Eskom cracks down on non-compliant solar systems
Eskom to use satellite technology to target unregistered solar systems, warning homeowners to ensure compliance to avoid fines and disconnections.
Eskom has confirmed that it will use satellite technology to identify and target non-compliant solar systems across the country.
This move is part of a broader effort to enforce regulations on rooftop solar installations and homeowners are being warned to ensure their systems are properly registered to avoid fines and disconnections.
The satellite technology uses geographic mapping tools and satellite imagery to spot solar installations in municipal supply zones and cross-reference them against registration databases.
Due to the fact that solar panels must face the sun, they are easily visible to satellites capturing ground images, making this method particularly effective.
Rein Snoeck Henkemans, CEO of Alumo Energy, has warned solar users that Eskom and municipalities are ramping up enforcement on unregistered systems. Failure to register compliant systems could lead to disconnection or retroactive use-of-system charges. To facilitate compliance, Eskom has waived all small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) registration fees until the end of March 2026, reports BusinessTech.
To stay on the right side of the law and avoid costly problems, solar users should conduct three simple checks:
Registration: Determine if your system needs registration with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Typically, systems exceeding 100kW need a full licence unless they qualify for an exemption.
Certificate of Compliance: Obtain a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the solar installation, certifying that the system meets South African National Standards (SANS) 10142-1 and adheres to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Installer Registration: Ensure that the solar installer is properly registered and certified by the Department of Employment and Labour. Membership in the Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (ECASA) offers additional peace of mind.
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Snoeck Henkemans stressed that there is no benefit to delaying registration, especially while fees are suspended.
"NERSA still requires a professional engineer's sign-off, but that cost is insignificant compared to a forced shutdown or damaged inverter if a disconnection goes wrong."
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