Eskom customers with qualifying rooftop solar systems have been given more time to register their installations without paying registration-related charges.
The power utility confirmed that its waiver, which was due to end on 30 September 2026, will remain in place until further notice.
It applies to eligible customer-owned generation systems of up to 50kVA connected directly to Eskom’s distribution network.
Registration is still required
Eskom stressed that extending the waiver does not remove the legal requirement to register qualifying grid-connected generation systems.
According to Eskom, embedded generation facilities of 100kW or less that are connected to the electricity grid must be registered with the relevant licensed electricity distributor.
Systems above 100kW must be registered directly with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, while installations with no connection to the grid are exempt from registration requirements.
Customers receiving electricity from a municipality are not covered by Eskom’s waiver and should contact their local electricity distributor about its requirements and charges.
Why Eskom wants solar systems registered
Eskom Group Executive for Distribution Junaid Munshi said registration allows customer-owned generation to be safely integrated into the electricity network.
The utility says information collected during registration assists with network planning, voltage management, equipment protection and fault analysis.
It also helps protect employees and contractors who work on electricity infrastructure.
Eskom said its review of 20 international electricity markets found that registration, notification or approval requirements for grid-connected solar systems are common internationally.
CoC does not replace registration
Eskom also reminded customers that a Certificate of Compliance and solar registration serve different purposes.
A CoC confirms that an installation meets electrical safety requirements, while registration provides the distributor with information about the location, technology and generating capacity of the system.
Eskom says its focus is on making the registration process easier and more affordable rather than penalising customers.
Eligible customers can start the process through Eskom’s Small-Scale Embedded Generation registration platform.