De Wet Taljaard | Specialist | Technical (Solar) | South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) | mail me |
We support efforts to ensure the safety and performance of the national grid. We remind businesses and members of the public about the mandatory requirement to register Small-Scale Embedded Generators (SSEG).
SSEG refers to a customer-owned generation unit. This unit typically generates less than 1MW/1MVA and connects to the electricity distribution network.
SSEG guidelines and regulations
Solar PV remains the most common SSEG technology. National legislation, regulations and standards govern these installations. Local municipal by-laws and regulations also apply. The national grid code, administered by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), ensures compliance.
As an industry body, we represent the solar PV sector. We commit to supporting the seamless integration of SSEG into the national grid. As an organisation, we ensure adherence to all regulatory and safety guidelines. We support registering all grid-tied installations as required by regulations.
Eskom and most major municipalities have published guidelines. These govern the connection of grid-tied solar power in South Africa. These regulations apply to any system connected to the relevant distribution network. Businesses and individuals must follow these rules to ensure compliance.
SSEG registration requirements for stakeholders
Homeowners and industry stakeholders only need to register with their respective distributors. This means that a municipal customer only needs to register with the relevant municipality, while Eskom direct customers must register with the utility.
Compliance with the regulations is mandatory. To assist in this compliance process, we have developed an easy reference document that explains the responsibilities of various role players to ensures effective compliance management.
Registering an SSEG system involves a structured process to ensure safety, grid stability and compliance. By following these steps and engaging with Eskom or municipal authorities, homeowners and installers can successfully integrate SSEG into South Africa’s electricity network.