{"id":27391,"date":"2025-09-05T12:16:45","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T10:16:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=27391"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:54:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:54:17","slug":"r20000-rooftop-solar-relief-announced-for-sa-homeowners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/r20000-rooftop-solar-relief-announced-for-sa-homeowners\/","title":{"rendered":"R20,000 Rooftop Solar Relief Announced for SA Homeowners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>For many South Africans, investing in rooftop solar has become more than a luxury \u2014 it\u2019s a lifeline against load shedding and ever-rising electricity costs. But while the savings on power bills are real, the upfront costs and red tape have often discouraged households from making the switch. One of the biggest hurdles has been Eskom\u2019s requirement that solar installations be signed off by a professional engineer \u2014 a process that can set you back around <strong>R20,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good news: that could soon change. In this article, we\u2019ll break down the updates you need to know, how much you could save, and what steps to take before registering your solar system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-eskom-requires-solar-system-registration\">Why Eskom Requires Solar System Registration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before diving into the changes, it\u2019s important to understand why Eskom insists that all grid-tied solar systems be registered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Legal requirement:<\/strong> Under the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.za\/documents\/electricity-regulation-act?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Electricity Regulation Act<\/a><\/strong>, all small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems under 100 kVA must be registered.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safety concerns:<\/strong> Registration ensures proper installation to prevent dangerous backfeeding into the grid, which can put workers and communities at risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>System protection:<\/strong> Incorrect installations can damage Eskom\u2019s infrastructure and lead to costly repairs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, Eskom argues that registration is about more than paperwork \u2014 it\u2019s about protecting people and the power grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-292619937\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-current-cost-burden-r20-000-engineer-sign-off\">The Current Cost Burden: R20,000 Engineer Sign-Off<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Right now, the rules require a professional engineer to sign off on solar installations. For households, this means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>High upfront cost:<\/strong> Around <strong>R20,000<\/strong> just for engineering approval.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Delays in going solar:<\/strong> Finding and paying a professional engineer adds another barrier to adoption.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unnecessary duplication:<\/strong> Many homeowners already obtain a <a href=\"https:\/\/ecb.org.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Certificate of Compliance <\/a>(CoC) from their electricians, but this has not been enough for Eskom.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This high fee has been described as \u201cirrational\u201d and \u201canti-poor\u201d by watchdog groups such as the <strong>Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-changing-electricians-to-take-the-lead\">What\u2019s Changing: Electricians to Take the Lead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)<\/strong> is finalising new <strong>low-voltage regulations<\/strong> that could transform the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-updates-in-the-pipeline\">Key updates in the pipeline:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Electricians allowed to sign off:<\/strong> Instead of engineers, registered electricians will soon be authorised to issue compliance certification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Certificate of Compliance (CoC):<\/strong> Homeowners would only need a CoC, which typically costs around <strong>R1,500<\/strong> \u2014 a massive saving compared to R20,000.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Closing the gap:<\/strong> These regulations will ensure that electricians\u2019 CoCs cover the \u201cfull solar PV installation,\u201d something that is currently excluded.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This change could make solar far more accessible to households and small businesses across South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3892846930\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-outa-s-position-why-you-should-wait-before-registering\">OUTA\u2019s Position: Why You Should Wait Before Registering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Eskom is moving towards change, OUTA has advised homeowners <strong>not to rush into registering their systems just yet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-outa-says-wait\">Why OUTA says wait:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unnecessary red tape:<\/strong> OUTA argues that current sign-off rules are excessive and discriminatory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Existing laws already cover safety:<\/strong> Solar systems are already regulated by:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Electrical Installation Regulations<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>SANS 10142-1 standard<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Questioning Eskom\u2019s authority:<\/strong> OUTA believes Eskom may be overstepping its powers by demanding extra approvals for small, behind-the-meter systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-outa-is-doing\">What OUTA is doing:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Engaging Eskom, NERSA, SABS, and the Department of Employment and Labour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pushing for clarity and fairness in the solar registration process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encouraging households to hold off until the new regulations are officially in place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-this-means-for-you-as-a-homeowner\">What This Means for You as a Homeowner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve already installed solar or are planning to make the switch, here\u2019s what you need to know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-checklist-for-homeowners\">Checklist for Homeowners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stay informed:<\/strong> Watch for updates from SABS and Eskom on when the new regulations take effect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t rush:<\/strong> Consider waiting before registering until the cheaper CoC option is available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use registered electricians:<\/strong> Always work with accredited contractors who can issue valid CoCs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Budget smartly:<\/strong> Plan your solar costs with the expectation that compliance will soon be far cheaper.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pro-tip\">Pro Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask your installer about future-proofing your system so that it aligns with upcoming compliance rules. This way, you won\u2019t need costly rework later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1284378833\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Is registration of rooftop solar really compulsory?<\/strong><br>Yes. All systems under 100 kVA must be registered under the Electricity Regulation Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. How much can I save with the new rules?<\/strong><br>Instead of paying around R20,000 for an engineer sign-off, you could pay about R1,500 for an electrician\u2019s CoC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Should I register my system now?<\/strong><br>OUTA advises holding off until the new SABS regulations are finalised, which will make compliance much cheaper and simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Who will enforce the new rules?<\/strong><br>Compliance will still be regulated by existing laws (OHSA, Electrical Installation Regulations, SANS standards), with electricians playing a bigger role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also check: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/solar-panel-cleaning-drones-for-rooftop\/\">Revolutionary Solar Panel Cleaning Drones for Rooftop and Ground-Mounted PV Systems<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For years, the high costs of registering rooftop solar systems have discouraged South African households from taking full advantage of renewable energy. The upcoming changes \u2014 allowing electricians to sign off installations with a CoC \u2014 represent a potential saving of nearly R20,000 per household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Eskom and OUTA continue discussions, the message for homeowners is clear: relief is on the way. If you\u2019re considering solar, stay patient, keep informed, and prepare for a smoother, more affordable registration process soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>South African homeowners could soon save nearly R20,000 on rooftop solar registration costs. New SABS rules may allow electricians to issue affordable Certificates of Compliance (CoCs) instead of costly engineer sign-offs. Learn what this means for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":27400,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"South African homeowners could soon save nearly R20,000 on rooftop solar registration costs. New SABS rules may allow electricians to issue affordable Certificates of Compliance (CoCs) instead of costly engineer sign-offs. Learn what this means for you.","footnotes":""},"categories":[73],"tags":[343],"class_list":{"0":"post-27391","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lifestyle","8":"tag-eskom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27391","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27391"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27391\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27402,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27391\/revisions\/27402"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}