• Increased uptake of domestic solar PV and solar water heating due to Eskom crisis
• Massive increase in complaints about solar PV and solar water heating installations
• SESSA awareness campaign urges consumers to check solar company credentials/ affiliations

Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA) launches awareness campaign “Clued-up on solar”. The initiative aims to raise consumer awareness for choosing credible solar suppliers and installers. SESSA strongly urges consumers to check company’s credentials and affiliations such as SESSA membership before making a choice.

In the past months, since Eskom’s crisis culminated in the worst load shedding in history, consumers have been embracing solar PV and solar water heating. The increased demand for these systems has seen solar companies and installers inundated with enquiries and seen many new companies and individuals appear in this market. As a result, SESSA has seen a massive increase in consumer complaints about faulty installations and substandard equipment in solar systems.

“The number of complaints has tripled. Some days my phone doesn’t stop ringing” says Deon van Blommestein, SESSA ombudsman. “There seem to be a number of so-called professionals out there, looking to make a quick buck at the expense of the public” he concludes. 

SESSA stands for good business practices and strives to ensure that the goods and services offered by its members are of the highest quality. The SESSA Guarantee of Excellence, the Code of Conduct and the ombudsman ensure that SESSA members carry credibility and can offer their customers peace of mind. 

The Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA) has been actively promoting the use and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency since 1974. The inter-disciplinary nature of SESSA attracts the membership of industry, scientists, researchers, developers and the general public. For more information and an up to date member listing visit www.sessa.org.za