The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) is urging all Small-Scale Embedded Generators (SSEG) to comply with Eskom’s registration requirements, emphasizing the importance of regulatory adherence for solar PV installations. This move is critical to ensuring grid stability, maintaining performance standards, and safeguarding the nation’s energy infrastructure.
Understanding SSEG and Its Role in Solar Energy
SSEGs refer to customer-owned generation units—typically less than 1MW/1MVA—connected to the electricity distribution network. In South Africa, rooftop solar PV remains the most prevalent SSEG technology, governed by national legislation, municipal bylaws, and the national grid code, as regulated by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
As the country continues to battle power shortages and load shedding, government incentives have encouraged solar adoption among households and businesses. However, Eskom has intensified its awareness campaigns, reminding consumers that all grid-connected SSEGs must be registered, regardless of whether they feed electricity back into the system.
Why Registration is Crucial
Eskom has made it clear that any SSEG linked to the national grid requires registration. While completely off-grid systems are exempt, they must still adhere to Nersa’s safety standards and provide necessary documentation.
SAPVIA supports these registration efforts, reinforcing that compliance is essential for the integrity of the electricity grid. Proper registration ensures that installations meet national safety and performance standards, reducing risks such as electrical hazards and power disruptions.
The Compliance Process: What Solar Users Need to Know
Solar PV users—both homeowners and businesses—are advised to seek pre-approval from their electricity distributor (Eskom or municipal entities) before installing an SSEG system. Failure to do so may violate connection agreements and result in penalties. The compliance process generally involves:
- Pre-approval: Submitting an application to Eskom or the local municipality.
- Technical compliance: Ensuring installations meet national standards (SANS 10142-1 and SANS 60364-7-712) and municipal bylaws.
- Certification: Obtaining a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and necessary supporting documents.
- Final registration: Completing all necessary agreements with the distributor and paying applicable fees.
While some municipalities have yet to establish SSEG policies, compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Environmental Information Regulations remains mandatory. In such cases, best practices from municipalities with established frameworks—such as Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, and George—should be followed.
Addressing Industry Challenges
The rapid growth of rooftop solar has led to challenges, including a rise in non-compliant installations by unqualified contractors. SAPVIA warns against ‘fly-by-night’ installers who fail to adhere to industry standards, further complicating regulatory enforcement.
To combat this, SAPVIA encourages homeowners and businesses to work with accredited installers who understand SSEG requirements. Additionally, professional engineers should inspect and certify installations to ensure compliance with national safety and performance standards.
Looking Ahead: A More Regulated Solar Industry
With Eskom extending the deadline for SSEG registration fee exemptions until March 2026, solar users have a window of opportunity to regularize their systems. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to integrate distributed energy resources while maintaining grid stability.
As solar energy continues to play a pivotal role in South Africa’s energy transition, ensuring compliance with SSEG regulations is not just a legal obligation but a crucial step toward a safer, more resilient power system. For the industry to thrive sustainably, responsible solar adoption and adherence to national standards must remain top priorities.
