The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), the representative body for the solar PV industry, recently clarified the regulatory requirements for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems, emphasising that while the registration process must be streamlined, it remains a critical legal and safety requirement.
SAPVIA’s comments follow recent public discourse regarding the need to register rooftop solar systems with Eskom or local municipalities.
“SAPVIA acknowledges the concerns raised by civil society groups like the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) regarding the administrative hurdles faced by solar users,” says Dr Rethabile Melamu, CEO of SAPVIA.
“We agree that communication from distributors should be constructive and avoid threats of disconnection. However, we must remain firm: registration is a legal obligation that ensures the safety of our homes as well as business premises, the protection of technical workers, and the stability of the national grid.”
SAPVIA believes that for the solar transition to succeed, the relationship between distributors and citizens must be based on clearly articulated guidelines rather than punitive measures.
“Threats are unhelpful and do not increase long-term compliance,” Dr Melamu adds.
“We call on distribution entities to be more mindful of the delays in their own systems. For registration to be a success, distributors must provide efficient, timely feedback to applicants. At the same time, we cannot ignore the regulatory framework that governs our shared energy infrastructure.”
The requirement to register grid-tied installations is grounded in the following pillars:
- The Electricity Regulation Act (Schedule 2): For embedded generators under 100 kW, the law mandates that the Distributor keep a formal register of each facility
- Safety and grid integrity: Registration prevents ‘islanding’. a dangerous scenario where a private solar system may feed power back into a grid that maintenance workers believe is de-energised
- Technical standards: Compliance ensures systems meet the RSA Distribution Code and SANS 10142-1 standards, protecting homeowners and business property owners from electrical fires and ensuring insurance validity.
SAPVIA has worked with stakeholders to remove barriers to compliance. Since October 2025, the process has been significantly simplified.
- Reduced red tape: Residential customers no longer require a professional engineer’s sign-off. A certification from a Department of Labour-registered electrician, a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC), and an inverter test certificate are now sufficient.
- Financial Relief: To support law-abiding citizens, Eskom has waived registration and connection fees for systems up to 50 kVA until March 31, 2026.
“Our position is not one-dimensional,” says Dr Melamu. “We will continue to advocate for a more user-friendly registration process and better communication from utilities. We urge all stakeholders to move away from an antagonistic stance and work together toward a safe, transparent, and legally compliant energy future.”
For more information visit: www.sapvia.co.za
