{"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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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><div id=\"gaute-3856398270\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><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>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-streamlined-compliance-means-lower-costs\">Streamlined Compliance Means Lower Costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest barriers to residential solar in the past was inconsistent compliance costs. That has changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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-882734709\" 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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 loading=\"lazy\" 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<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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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],"ppma_author":[11568],"class_list":["post-27409","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","tag-load-reduction","tag-load-shedding","tag-solar-energy","tag-solar-power"],"authors":[{"term_id":11568,"user_id":11,"is_guest":0,"slug":"karabo","display_name":"Karabo Makodi","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Karabo-Makodi-Image.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Karabo-Makodi-Image.jpg"},"author_category":"1","first_name":"Karabo","last_name":"Makodi","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"SEO Content","description":"Karabo Makodi is a South African SEO Content Editor with a background in marketing and media. She specialises in government policy, economic developments, employment opportunities, and current affairs, making complex topics clear and accessible for everyday readers. She brings additional expertise in content strategy and digital publishing to everything she writes."}],"_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":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27409\/revisions"}],"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"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=27409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}