Eskom has issued a critical warning to South African households with grid-tied solar systems: all installations must be registered by March 2026, or they will be considered illegal.
This push follows stricter regulations introduced by Eskom and local municipalities aimed at managing the growing popularity of solar energy.
As more South Africans adopt solar power to reduce their reliance on Eskom and lower electricity bills, confusion has emerged about the legal requirements surrounding these systems. Eskom is now urging users to ensure their systems are properly registered to avoid legal consequences.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena clarified that homeowners with solar systems rated at 50kVA or less will not need to pay a connection fee.
However, they must ensure their system meets the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRS 097) standards, which require verification by an authorised professional, such as a qualified engineer or technologist. The cost of this inspection will fall on the homeowner.
Failure to register a solar system by the March 2026 deadline could result in penalties, including a fine of R6 052. Eskom is taking these steps to streamline and regulate the growing number of solar installations, as the company faces ongoing challenges, including a 3% drop in electricity sales in 2024.
In other Eskom news, the utility reached a legal settlement with PwC, with the firm agreeing to pay Eskom R43 million in a case stemming from the findings of the Zondo Commission, as first reported by Business Tech.
Eskom’s leadership emphasised its commitment to improving governance and tackling corruption while focusing on securing the country’s energy future.
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