Solar Registration Deadline Looms For South Africans

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.