Extended Deadline for Free Solar Registration
Households and businesses in South Africa using rooftop solar systems have been given more time to register without paying fees. Eskom has confirmed that the exemption period for registering small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems has been extended.
Originally set to end on 31 March 2026, the deadline has now been moved to 30 September 2026. This extension was announced at the Solar & Storage Live Johannesburg, providing additional time for system owners to comply.
Under this initiative, qualifying customers can register their solar installations without paying for quotation, connection, or metering fees—provided they fall under Eskom Distribution. The programme mainly applies to hybrid and grid-tied rooftop systems below 100kWp. Additionally, the free registration benefit now also includes systems under 50kWp in both rural and urban Eskom-serviced areas.
Key Requirements for Registration
To complete registration, system owners must ensure:
- A valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by a Department of Labour–registered electrician
- An embedded generation test report signed off by a certified Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician
Important Limitations
Understanding the limitations of this programme is critical for planning your registration:
- The fee exemption only applies to Eskom direct customers
- Customers within municipal supply areas may still face significant registration costs, often exceeding R10,000
- These costs are largely driven by requirements such as installing bidirectional meters
Ongoing Debate Around Registration Requirements
There is still uncertainty around the legal requirement for registering smaller systems. Organisations such as Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) and AfriForum argue that systems under 100kWp that do not export power to the grid may not legally require registration.
Outa has also begun gathering information from users who have received warnings or penalties related to non-registration, as it considers possible legal steps on the issue. This debate highlights the evolving regulatory landscape for solar installations in South Africa.
Key Takeaway
This extension provides a valuable opportunity for solar system owners to regularise their installations while avoiding additional costs, particularly for those connected directly to Eskom. However, customers in municipal supply areas should budget for potential registration costs and consult with their local supply authorities.
What This Means for Installers
For solar installers and EPCs working in South Africa, this deadline extension is an opportunity to guide customers through the registration process before the 30 September deadline. Ensure that your installations include proper CoC documentation and embedded generation test reports from certified electricians. This proactive approach protects your customers and your business reputation while helping them avoid complications or penalties down the line.
