“Bakkie-Brigade” Solar Installations Put South African Homes and Businesses at Risk

The solar boom in South Africa has created new opportunities, but also a hidden danger for households and businesses. Informal and inexperienced installers, often referred to as the “bakkie brigade,” are leaving unsafe, poorly installed systems in their wake. The result is that consumers are increasingly facing major repairs, safety hazards, and unexpected costs, with little to no after-sales support.

Alumo Energy, one of the country’s leading solar providers, warns that non-compliant products and substandard workmanship are creating an escalating after-sales crisis. Faulty components and poorly installed systems often only reveal problems months after installation, leaving families and business owners to deal with the consequences and compounding costs.

“’Grey’ imports and faulty parts often seem fine initially,” says Rein Snoeck Henkemans, CEO of Alumo Energy. “But when issues arise, these installers disappear. Consumers are left stranded, paying again just to make their systems safe and compliant.”

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Installation

The rush to solar over the past few years has opened the market to hundreds of small operators. While this has generated jobs, it has also created opportunities for unqualified installers to work outside compliance frameworks.

Alumo Energy reports a sharp increase in after-sales callouts from non-Alumo customers whose systems were installed by such operators. Teams frequently encounter cables crammed into single trunking systems, live wires without proper conduits, and inverters that were never approved under South Africa’s National Rationalised Specifications (NRS).

These flaws do more than reduce efficiency - they create serious risks of fire, electrocution, and total system failure, putting homes, businesses, and lives in danger.

Why Professional Maintenance Matters

Solar systems, like vehicles, require regular servicing to remain safe and reliable. Panels need cleaning to prevent dust build-up, inverters require inspections to maintain compliance, and cabling, connectors, and fuses must be checked to guarantee safety. Batteries should be monitored for charge cycles, capacity, and temperature stability, while smart monitoring systems and optimisers require software updates to function effectively. Roof fixings, mounting frames, and bolts also need testing to remain secure and weather resistant.

“Technology is advancing every year,” says Snoeck Henkemans. “Larger service providers can keep their technicians trained and equipped in ways that single-person installers simply cannot. Thermal scans, for example, allow professionals to detect hot spots or loose connections before they become dangerous. These are tools rarely available to small-scale installers.”

Warranties Only Matter if They’re Backed by Professionals

When choosing a solar provider, warranty support is crucial. Established companies with direct manufacturer ties can process claims quickly, replace equipment, and minimise downtime. Alumo Energy, for example, supplies loan batteries or inverters during warranty claims, ensuring households and businesses remain powered even during repairs.

“A solar installation is often one of the largest investments a household will make,” Snoeck Henkemans concludes. “Without proper maintenance, compliance, and professional after-sales support, that investment is at serious risk, and lives could be at stake.”