SAPVIA drives breakthrough in simplifying solar compliance — Eskom adopts key industry recommendations
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) welcomes Eskom’s announcement simplifying the compliance and registration process for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems — a development that reflects SAPVIA’s sustained technical engagement and advocacy on behalf of the solar industry and consumers.
The new framework, effective from 1 October 2025, allows residential customers to have their rooftop solar systems certified by Department of Labour–registered electricians rather than Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) professionals. This key change will reduce costs, shorten approval timelines, and make it easier for thousands of households and small businesses to connect legally to the national grid.
SAPVIA Distributed Generation Working Group Chairperson, Oliver Johnston, said the announcement reflects the results of SAPVIA’s ongoing collaboration with Eskom and its active role within the national SSEG working groups and standards forums.
“SAPVIA has been at the forefront of efforts to make rooftop solar more accessible and affordable while maintaining world-class safety standards. For nearly a decade, our technical teams have worked closely with Eskom, SABS, AMEU, and the NRS committees to identify practical solutions that remove unnecessary barriers without compromising grid integrity.” – said Johnston.
SAPVIA has played a leading role in helping shape South Africa’s embedded generation framework. Through continuous engagement in technical working groups and policy consultations, the Association has consistently advocated for reforms that make compliance simpler and more cost-effective for consumers, while ensuring installations remain safe and standards driven.
Eskom’s latest changes also extend cost relief measures for households with solar systems up to 50kVA until March 2026, meaning customers can save more than R9,000 on connection costs for a typical 16kVA rooftop system. This continued cost relief directly supports SAPVIA’s long-standing position that affordability and safety must go hand in hand in driving wider solar adoption.
“These changes align with the recommendations our technical experts have advanced through the NRS and SABS processes, and we are pleased to see this collaboration delivering tangible benefits for consumers. This is a strong example of how consistent, evidence-based engagement between industry and utilities can deliver results that accelerate the energy transition.” – Johnston added.
SAPVIA will continue working closely with Eskom, municipalities, and national regulators to further streamline compliance, enhance safety standards, and expand consumer participation in South Africa’s clean energy economy. The Association remains committed to supporting the safe and sustainable growth of embedded generation as a cornerstone of South Africa’s renewable energy future.
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