Installing rooftop solar just became simpler and cheaper with Eskom policy change

Eskom announced a big win on Wednesday for households installing rooftop solar panels.

The power utility has finally relented and eased the money- and time-consuming regulations to register small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) within its distribution areas, which apply primarily to rooftop solar.

Eskom said in a statement that it's simplified solar system compliance after working with industry stakeholders, by extending cost relief for SSEG customers.

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The major change applies to the previous rule which required residential customers to have their systems signed off by an engineering professional - this can now be done by a certified electrician who is registered with the Department of Labour.

"The aim is to make it easier, safer, and more affordable for households and small businesses to connect legally to the national grid as required by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA)." (See all the details in the statement below)

In conversation with Stephen Grootes, energy expert Professor Vally Padayachee (former executive manager of Eskom), explains how this particular regulation had been imposed as a safety measure by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).

But this is not even a safety issue in their view, says Wayne Duvenage, CEO of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).

Eskom has realised there was a bit of 'overkill' in this instance, he comments.

"There are tens of thousands of these systems installed, it's not a safety issue quite frankly... and thankfully, Eskom have come to their senses."

OUTA is also in discussions with Eskom about related issues which they think should be addressed as well.

These include the required switch to a smart meter with the installation of an SSEG system, and the cost involved.

"We're asking them to really consider that this be picked up by Eskom, because switching to the smart meter is to their benefit as well."

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As Duvenage puts it, this is an evolutionary process and Eskom are realising that they have got to work with civil society and not against them.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation