South African homeowners with rooftop solar systems have just weeks left to take advantage of Eskom’s temporary registration fee waiver before it expires on 30 September 2026. While the waiver has made it easier for households to bring their solar installations into compliance, the deadline also marks the point after which unregistered grid-connected systems could face registration costs, administrative penalties, disconnection, or insurance complications.
For homeowners connected directly to the Eskom network, here’s what the registration process involves.
1. Confirm whether your property falls under Eskom
Before beginning the registration process, homeowners should confirm whether their property receives electricity directly from Eskom Distribution or through a municipality.
Only customers supplied by Eskom follow Eskom’s Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) registration process. Municipal customers must follow their local authority’s procedures. If your rooftop solar system is connected to the grid even if it never exports electricity, it generally needs to be registered.
2. Work with a qualified installer
Homeowners should appoint a Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL)-registered electrician, preferably one accredited through the PV GreenCard programme. The installer will prepare the technical drawings, configure the inverter to meet South African grid standards, and issue the required Certificate of Compliance once installation is complete.
3. Gather the required documentation
Before submitting an application, homeowners should prepare:
- Completed SSEG application form
- Inverter specification sheet
- NRS 097-2-1 type-test certificate
- Single-line electrical diagram
- Site layout plan
- Proof of ownership or landlord consent
- Latest Eskom electricity bill
- South African ID copy
Following installation, Eskom will also require the commissioning report and Certificate of Compliance.
4. Submit your SSEG application
Applications can be lodged through Eskom’s online SSEG portal or submitted to the appropriate regional Eskom office together with the supporting documentation. Submitting early is recommended, as incomplete applications can delay approval.
5. Wait for Eskom’s technical review
Eskom’s engineers review the inverter certification, protection settings and supporting technical documents to ensure the installation complies with national standards. If additional information is required, applicants will be asked to provide it before approval is granted.
6. Complete metering and tariff requirements
Once approved, Eskom may install a bi-directional smart meter where required and move qualifying customers onto an appropriate embedded-generation tariff. For residential systems up to 50 kVA, both registration and meter installation remain free until 30 September 2026.
7. Final commissioning and approval
The final step involves submitting the Certificate of Compliance and commissioning report prepared by the registered electrician. Eskom may perform a final inspection before officially recognising the system as compliant and fully registered.
Why acting early matters
Although the process is relatively straightforward, technical reviews, document verification and meter installations can take several weeks. Homeowners who delay until the last minute risk missing the fee-waiver deadline and may face additional costs after September.
Read Also: Thousands of South African Solar Owners Have Less Than Two Months to Avoid New Eskom Penalties
For households already enjoying the benefits of rooftop solar, registering before the deadline ensures the system remains compliant, connected to the grid, and protected from potential regulatory or insurance issues in the future.
