Home Southern Africa SA Households Benefit as Eskom Extends No-Cost Solar Registration Until 2026

Southern Africa

SA Households Benefit as Eskom Extends No-Cost Solar Registration Until 2026

April 3, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

Eskom has announced an extension of its zero registration fee for residential Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems until March 2026. This initiative, launched on April 1, 2025, aims to facilitate solar power adoption among homeowners by lowering costs and promoting cleaner energy in South Africa.

Implemented in March 2023, Eskom’s policy exempts homeowners from registration fees and the expenses related to installing a smart meter for systems up to 50kVA; larger installations are subject to different fees. As a result, residential customers can avoid initial costs and benefit from savings of around R9,132 due to the continued exemption from connection and tariff conversion fees.

“Our goal is to assist homeowners in meeting the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) regulations while fostering green energy initiatives,” said an Eskom spokesperson. “This campaign reflects our commitment to advancing renewable energy and ensuring safety within the network.”

The push for solar energy is reinforced by NERSA regulations that require all properties with embedded generation systems to register with Eskom or their local municipality, enhancing grid safety as renewable energy sources increase. Customers opting for fully off-grid systems are exempt from registration, provided they demonstrate their systems operate independently.

Upon registration, residential customers can switch to Eskom’s Homeflex tariff, which features lower fixed charges—R368 per month—compared to standard rates. This structure not only covers backup services but also allows households to earn credits for sending excess energy back to the grid, fostering a beneficial relationship between energy suppliers and consumers.

As solar installations rise, Eskom underscores the importance of adhering to safety standards, including compliance with South African regulations and obtaining required installation certificates. Registered engineers must verify installations to ensure safety for users and Eskom staff in this evolving energy landscape.

Eskom has also launched a new online Small Power User (SPU) tool, allowing customers to explore potential savings through the Homeflex tariff, highlighting the advantages of transitioning to renewable energy while maintaining compliance with national regulations. Through these initiatives, Eskom seeks to support households in adopting sustainable energy practices while enhancing the safety and reliability of South Africa’s electricity distribution network.