Sparks Electrical News November 2025

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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Avoiding costly EC&I construction delays

One example is an inability to work with products sourced from multiple vendors. Another is site crews lacking appropriate technical qualifications or sufficient site safety training. Among the most crucial is to align with the project’s objectives and timelines – EC&I contractors often can’t get site access until other contractors have reached their goals. Yet, they shouldn’t just wait until they are summoned, says Beyl. “If we waited for the site to call us before we started procuring materials and readying our teams, it would lead to big delays. The EC&I project managers must be present and involved from early on and communicate with other contractors and stakeholders to look for the EC&I windows.” However, he warns not to bring the entire EC&I team in too soon: “Never bring the EC&I contractor on site too early, only when there’s sufficient access for them to start work. It varies from project to project, and a competent EC&I team can work amongst the civil and mechanical contractors. But if you start slow, it’s very hard to pick up the pace. Effective EC&I construction is about timing and collaboration.” Criteria to select EC&I contractors Judge an EC&I contractor by their reputation. An established and widely regarded EC&I company will meet the following criteria: • Look for a proven track record with similar projects and industries, including These awards highlight Growatt’s ability to deliver localised solar and storage solutions that meet the unique needs of diverse regions, from sun-rich residential solar rooftops in Latin America to advanced distributed energy storage solutions in Australia and Europe. Beyond regional awards, Growatt also achieved top positions in the 2024 global PV inverter rankings by S&P Global Commodity Insights, ranked as the No. 1 Residential PV Inverter Supplier, Top 3 Hybrid Inverter Supplier, and Top 5 Commercial PV Inverter Supplier worldwide. Leading innovation in solar inverters and energy storage Growatt’s award-winning portfolio includes a wide range of grid-tied solar inverters, hybrid inverters for PV, and energy storage solutions designed to maximise solar power utilisation. The company also offers smart energy monitoring/management platforms that enable homeowners and businesses to monitor, control, and optimise their energy usage in real-time. By combining solar PV inverters, battery

strong client testimonials and repeat business. • Require certifications, as well as industry-specific accreditations, not to mention skilled, qualified, and responsible technical staff. • Pay attention to the EC&I construction contractor who asks questions to grasp any specific project and site requirements, such as appropriate materials and different vendor components. • Ensure they demonstrate commitment to safety and compliance, as well as their experience with those requirements. • Expect transparency, reliable communication, and excellent project management, including early involvement from key managers to understand timelines and choreograph the timely deployments of their teams. Yet, no matter how experienced they are, the best EC&I construction company always has one important characteristic, says Beyl. “They must treat every job like it’s their first and last. You want to see a startup attitude that shows that they are only as good as their last job. No matter how big and experienced they are, the best EC&I teams treat their current project like their most important, and they pay attention to keep things moving and close that last mile of the construction project.”

equipment and wiring. Limited experience can cause damage to installed equipment. Lacking appreciation for specific client requirements can instigate unnecessary costs and delays. “EC&I construction covers everything from the overhead lines to the plug where you insert your phone charger. We’re responsible for electricity reaching where it’s needed, and because we handle the last mile, it’s really important we provide reliable service based on experience. An EC&I company that can’t deliver sufficiently will cause delays quite late into a project, when there is much less space and time to make adjustments,” says Anton Beyl, sales manager of WEG EC&I Construction. When EC&I construction can go wrong Construction sites require a delicate balance between affordable costs and professional delivery. While it’s prudent to select affordable EC&I construction services, the lowest price mustn’t be the only criterion. There is too much at stake. Selecting the wrong EC&I contractor can negatively impact construction in several ways. These include misunderstanding material and technical requirements specific to the site’s purpose and budget, neglecting quality management, or failing to coordinate with different construction managers and team leaders. industrial solar power plants, Growatt empowers users to generate, store, and optimise renewable energy while lowering energy costs and increasing energy independence. “Our long-standing recognition by EUPD Research across multiple continents is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer-centric solar energy solutions,” said Lisa Zhang, vice president of Growatt. “We are honoured to be trusted by millions of customers and industry professionals worldwide, and we remain dedicated to driving the transition toward a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future.” Achieving top honours The EUPD Top Brand PV Award is based on extensive surveys conducted with installers and distributors worldwide, evaluating brand awareness, satisfaction, customer preference, and market recommendation levels.

C onstruction is time-sensitive and tightly managed. No project is perfect. Delays or other problems are inevitable, so construction managers and their teams must be flexible and inventive. They cannot afford serious mistakes because of their inexperience and failure to keep pace with their timelines. This caution applies to Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I) construction teams that handle the final stages, including designing, installing, and testing the electrical systems that provide power across the site. A lack of diligence can create life threatening hazards such as faulty electrical Anton Beyl, sales manager of WEG EC&I Construction. 2025, marking eight consecutive years of recognition. In 2025, it received accolades for its inverter brand strength, while also earning recognition for its energy storage solutions. This consistent achievement reinforces Growatt’s position as one of the most trusted solar inverter and battery storage providers worldwide, a brand that millions of households and businesses rely on for their clean energy needs. Growatt has built a reputation as a trusted energy partner delivering advanced residential solar inverters, commercial and industrial PV solutions, hybrid inverters, battery energy storage systems, EV chargers, and smart energy management platforms. From residential rooftop solar systems to large-scale A global clean energy partner With installations in over 180 countries, SafeQuip proudly confirms that the Lith Ex range of fire extinguishers is the only certified lithium-ion battery fire extinguisher range in South Africa. With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries in domestic, commercial and industrial settings, the presence of a fully certified extinguisher is critical. The Lith-Ex range holds full SANS 1910 2022 approval, together with NTA 8133:2021 (KIWA/P00055865) certification. In addition, the 9 L, 6 L, 2 L and 1 L models are Kitemark approved, ensuring compliance

Enquiries: www.weg.net

Growatt crowned top PV brand for eighth consecutive year Growatt has been awarded the prestigious EUPD Research Top Brand PV Award

storage systems, and EV charging solutions, Growatt is shaping the future of distributed energy ecosystems and supporting the rapid adoption of decentralised renewable energy systems. These technologies enable users to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut electricity costs, and ensure backup power supply during outages, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of today’s energy landscape.

Enquiries: https://en.growatt.com/

SafeQuip issues certification update notice

with rigorous international standards for performance and safety. SafeQuip’s Lith-Ex range now stands alone in the South African market, offering assurance that it meets the highest levels of independent verification required to address the unique risks of lithium-ion battery fires. SafeQuip is committed to providing and maintaining long-term fire safety solutions that meet all regulations.

Enquiries: www.safequip.co.za

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 2025