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Important Notice for South Africans with Rooftop Solar: Register Your Installations Now
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has issued a crucial notice for all South Africans with rooftop solar installations: register your Small-Scale Embedded Generators (SSEG) with Eskom or your local municipality. This step is essential to ensure the safety and performance of the national grid and to comply with national standards and municipal bylaws.
Why Registration is Mandatory
SSEGs are customer-owned generation units, typically less than 1MW/1MVA in capacity, connected to the electricity distribution network. Solar PV is the most common SSEG technology, and these installations are governed by a combination of national legislation, local municipal bylaws, and the national grid code administered by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
Over the past few years, as load shedding wreaked havoc on households, businesses, and the economy, the government introduced tax incentives to boost solar PV installations, including rooftop solar for households. However, with the increase in installations, the need for regulation and compliance has become more pressing.
Eskom’s Warnings and Penalties
Since 2020, Eskom has been intensifying awareness campaigns, warning customers to register their generators and ensure they are up to code. The threat of thousands of rands in fees and penalties has started making waves, pushing many to take action. Eskom has been explicit: any SSEG linked to the grid—whether it feeds electricity back or not—must be registered.
What Needs to Be Registered?
All SSEG systems need to be registered with a licensed distributor (Eskom, City Power, municipal distributors, etc.). This includes rooftop solar installations in the 5 to 10kW range. Systems above 100kW/100kVA must also register with Nersa. Registration is not required for those with systems that take them completely off-grid; however, they still need to meet Nersa’s standards and provide Eskom with the necessary proof and documentation.
The Registration Process
SAPVIA supports the registration efforts, emphasizing that compliance is mandatory for a reason. While it may be an administrative burden, it is crucial for protecting the grid and ensuring that equipment is safely installed. Homeowners and businesses should technically request pre-approval from the distributor—Eskom or municipalities—before installing an SSEG system to comply with connection agreement terms.
Steps to Register Your Solar Installation
- For Eskom Customers:
- Eskom has stated that customers have until March 2026 to qualify for an exemption from high registration fees.
- Ensure your SSEG system meets all relevant standards and regulations.
- Apply for an SSEG connection, pay the applicable fees, and sign all necessary SSEG agreements with Eskom.
- For Municipal Customers:
- Municipalities with no registration process should still comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Environmental Information Regulations, and national standards.
- Homeowners should inquire about potential SSEG policy developments and documentation with the municipality.
- Follow best practices from leading municipalities like Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, and George.
Ensuring Compliance
SAPVIA noted that installers and contractors may handle SSEG registration on behalf of the homeowner, but the ultimate responsibility for SSEG compliance remains with the customers. It is essential to ensure that:
- Solar PV systems are installed according to national installation standards (SANS 10142-1 and SANS 60364-7-712).
- The Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and all supporting documentation are in compliance with the installation standards.
- The installation complies with the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR).
- The installation follows municipal bylaws regarding technical specifications, inspection, commissioning, and professional sign-off requirements.
The registration of rooftop solar installations is a critical step in ensuring the safety and stability of South Africa’s national grid. By complying with national standards and municipal bylaws, homeowners and businesses can avoid hefty fines and contribute to a more reliable energy system. Don’t wait—register your solar installation today and ensure you are part of the solution.
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