What protection do I need for a solar system?

At minimum you need a DC circuit breaker between panels and inverter, a surge protector on the DC side, and a changeover switch on the AC side. An earth leakage circuit breaker adds protection on the inverter output circuit. Your installer will specify the correct ratings for your system size.

What is a changeover switch and why do I need one?

A changeover switch transfers your electrical load between Eskom supply and your inverter output. It prevents your inverter from feeding power back into the grid during an outage. Any hybrid or off-grid installation in South Africa requires one for safe operation.

What is a DC surge protector used for in solar?

A DC surge protector diverts lightning-induced voltage spikes away from your inverter and panels. It is fitted on the DC cable between the panel array and inverter. Farms and properties in high-lightning areas should treat this as essential, not optional.

Do I need a solar distribution board?

A solar distribution board houses your AC output breakers in one enclosure. It keeps your protection neat, accessible, and compliant. It's particularly useful where the inverter AC output feeds multiple circuits in a home or business.

What is the difference between a manual and automatic changeover switch?

A manual changeover switch requires someone to physically flip it when Eskom fails. An automatic changeover switch detects the supply loss and switches over on its own. Automatic units are better for unattended properties or businesses that need zero-interruption backup.