STELLALANDER-VRYBURG: Eskom has issued a stern warning to South African homeowners with rooftop solar systems, stating that all installations must be registered with the utility by March 2026, or they risk being deemed illegal.
This process is crucial to avoid costly fines and penalties. The regulation applies to all rooftop solar systems, even those that do not feed electricity into the grid.
Eskom’s efforts to enforce this regulation are part of a broader strategy to ensure compliance with national electricity laws and maintain the stability of the national power grid. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena emphasized that while the utility supports solar energy, homeowners must adhere to the regulations. “Eskom, as a licensed electricity distributor, is bound by regulations set by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), which mandate that all small-scale embedded generators meet specific safety and operational standards,” Mokwena explained. The registration process ensures that solar systems do not compromise grid safety and reliability, she added. Eskom’s rules regarding rooftop solar registration have been in place since 2019, and various awareness campaigns have been launched to promote compliance. However, as of now, only around 1,300 customers have successfully registered their systems, leaving a significant number of unregistered installations across the country.
To register their systems, homeowners are required to hire a certified engineer or technologist to verify compliance. Eskom recommends that this process be completed before solar panels are installed to avoid potential issues. For homeowners with existing systems, Eskom has launched a campaign running until March 2026, allowing them to register their installations without incurring connection fees for systems below 50 kVA. However, they may still need to cover costs for inspections and necessary upgrades, such as installing smart meters.
Failure to register by the deadline could result in penalties, including fines of up to R6 052, Mokwena warned. While Eskom assures homeowners that the registration process is straightforward, concerns have been raised about the significant costs associated with meeting the requirements. Some homeowners have reported being quoted between R27 000 and R50 000 to bring their systems into compliance.
Mokwena acknowledged initial confusion among Eskom staff regarding the registration process but assured that employees have now been trained, and the necessary registration forms are available on Eskom’s website. Homeowners are urged to begin the registration process immediately to avoid fines and additional costs.
With more households turning to solar power to combat load-shedding and rising electricity costs, Eskom is taking steps to ensure these installations meet safety and technical standards.
