South Africans looking to install rooftop solar systems have been handed extra breathing room after Eskom confirmed it is extending its registration fee waiver for small-scale embedded generation systems by another six months, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The move comes as more households continue turning to solar energy in a bid to manage electricity costs, reduce pressure on the grid and secure greater energy stability at home.
In a statement issued this week, Eskom announced that customers installing qualifying rooftop solar systems will now have until 30 September 2026 to benefit from waived registration and connection fees for systems up to 50kW.
The utility also revealed plans to introduce a prepaid electricity option for residential solar users, a development likely to attract interest from households that have hesitated to switch due to metering concerns.
As highlighted by Eskom, national regulations require all small-scale embedded generation systems connected to the electricity network to be formally registered with either Eskom or the relevant municipality.
The utility said the process is intended to ensure solar systems are connected safely and integrated responsibly into the national electricity network, particularly as rooftop solar installations continue gaining momentum across South Africa.
Over the past two years, solar panels have become an increasingly familiar sight in suburbs, estates and small businesses across the country, especially following repeated periods of load shedding and rising energy costs.
To qualify for the waiver, eligible customers are required to submit:
- A Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
- An inverter test certificate
- A test report for the installation
Eskom added that installations may also be signed off by a professional registered with the Department of Employment and Labour, helping reduce both costs and turnaround times.
Agnes Mlambo, Eskom’s Acting Group Executive for Distribution, said the utility wanted to make the transition to rooftop solar easier and safer for consumers.
‘We recognise the important role customers play in South Africa’s energy transition. Our goal is to ensure installations are safe, compliant and aligned with protecting the national grid,’ she said.
Mlambo added: ‘The extension means that all registration and connection fees including a free smart meter (up to R10k for urban/residential customers and R36k for rural customers), are waived until 30 September 2026 for Eskom customer solar systems up to 50kVA.’
Eskom has encouraged households and businesses considering rooftop solar installations to take advantage of the registration fee waiver before it expires later this year.
The utility said it remains committed to assisting customers throughout the registration process, stressing that safely integrating privately owned solar systems into the electricity network remains essential for protecting grid stability and ensuring long-term reliability.
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