What PV GreenCard means for homeowners
Tony Lopes
Short answer: PV GreenCard is an industry programme backed by SAPVIA, the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association. It certifies installers who pass a solar competency assessment, and gives the homeowner an as-built report on the system. It's a good sign, but it isn't a legal licence: a registered electrician must still issue your Certificate of Compliance.
Last updated November 2026.
You'll see "PV GreenCard installer" on quotes, vans and websites. Homeowners often assume it's the same thing as being a registered electrician, or that it's required by law. It's neither, but it is useful. This guide explains what it covers, how it fits alongside electrical registration, and how to check an installer's claim. It's one of the things we look at when approving CleanVolts Approved installers.
What is PV GreenCard and should my installer have it?
PV GreenCard was launched by SAPVIA to raise quality and safety standards in rooftop solar. It works at two levels:
- The installer. Individual installers pass a competency assessment, with theory and practical parts, at a recognised assessment centre. The company they work for must be a registered electrical contractor.
- The installation. A PV GreenCard installation comes with an as-built report recording the equipment, the design and the test results, handed to the homeowner on completion.
Should your installer have it? It's a strong plus, because it shows solar-specific training beyond general electrical work. Insurers, financiers and municipalities increasingly ask for it. But many good installers aren't certified yet, so treat it as one check among several, not a pass or fail on its own.
How is PV GreenCard different from electrical registration?
| Electrical registration and CoC | PV GreenCard | |
|---|---|---|
| Required by law? | Yes | No |
| Who issues it | Department of Employment and Labour registers the person and contractor | SAPVIA's programme, through recognised assessment centres |
| What it covers | That the electrical installation is safe and complies with the wiring code | Solar-specific competency, and a quality record of the installed system |
| What you receive | Certificate of Compliance | An as-built report on the system |
You want both. Our guide how to check a solar installer is registered covers the legal side.
How do I check a GreenCard installer?
- Ask which of the company's installers are certified, and whether they'll be on your job.
- Search for the installer or company in the PV GreenCard online installer directory.
- Ask whether your installation will come with the PV GreenCard as-built report.
- If they claim certification but aren't listed, ask them to explain before you pay a deposit.
A note from our founder
CleanVolts founder Tony Lopes has completed Green Solar Academy's Solar 101 and PV Mounter courses, and is working towards the PV GreenCard assessment himself. Doing the training first-hand is part of how we judge whether the installers we approve are doing the job properly. Until then, every installation we coordinate is designed, installed and signed off by registered partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PV GreenCard required by law?
No. The legal requirements are a registered electrical contractor and a Certificate of Compliance from a registered person. PV GreenCard is a voluntary industry certification on top of those.
How do I check a GreenCard installer?
Search the PV GreenCard online installer directory for the person or company, and ask whether your job will come with the as-built report.
What does a GreenCard certificate include?
An as-built report recording the equipment installed, the system design and the test results. Keep it with your CoC and warranties. It's useful for insurance, maintenance and selling your house.
Where We Fit In
CleanVolts matches homes, businesses and farms with vetted, registered installers. We check registration, insurance and track record, and we note PV GreenCard certification where installers have it. You contract the installer directly and they issue the Certificate of Compliance. Using CleanVolts costs you nothing, and if the installer pays us a referral fee, we tell you up front.
Sources: SAPVIA launches PV GreenCard; EnergyBee on PV GreenCard, October 2026.
