufacturer guidelines.
Tools & Skills You Need
- Basic roofing and drilling skills
- Angle grinder, drill, spirit level
- Understanding of roof waterproofing
- Ability to work safely at height
Real 2026 DIY Success Story
Pretoria homeowner saved R38 000 on an 8 kW system by mounting everything himself over two weekends, then paid R12 000 for professional commissioning and CoC.
Yes – you can install most of your solar system yourself in South Africa in 2026 and save serious money, as long as you bring in a registered electrician for the final connection and paperwork.
