The South African Insurance Association (SAIA), in collaboration with municipalities, national industry bodies, insurers, financial institutions, fire protection organisations and civil society, has launched the Safe Solar PV & Storage campaign to promote safe, legally compliant solar installations in South African homes.

This national awareness drive supports both new and existing residential solar PV customers, aiming to ensure their systems are safe, registered, compliant with standards and insurable.

As solar adoption accelerates in response to energy security and sustainability needs, the campaign provides clear guidance for residential solar PV and storage systems typically below 30 kW. Educational resources, including downloadable checklists, will be shared through partner websites, social media platforms and community networks to reach homeowners effectively.

“With the rapid increase in solar PV and storage installations, customer safety and compliance are essential to prevent fires, injuries, and property damage. Homeowners must understand that they bear the legal responsibility for compliance and that noncompliance can have serious insurance consequences,” SAIA insurance risks GM Pam Ramagaga said on January 15.

Launching this month, the campaign is designed to educate homeowners on the risks associated with unsafe or noncompliant installations and provide the knowledge needed to protect their households, neighbours and communities.

Traditional media, public-interest editorial content, digital platforms and social media will be used to communicate safety messages, while toolkits and resources will be distributed through insurers, banks, municipalities, and industry partners.

Civil society and fire protection organisations will reinforce key safety messages at the community level.

The campaign emphasises that compliance is compulsory and ultimately the responsibility of the system owner, in line with South Africa’s electrical installation regulations.

By guiding consumers on selecting qualified installers, obtaining valid certificates of compliance, registering systems, and informing insurers, the initiative aims to reduce risks, protect households and uphold national safety standards.

Educational resources will be made available through SAIA and partner platforms to encourage informed and responsible solar PV adoption across the country.