Why You Must Register Your Solar System in Cape Town

Since October 2023, the City of Cape Town has implemented strict regulations for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG). Whether your system is grid-tied, off-grid, or a simple battery-only backup (inverter trolley wired to the DB), it must be authorized.

As of early 2026, the City and Eskom have finalized the grace period for unregistered systems. Failure to comply now results in:

• Fines: Administrative penalties exceeding R6,000.

• Disconnection: The City reserves the right to disconnect your municipal supply if an unauthorized generator is detected via aerial photography or smart meter data.

• Insurance Rejection: Without an SSEG Commissioning Letter, insurers may refuse to pay out for fire or surge damage linked to your solar installation.

The Approved Inverter List

NRS 097-2-1: The Standard for Safety

The City of Cape Town only allows inverters that have been tested and certified under the NRS 097-2-1 standard.

• Why? Uncertified inverters can “pollute” the grid with electrical noise or fail to disconnect during load shedding, creating a “hot” line that can electrocute technicians.

• Our Service: Before you buy or if you’ve already installed, we verify your inverter against the latest City-Approved Photovoltaic Inverter List.

The Registration Process (3 Phases)

Pre-Installation: We submit your application to the City to get a “Permission to Install” (PTI).

Technical Audit: Once installed, we verify the wiring, earthing, and safety protocols.

Final Commissioning: Our ECSA professional signs the commissioning report, we upload your COC, and you receive the final Commissioning Approval Letter from the City.

Certification:
Once compliant, we issue your digital certificates immediately, ready for
your bank, insurer, or municipality.

Solar Compliance Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to register a “trolley” inverter? If your inverter is a portable unit that you simply plug into a wall socket, no registration is needed. However, if that inverter is hard-wired into your DB board, it is legally classified as an SSEG installation and requires full registration.

• Can I register my system if it’s already installed? Yes. This is called a “retrospective registration.” While the City prefers applications before installation, we can assist in regularizing your existing system to avoid fines.

• What is the Homeflex Tariff? Once registered with a bi-directional AMI meter, Cape Town residents can switch to the Homeflex Tariff. This allows you to sell your excess solar power back to the City for a credit on your municipal account.

• What happens if my inverter isn’t on the approved list? Unfortunately, the City is very strict. If your inverter is not NRS 097-2-1 certified, it cannot be legally connected to the grid. We can advise on “Off-Grid” configurations that may satisfy legal requirements, though “Zero-Export” grid-tied systems still require an approved inverter.

• How much does a Solar COC cost? A solar-specific COC and engineering sign-off are more complex than a standard electrical COC. [Contact us for a customized quote] based on your system size (kVA).