Residential
Solar system registration
The permit procedure for a site with solar panels applies to two types of systems:
- Small-scale embedded generation system (SSEG) with a capacity of 1 megavolt ampere (MVA);
- Embedded generation (EG) systems with a capacity of more than 1 MVA and less than 100 MVA.
The systems are placed within Cape Town’s electricity service area. Registration of an EC system is free of charge. If your system is not registered on time, you may be charged a penalty. Grid engineering studies will be done by the City for the proposed PV installation should these be required, the City of Cape Town said.
If you are in Eskom’s area of supply, you need to apply to Eskom for consent to connect the EG to the electrical grid.
To apply for SSEG authorisation you need to complete the Application for Connection of Embedded Generation form below.
Commercial solar installation
Installing a solar power system larger than 100 MVA requires registration with National Energy Regulator (NERSA). You must then also apply to the City of Cape Town for a permit for a generation site of such size. There may be alternative conditions beyond the usual requirements.
From October 2023
Fast and secure authorisation of solar systems
In an effort to make SSEG approvals faster and safer, from October 2023 all SSEG applications to the municipality will be treated as grid-connected systems. This is mainly to protect consumers – the users of solar panels – from unreliable suppliers It also means that all systems will need a municipality-approved inverter and professional approval to complete solar panel registration.
Currently, many systems using unapproved inverters are not wired correctly, posing risks to the security and integrity of the network and significantly slowing down the registration process. An approved inverter means faster authorisation. It also means that you can start generating and feeding back solar energy sooner, and in the end, of course, pay back your solar panel installation.
To submit the documents to the City, please visit this website.
Solar panels
Calculate your benefits with solar panels
Solar energy is sustainable, cost-effective and of interest to anyone with a suitable roof. Both private and commercial connections can be realised at Soly. In doing so, we pave the way for a new Cape Town: greener and more independent from the unreliable energy grid. At Soly we are happy to help you with making the first step to a brighter more energy independent future.
Would you like to calculate how much you can save with solar panels? Then use our Solarcheck to calculate the cost, yield and payback period of solar panels or request a no-obligation quote. We provide you with free insight into all solar solutions.
