Eskom
By Lerato Mpembe
Eskom is deploying satellite imagery and data analytics to identify unregistered rooftop solar photovoltaic installations, with the utility intensifying efforts to enforce compliance for small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems.
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Eskom’s national compliance push on SSEG systems
Eskom has confirmed it is using “various approaches and analytics”, including satellite surveillance, to detect SSEGs operating within its supply network without registration . These investigations target installations under 100 kVA—even those not exporting electricity—requiring them to comply with National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) regulations .
Satellite mapping is particularly effective, as rooftop solar panels, facing the sun, are easily visible and distinguishable on rooftops . Eskom and local municipalities are cross-referencing these images with registration databases to target non-compliant installations .
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Registration incentives and tariff adjustments
To encourage compliance, Eskom has waived connection and registration fees for residential systems up to 50 kVA and suspended a planned 3.2% tariff increase until March 2026 . Once systems are registered, homeowners will be migrated to the Homeflex tariff, allowing them to earn export credits .
Despite the fee waiver, experts warn that further costs—such as mandatory engineer sign-offs and grid upgrades—could hamper solar growth .
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Industry concerns over certification and legal requirements
Matthew Cruise of IMPOWER notes that requiring Engineering Council (ECSA)-accredited engineer certificates for installations under 100 kVA is “redundant, overly burdensome and undermines the objective of wider renewable energy adoption” . Energy expert Chris Yelland questions the legality of these add-on requirements, noting that South Africa’s Electrical Installation Regulations only mandate compliance certification by registered electricians .
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Safety and regulatory compliance: a critical focus
Eskom emphasises that increased solar uptake must not compromise grid safety or employee welfare . All SSEG systems must comply with SANS standards, have approved Certificates of Compliance (CoC), and be signed off by qualified personnel . Owners without proper certification risk disconnection, fines, or penalties—including retroactive billing .
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Municipalities intensify local enforcement
In KwaZulu-Natal, municipalities such as eThekwini, Msunduzi, and uMhlathuze are deploying AI and satellite data to spot illegal rooftop solar systems. While formal inspections haven’t begun, notices to comply and potential disconnections are forthcoming . Municipal teams, including local technicians, are preparing to conduct compliance checks under NERSA and SABS standards .
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The broader picture: rooftop solar uptake and regulation
Over half of rooftop solar PV systems in South Africa remain unregistered . The DoE’s Schedule 2 to the Electricity Act now mandates SSEG registration for systems under 1 MW, with licensing only needed for larger installations . Eskom’s satellite drive is part of a wider national strategy to bring solar installations into regulatory alignment .
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What should homeowners do?
Solar owners must ensure their systems are registered if they are under 100 kVA and grid-connected. They should obtain:
1. NERSA/Eskom registration – take advantage of the fee waiver by March 2026.
2. Certificate of Compliance (CoC) – certifying installation meets SANS and OHASA standards.
3. Qualified installer certification – ideally from a registered electrician or ECASA/Department of Labour-approved contractorʺ .
Failing to comply could lead to fines, disconnection, insurance loss, or backdated charges .
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