{"id":27409,"date":"2025-09-05T12:01:56","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T10:01:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=27409"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:54:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:54:19","slug":"nows-the-best-time-to-go-solar-in-sa-as-new-rules-cut-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/nows-the-best-time-to-go-solar-in-sa-as-new-rules-cut-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"Now\u2019s the Best Time to Go Solar in SA as New Rules Cut Costs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-south-africa-s-solar-moment-has-arrived\">South Africa\u2019s Solar Moment Has Arrived<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now\u2019s the Best Time to Go Solar \u2013 and that\u2019s not a marketing line, it\u2019s backed by new rules, low costs, and solid incentives. South African homeowners have a rare opportunity in 2025 to take control of their energy future. If you\u2019ve been hesitant, this is your sign to take the leap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2027301134\" 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-streamlined-compliance-means-lower-costs\">Streamlined Compliance Means Lower Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the biggest barriers to residential solar in the past was inconsistent compliance costs. That has changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has introduced a standardised Certificate of Compliance (CoC) fee, now pegged at around&nbsp;<strong>R1,500<\/strong>. Previously, fees ranged between R850 and R2,500 depending on the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This new rule provides predictability and affordability. It also ensures installations remain safe and legally compliant \u2013 no surprises, no hidden charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-residential-exemptions-extended-to-2026\">Residential Exemptions Extended to 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Eskom\u2019s exemption on registration and Smart Meter fees for residential solar installations up to 50kVA remains in effect until\u00a0March 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This exemption covers most home systems and removes yet another administrative cost. Combined with the new CoC regulation, going solar has never been simpler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For homeowners who want to avoid red tape and maximise value, now\u2019s the best time to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/solar-panel-installation-companies-gauteng-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">go solar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3082746330\" 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-solar-instalation-equipment-prices-at-record-lows\">Solar Instalation Equipment Prices at Record Lows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As of mid-2024, equipment costs dropped sharply. Here\u2019s a look:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Small home backup systems:\u00a0<strong>From R40,000<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entry-level residential systems:\u00a0<strong>From R70,000<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full off-grid solutions:\u00a0<strong>R143,000 \u2013 R381,000<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Why the price drop? South Africa saw over&nbsp;<strong>15,000 MW of solar panels imported<\/strong>&nbsp;in the 12 months to June 2025 \u2013 a 60% increase. The bulk buying and competition drove prices down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means you get more power for less money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tax-rebates-sweeten-the-deal\">Tax Rebates Sweeten the Deal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Government incentives remain a key driver of solar adoption. South African homeowners can claim a\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sars.gov.za\/types-of-tax\/personal-income-tax\/filing-season\/solar-tax-rebate\/#:~:text=How%20do%20I%20claim%20the,when%20completing%20your%20tax%20return.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">25% tax rebate<\/a><\/strong>, up to\u00a0<strong>R15,000<\/strong>, on new solar panel installations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This rebate, combined with lower hardware and admin costs, shortens your payback period. Many homeowners now recover their investment in under five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757065679-683x1024.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-27412\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1812975940\" 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-a-solar-market-that-s-booming\">A Solar Market That\u2019s Booming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>South Africa\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/mistakes-to-avoid-when-buying-solar-power\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">solar sector<\/a> is forecast to grow by\u00a0<strong>$3.74 billion between 2023 and 2028<\/strong>. This isn\u2019t a bubble. It\u2019s long-term, sustainable growth driven by need, innovation, and policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A growing market also means:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>More competition = better prices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More providers = faster installations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More innovation = better tech<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Solar is no longer niche. It\u2019s mainstream \u2013 and it\u2019s here to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-solar-installation-the-convergence-of-opportunity\">Solar Installation: The Convergence of Opportunity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s why 2025 is different:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Standardised CoC costs<\/strong>\u00a0(R1,500)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Registration &amp; Smart Meter exemptions<\/strong>\u00a0(until March 2026)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lowest ever equipment prices<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tax rebates up to R15,000<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mature, competitive market<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Add South Africa\u2019s electricity instability and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nersa.org.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rising tariffs <\/a>to the mix, and solar becomes a smart financial move \u2013 not just a green one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"&#039;It&#039;s a lifesaver&#039;: Making solar power affordable in South Africa - BBC Africa\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/klyZYDjtweU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-4045374016\" 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-what-you-need-to-do-next\">What You Need to Do Next<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/solar-power-in-south-africa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">go solar<\/a>? Start by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Getting quotes<\/strong>\u00a0from certified Installation Electricians or Master Installation Electricians.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Checking for compliance<\/strong>\u00a0with national safety standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirming the CoC cost<\/strong>\u00a0and exemption status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Applying for the tax rebate<\/strong>\u00a0via your SARS eFiling profile.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Every step is now clearer, cheaper, and faster than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-don-t-wait-for-load-shedding\">Don\u2019t Wait for Load Shedding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re still relying fully on Eskom, you\u2019re vulnerable to price hikes and blackouts. Solar offers peace of mind, lower costs, and long-term savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1107312933\" 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\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Why is now the best time to go solar in South Africa?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>2025 brings multiple cost-cutting advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Standardised compliance costs (R1,500)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No Smart Meter or registration fees until March 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Equipment prices are at record lows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A 25% solar panel tax rebate (up to R15,000)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These savings significantly reduce the upfront and long-term cost of going solar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. What is the Certificate of Compliance (CoC), and why do I need one?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The CoC confirms that your solar installation meets South African safety standards. It is legally required and now has a capped cost of R1,500 for residential properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Do I still have to pay Eskom fees when installing solar?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, Eskom has waived registration and Smart Meter fees for home systems under 50kVA. This exemption is valid until\u00a0March 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-how-much-does-a-typical-home-solar-system-cost-in-2025\"><strong>4. How much does a typical home solar system cost in 2025<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Prices vary by system size:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Backup system: From\u00a0<strong>R40,000<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entry-level hybrid system: From\u00a0<strong>R70,000<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full off-grid system:\u00a0<strong>R143,000 \u2013 R381,000<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All prices include installation and hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. What tax incentives are available to homeowners?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can claim a\u00a025% tax rebate\u00a0on solar panels (up to R15,000). This applies to new installations and must be claimed via SARS eFiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. How do I choose a reliable solar installer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Only use certified\u00a0Installation Electricians\u00a0or\u00a0Master Installation Electricians\u00a0registered with the Department of Employment and Labour. They ensure your system is compliant, safe, and eligible for rebates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. What is the typical payback period for a solar investment?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most homeowners recover their investment in\u00a03 to 5 years, depending on electricity savings, tax rebates, and system size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Will going solar protect me from load shedding?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, if your system includes\u00a0battery storage\u00a0or is\u00a0off-grid. Backup systems provide uninterrupted power during blackouts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Now\u2019s the Best Time to Go Solar \u2013 and that\u2019s not a marketing line, it\u2019s backed by new rules<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":27442,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Now\u2019s the Best Time to Go Solar \u2013 and that\u2019s not a marketing line, it\u2019s backed by new rules","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[2902,345,11145,2167],"class_list":{"0":"post-27409","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-load-reduction","9":"tag-load-shedding","10":"tag-solar-energy","11":"tag-solar-power"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27409","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\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27409"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27444,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27409\/revisions\/27444"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}