South Africa’s Eskom Streamlines Solar Registration, Cuts Fees to Boost Clean Energy Adoption

Streamlined Registration Process

South Africa’s state-owned power utility Eskom has significantly simplified the compliance and registration requirements for customers operating small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems, according to company reports. Sources indicate the changes will particularly benefit households and small businesses using rooftop solar panels, making legal grid connection more accessible.

Streamlined Registration Process
Reduced Costs and Expanded Certification
Compliance Requirements and Safety Focus
Grid Integration and Future Benefits
Regulatory Context and Evolution
Industry Response and Future Direction

Reduced Costs and Expanded Certification

Beginning October 1, residential customers can have their systems certified by Department of Employment and Labour-registered professionals rather than requiring more expensive Engineering Council of South Africa-registered professionals, the utility states. Analysts suggest this change could save homeowners thousands in compliance costs while maintaining safety standards.

The report states there will be no registration or connection fees for households with solar systems up to 50 kVA until March 2026. For a typical 16 kVA rooftop solar installation, customers reportedly can save more than R9,000 in connection costs under the new framework.

Compliance Requirements and Safety Focus

According to Eskom’s announcement, the simplified process now requires only a valid certificate of compliance and a basic embedded generator installation compliance test report, both signed off by a registered person. The utility emphasizes that these changes maintain stringent safety protocols while reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

“We encourage customers to come forward and register their systems to meet Nersa’s legal requirements to ensure compliance and safety,” Eskom Distribution acting group executive Agnes Mlambo stated in the report.

Grid Integration and Future Benefits

Registered customers can reportedly benefit from future tariff structures and demand-response programs, according to the utility’s statements. Sources indicate that users exporting power back to the grid may qualify for the Nersa-approved Homeflex tariff, which provides credits for exported energy.

The utility states it has been developing the SSEG framework with industry stakeholders since 2015, including the South African Bureau of Standards and photovoltaic industry associations. This collaborative approach reportedly led to the current simplified solution that balances accessibility with grid safety.

Regulatory Context and Evolution

Before 2019, only medium-voltage customers were permitted to operate embedded generators in parallel with Eskom’s network, according to historical records. The utility expanded this to include low-voltage customers in April 2020, paving the way for broader residential and small business participation.

Nersa regulations require all entities with embedded generation systems under 100 kVA to register with Eskom, even if they don’t export electricity to the grid. However, analysts note that completely off-grid systems disconnected from Eskom’s network are exempt from registration requirements.

Industry Response and Future Direction

“Customers said the previous process felt complicated and costly and Eskom has responded by streamlining compliance and introducing cost relief measures,” the utility acknowledged in its statement. Reports suggest these changes reflect Eskom’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s energy transition while ensuring grid stability.

The utility indicates it continues to explore solutions for prepaid connections and other innovations to further integrate clean energy sources. Industry observers suggest these reforms could accelerate renewable energy adoption across South Africa’s residential and small business sectors.