Hardware
How should essential vs non-essential circuits be labelled on an SA solar DB?
Use clear, durable labels that match the single-line diagram and dual-supply warnings — colour conventions vary by electrician, so the written legend matters more than assuming “red means essential.”
Updated 27 October 2026 · Illustrative ranges — not a formal quote, credit decision or legal advice.
Answer first: Demand a labelled photo of the essential board and a matching single-line diagram in the handover file. Dual-supply NRS-style labels stay mandatory regardless of colour choice — essentials · dual-supply labels · CoC · DB space.
Label pack to request
- Essential board header + circuit list.
- Non-essential / grid-only board header.
- Dual-supply warning at the main DB.
- Inverter AC/DC isolator tags matching the schematic.
AC isolator · DC isolation · SSEG inspection.
Bill maths before hardware
Pull three months of kWh and rand from your bill or prepaid tokens. Compare that to the quote’s self-use assumption at your metro’s published rates — monthly savings · fixed charges · export vs self-use · export credit vs self-use rand · metro tariffs · costs & savings · check a quote.
Label colours that speed fault-finding
Consistent red/white dual-supply labels, numbered breakers and a laminated legend cut Stage chaos. Inspectors also read labels. Replace faded stickers annually in sunny plant rooms.
- Match labels to the as-built PDF page numbers.
- Mark EV and geyser circuits clearly for load management.
- NRS labels · essential vs not.