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Compliance pathway — South Africa

Installing PV Solar on Residential Homes with Asbestos Roofs

A mandatory compliance pathway for a safe and lawful installation. This zooms into the roll-out of PV on asbestos houses within the broader nano-grid framework.

This is NOT a normal PV install. Asbestos roofs require asbestos compliance before any drilling, removal, repair or disturbance.

Where uncertainty exists on the work classification, an approved inspection authority should determine the asbestos work type.

Installing PV Solar on Residential Homes with Asbestos Roofs infographic detailing the 7-step compliance pathway, key legislation, and the minimum compliance file for South Africa.
Full compliance pathway for installing PV solar on residential homes with asbestos-cement roofs in South Africa.

The 7-step pathway

  1. 1

    Identify the roof correctly

    • Confirm whether the roof sheeting is asbestos-cement.
    • Use a competent person to identify asbestos in place.
    • Create / update an asbestos inventory.
    • Record location, condition, deterioration and exposure risk.
  2. 2

    Assess condition and feasibility

    • Inspect roof condition: cracked, friable, weathered or deteriorated sheets increase risk.
    • Assess structural capacity and roof brittleness before adding PV loads.
    • Consider alternatives first: ground mount, carport, or roof replacement before PV.

    Decision note: If the roof is badly deteriorated, replacement before solar is the safer pathway.

  3. 3

    Classify the asbestos work and appoint the right parties

    • If the PV solution will disturb, repair, remove, drill, cut or otherwise affect asbestos material, asbestos work controls apply.
    • For type 2 or type 3 asbestos work: appoint, in writing, an approved inspection authority and a properly registered asbestos contractor.
    • Ensure the contractor is registered for the relevant type of asbestos work and in good standing with COIDA / Compensation Fund.
  4. 4

    Prepare the asbestos work package before installation

    • Carry out an asbestos risk assessment.
    • Prepare a site-specific asbestos plan of work.
    • Co-sign the plan of work: asbestos client + registered asbestos contractor + approved inspection authority.
    • Notify the Chief Director: Provincial Operations in writing at least 7 days before type 2 or type 3 work starts.
  5. 5

    Execute the work with asbestos controls

    • Demarcate a regulated asbestos area.
    • Use correct PPE and respiratory protection.
    • Use controlled, minimal disturbance methods.
    • Prevent fibre release, contamination and uncontrolled access.
    • Protect occupants, neighbours and workers.

    Do NOT do this:

    • No angle grinders or fast-moving power tools to cut, grind or drill asbestos.
    • No compressed air.
    • No cleaning or surface preparation of asbestos cement sheets.
    • No reuse, reinstallation or recycling of asbestos sheets.
    • No eating, drinking or smoking in the regulated asbestos area.
  6. 6

    Electrical, structural and utility compliance

    • PV design must suit the roof condition and loading.
    • Electrical installation must comply with SANS 10142-1 and the Electrical Installation Regulations.
    • A registered person must inspect, test and issue the electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC).
    • If the system operates in parallel with the grid, obtain the relevant municipal / utility SSEG approval before energising.
    • Grid-parallel inverters should comply with NRS 097-2-1 utility interface requirements.
  7. 7

    Disposal, clearance and handover

    • Package and label asbestos waste correctly.
    • Dispose only at designated / authorised asbestos disposal sites.
    • Obtain disposal documentation from the disposal site.
    • For type 2 or type 3 work, obtain an asbestos clearance certificate from the approved inspection authority after visual inspection and air sampling.
    • Hand over a compliance pack to the owner.

Illustrative compliance summary for South Africa. Final scope, asbestos work classification, municipal approvals and engineering requirements must be confirmed per project.