Solar rules get some sun

ESKOM: SIGN OFF BY ENGINEER NOT REQUIRED AS ENTITY RELAXES THEM

- Antoinette Slabbert

MOVING ON. Eskom eases solar registration rules after backlash.

(Picture: Reuters)

After facing considerable criticism, Eskom has relented on the onerous and costly requirements for registering small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) primarily rooftop solar within its distribution areas.

It will no longer need sign off by a professional engineer. A certificate of compliance already required for all electrical installations can be issued by any qualified electrician registered with the department of labour.

The earlier requirement that such systems had to be inspected and approved by a professional engineer was said to add about R30 000 to the cost of registration.

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse met officials from Eskom's distribution division in August about the registration and compliance requirements, which it described as "irrational, unfair, anti-poor and discriminatory against households and businesses who have taken action to reduce their energy consumption from the grid".