Calls for Eskom to keep solar registration fees at zero
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dion Gorge has encouraged Eskom to extend its waiver of solar panel registration fees indefinitely.
The power utility this week said it had not charged households with solar photovoltaic installations of up to 50kVA (kilovolt-amps) for registration fees, installation and sign off and for the smart meter since 2023.
It’s extended the reprieve to March next year, adding that it will also provide free smart meters for residential rooftop systems over the extension period.
Meanwhile, the DA's spokesperson on energy, Kevin Mileham says while they welcome the extension, solar registrations remain costly, and the process is complicated.
READ: First round of Eskom tariff hikes to take effect Tuesday
"Eskom's rooftop solar registration extension is a step in the right direction, but the DA argues that it's not enough. Costs like the R20 000 engineer sign-off and long processing times remain a barrier.
"While Eskom is offering free smart meters, the DA calls for urgent review of the registration requirements to make rooftop solar more affordable and accessible, and to help reduce load shedding."
Find us on social media
Follow the ECR Newswatch WhatsApp channel here
