Eskom Solar Registration: Requirements, Fees and How to Apply
Eskom solar registration applies to many grid-connected rooftop solar systems, but the process depends on who supplies electricity to the property. Eskom Direct customers generally register with Eskom, while municipal customers follow their local distributor's requirements. Fully off-grid systems follow a different route, and eligible Eskom customers may qualify for current registration fee concessions. This guide explains who needs to register, what documents to prepare, how the application works, and what to check before submitting.
Key Takeaways
Eskom Direct customers generally need to register grid-connected SSEG systems with Eskom, including systems that do not export electricity.
Municipal customers need to follow the solar registration process set by their local electricity distributor.
Fully off-grid systems that operate independently from Eskom's network do not require Eskom SSEG registration.
Eskom currently waives registration and connection fees for eligible systems up to 50 kVA until 30 September 2026.
Eskom requires core compliance documents covering the electrical installation, inverter, and system testing as part of the registration process.
Who Needs to Register a Solar System with Eskom?
Eskom solar registration applies to Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems that connect to the electricity network. The correct registration route depends on who supplies electricity to the property and how the solar system connects to that network. Eskom Direct customers follow Eskom's process, while municipal customers apply through their local electricity distributor.
Eskom Direct and Municipal Customers
Check the electricity bill before starting an application. The supplier shown on the account determines which registration process applies:
Eskom Direct: Register the SSEG system with Eskom.
Municipal supply: Follow the local authority's solar application and approval process.
A household normally applies through one electricity provider. Some municipalities include areas that Eskom supplies directly, so the property location alone may not identify the correct network operator. The electricity account usually provides the clearest confirmation.
Grid-Tied and Hybrid Systems
Grid-tied solar systems and hybrid systems generally fall within the SSEG framework when they connect to household circuits and operate in parallel with the electricity network. This includes rooftop solar systems that use a grid-interactive inverter alongside the Eskom supply.
A zero-export setting does not automatically remove the registration requirement. The inverter may still synchronise with the network even if the system sends no surplus electricity back to the grid, so the connection design remains the main factor.
Independent Systems and Grid Connection
Portable or independent systems need to be assessed against SSEG requirements once they are connected to fixed household circuits or configured to operate in parallel with Eskom's supply. A system that remains electrically separate from the grid and powers appliances only through its own outlets generally falls outside the SSEG framework. The key distinction is how the system connects to the electricity network.
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What Documents Are Needed for Eskom Solar Registration?
The main compliance documents for Eskom solar registration include:
A valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
An NRS 097-2-1 type test certificate for the inverter
A basic Embedded Generation Installation (EGI) test report
Electrical Certificate of Compliance
A valid CoC confirms that the electrical installation meets relevant wiring and safety requirements, including applicable SANS standards and the Electrical Installation Regulations. A registered person with the appropriate electrical qualification needs to issue the certificate for the SSEG installation.
The CoC covers the electrical installation's safety and compliance. It does not complete Eskom solar registration on its own, as the application also requires information about the generating system, inverter and grid connection.
Inverter Certificate and EGI Test Report
The NRS 097-2-1 type test certificate confirms that the inverter meets the technical requirements for connecting to the electricity network. The equipment supplier typically provides this documentation, and the inverter must show compliance with the applicable NRS 097-2-1 requirements.
The basic Embedded Generation Installation (EGI) test report records the checks carried out on an SSEG installation before it operates in parallel with the network. A Department of Employment and Labour registered Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician can sign the report for applicable installations. Eskom's compliance guidance excludes single-phase testers from this sign-off.
Eskom has also allowed a 12-month grace period after registration for submitting the SSEG commissioning test report. Applicants should still check the latest requirements before submission, as compliance procedures may change.
How to Register Solar With Eskom
These steps apply to properties supplied directly by Eskom. If a municipality supplies the property, follow that local authority's own SSEG application and approval process.
1. Prepare the Application Details
Have the main property, account and system information ready before starting the application:
Eskom account number, account holder name and contact details
Property address
Solar system capacity and inverter details
Installer information
The relevant compliance documents
Check that the account details match the electricity bill and that the inverter information reflects the equipment installed at the property. Getting these details right at the start helps avoid unnecessary follow-up during the review.
2. Submit the Application to Eskom
Eskom Direct customers can start the SSEG application through the Customer Application Tool, enter the required system information and upload the supporting documents. Save the application reference and copies of the documents submitted so you have a clear record of the application.
If you need help with the application, Eskom also provides its contact centre at 08600 37566 and provincial email contacts for SSEG applications. The relevant provincial address appears on Eskom's SSEG page, which also asks customers to use #SSEG Application in the email subject line.
3. Complete the Review and Metering Steps
Eskom reviews the submitted information and may request additional documents or clarification before approving the connection. Depending on the installation, the next stage may include metering work or other connection requirements before the system operates in parallel with the network.
Once Eskom confirms the requirements, complete any outstanding work and keep the approval together with the CoC, EGI documentation, meter records and any related agreements. Eskom's current process identifies approval and smart meter installation, where required, as the final stage of SSEG registration.
Residential SSEG customers may also need a tariff change as part of the connection process, with Eskom's current pricing rules placing grid-tied residential generation on the Homeflex time-of-use tariff.
Eskom Solar Registration Fees and Other Considerations
Registration charges are only one part of the SSEG process. Metering requirements, system compliance and the customer's billing setup can also affect the costs and arrangements that apply to an Eskom application.
What Does the Fee Waiver Cover?
Eskom currently waives registration and connection charges for eligible systems up to 50 kVA until 30 September 2026. The concession also covers the cost of a smart meter where Eskom requires one as part of the approved connection.
The waiver does not cover every cost associated with solar compliance. Homeowners may still need to pay for electrical inspections, a Certificate of Compliance, system testing or corrective work if the installation does not meet the relevant technical and safety standards.
What Happens When the Fee Waiver Ends?
The end of the fee waiver does not end the registration requirement. Grid-connected SSEG systems still need to follow the applicable registration and technical requirements after the concession expires. A few distinctions matter:
The current fee waiver runs until 30 September 2026, although Eskom may extend it again. If you apply after that date, check the latest charges before submitting your application.
Eskom states that it has not fined customers solely for failing to register an SSEG system.
An unauthorised grid-tied connection may still face disconnection if unresolved safety risks remain.
Municipal customers follow the charges, deadlines, and enforcement rules set by their local electricity distributor.
This distinction is important because the fee-waiver date concerns the current cost concession, not whether a grid-connected solar system needs to appear on the relevant electricity distributor's register.
Prepaid and Smart Meter Considerations
Prepaid customers do not always follow the same metering arrangement as households on conventional billing. Eskom has been developing a prepaid SSEG option, and the setup available to each household depends on the application, metering requirements and the current rollout.
Customers who plan to export surplus electricity need suitable bi-directional metering. In some cases, Eskom may also require a smart meter or a temporary move to a supported post-paid arrangement until the relevant prepaid export option becomes available.
Registering or activating a prepaid electricity meter remains separate from SSEG registration. If a customer needs to register prepaid electricity meter details, that process covers meter activation or account setup and does not replace the solar registration application.
Conclusion
Before applying, confirm whether Eskom or a municipality supplies your property and check the latest requirements for your system. Completing Eskom solar registration through the correct channel records a grid-connected installation with the relevant distributor and forms part of the wider compliance process. Because fees and procedures can change, review the latest guidance before submission.
FAQs
Can I Sell Electricity Back to Eskom?
Yes. Eligible Eskom Direct customers can apply to export surplus electricity and receive credit through an approved tariff option. Completing Eskom solar registration is part of the process, but it doesn't guarantee payment by itself. Export capacity, metering and the relevant tariff must be approved before credits can appear on the account.
Do I Have to Pay Eskom If I Have Solar?
If your property remains connected to the network, usually yes. Rooftop generation can reduce the electricity purchased from Eskom, but it doesn't cancel the account or every related charge. The amount depends on imported usage, the approved tariff and applicable fixed components. Solar registration and ongoing electricity costs are separate.
Do I Need to Register Solar Panels With Eskom If I Don't Export Power?
Yes, if Eskom supplies the property and the solar system operates in parallel with its network. Eskom requires households and small businesses with grid-connected systems below 100 kVA to register even when they export no electricity. A zero-export setting does not remove the requirement. Fully off-grid systems that remain independent from Eskom's network are exempt from SSEG registration.
*Disclaimer: Before reading this guidance, please remember that tax matters can be highly individualized and complex. EcoFlow does not provide any assurances or guarantees concerning potential tax credits associated with our products. Any information in this guidance is solely for educational purposes and shall not be construed as legal advice. We recommend you rely on the expertise of tax professionals for accurate and personalized tax advice.