* Downlaod the registration documents from the local municipality (it is a bylaw) This is going to cost you a lot of money if you think you going to laugh it off and just feedback into the grid.

* Find a registered elctrical contractor (with the DOL) who has an IE or MIE with a green card as an added bonus, and get them to vefify the initial COC. Check the qualifiecation and registration, I hear ther eare a few dodgey people out there.

* Make sure you have a valid COC for the property, if not best you get it done before you waste any more time on the solar project. This could cost tens of thousands to get your property compliant.

* Find an engineer registered with the ECSA, at the start of the project. Make sure the engineer is qualified and familiar with all the bylaws for the council. The max size of inverter installed, max solar panels, etc etc.

* Make sure you know how much you can afford to pay (cash) for the system or what your credit limit will be to get a loan.

* Once you know how much you can afford, then decide on the system to be installed, If the budget allows (R100 000.00 plus)

* Time to get a load profile to detemrine the max demad (size of the inverter) and the time of use profile (battery capacity)

* The company will do a solar calculation and shading analysis.

* Now it is time to check the roof structure is strong enough to carry the weight of the panels being installed.

* Find a safe location to install the inverter and batteries, make sure the installer understands the basic guidelines for the safe installtion of lithium batteries. You cannot just install these batteries anywhere.

* If you are going to insure the system, make sure you read and understand the cover and the location where the sytem will be covered by the policy for damage and fire. Not the smartest idea fitting them lower than 1.2 m in garage with vehcles without mechanical protection.

* If you plan on making use of the tax incentive, make sure you understand what it covers.