Why registration exists
A solar system with an inverter connected to the grid is called small-scale embedded generation, or SSEG. The supplier wants to know about it for network safety and planning. An inverter that feeds in without the supplier knowing is a risk to the people working on the lines.
Eskom says households and small businesses with embedded generation under 100 kVA must register, even if they do not export electricity. A fully off-grid system, with no connection to the supplier's network, is treated differently. Eskom asks off-grid customers to complete a declaration showing the system is independent.
Who do you register with?
Register with the supplier you buy electricity from. Look at your electricity bill. If it comes from the City of Johannesburg and City Power, you deal with City Power. If it comes from the City of Tshwane or Ekurhuleni, you deal with that municipality. If you buy directly from Eskom, you deal with Eskom.
Do not assume a neighbouring suburb follows the same process. Supply areas inside one city can mix.
What is usually asked for
The exact list is set by the supplier and changes. Common items across Gauteng suppliers include:
- An application form, sometimes submitted before the work starts.
- A single-line diagram of the system and a site plan.
- The inverter datasheet and a certificate showing it meets the NRS 097-2-1 grid standard.
- A Certificate of Compliance for the electrical work, signed by a registered person.
- A commissioning report once the system is installed.
What we found for each supplier
Eskom runs an online application tool and asks for a valid Certificate of Compliance, an inverter test certificate to NRS 097-2-1, and a basic test report signed by a registered electrician. Eskom has waived registration fees for many households. Check its site for the current position.
City Power describes a stepped process: an electricity supply application, a solar PV form, a site inspection, then the Certificate of Compliance and commissioning form before it issues approval letters. There has been public argument over how heavy this process is, so ask City Power what applies today.
Tshwane has been reviewing its residential process after industry complaints about heavy diagram requirements and slow feedback. Ekurhuleni guidance points to a similar pre-application and as-built route. Confirm the current form with the municipality.
Who does the paperwork?
Normally the installer prepares and submits it, because it needs technical drawings and a registered person's sign-off. Ask any installer, before you sign, whether registration is included and who is named on the application. The system is still your responsibility as the account holder.
What if I skip it?
An unregistered system can cause problems with the supplier, and with insurance and selling the house later. We are not able to give legal advice. Check what your supplier says, and keep the Certificate of Compliance and approval letter in a safe place.
The job behind this: Solar system registration.