Eskom has extended the deadline for South African homeowners to register rooftop solar and battery systems, while dropping earlier threats of fines and electricity cut-offs for non-registration.
The new deadline is 30 September 2026, covering residential low-voltage solar PV and battery energy storage systems connected behind the electricity meter.
Eskom has also removed its requirement for homeowners to obtain professional sign-off from an Engineering Council of South Africa-registered professional. A valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by a qualified electrical contractor or installation electrician is now accepted.
The utility has further withdrawn previous warnings that customers could be fined or disconnected simply for failing to register their systems.
However, Eskom maintains that it can disconnect a supply where a solar or battery installation is considered unsafe.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) disputes this position, arguing that a valid CoC provides legal proof that an installation meets the required safety standards. OUTA says Eskom would first need to challenge the validity of the certificate before disconnecting a compliant customer.
The dispute comes as South Africa’s rooftop solar market continues to expand after years of load shedding and rising electricity costs. Eskom has acknowledged that most residential solar and battery installations connected to its network remain unregistered.
For now, the 30 September deadline remains in place, while OUTA’s engagement with Eskom continues.
Main Image: UA.News
