The Solar Squeeze in South Africa: Navigating New Regulations and Risks

South Africans have long shown resilience in the face of power outages and rising electricity costs. For many households and businesses, rooftop solar panels have become a practical solution to keep the lights on and reduce dependence on the unreliable grid. But recent changes in Johannesburg’s City Power regulations have introduced a complex new approval process that threatens to slow down solar installations and increase costs. If you have been thinking about going solar, waiting now carries significant risks.

Rooftop solar panels on a Johannesburg home

The New Six-Step Application Process

City Power has introduced a six-step process for Small Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) applications. This process requires prior approval before any solar panel can be installed. The steps include:

• Notification Numbers: You must first obtain an electricity supply application number from City Power.

• Formal Applications: Submit detailed technical documents and solar PV system designs.

• Mandatory Inspections: City Power will conduct a site inspection before installation can begin.

• Post-Install Certification: After installation, submit a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and commissioning forms.

• Pre-Approval Letters: Wait for City Power to review and approve your paperwork.

• Final Approval: Receive the official green light to connect your solar system to the grid.

  
  

This process replaces what was once a relatively quick and straightforward procedure. Now, every step adds time and potential delays.

Why This Change Matters

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has highlighted that these additional bureaucratic layers do not necessarily improve safety or system quality. Instead, they create bottlenecks that slow down installations and increase costs.

Bottlenecks and Delays

Thousands of solar applications are reportedly stuck in City Power’s backlog. Adding more steps to an already slow system means waiting times could stretch from weeks into months. For homeowners and businesses eager to reduce their electricity bills or secure backup power, this delay is a serious setback.

Rising Costs

Time is money. The new process requires multiple inspections and administrative fees that were not previously necessary. These extra costs can add thousands of rand to the total price of a solar installation. For many, this could push solar out of reach or reduce the financial benefits.

City Power official inspecting solar installation site

What This Means for South Africans Considering Solar

If you have been delaying your solar installation, now is the time to act. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to face:

• Longer waiting periods due to the new approval process.

• Higher installation costs from additional inspections and fees.

• Increased exposure to rising electricity tariffs while you remain connected to the grid.

  
  

Solar power remains one of the best ways to protect your household or business from ongoing electricity challenges. But the new regulations mean that planning ahead and starting your application early is crucial.

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Solar technician organising application documents for City Power

The Bigger Picture

South Africa’s energy landscape is shifting. While the grid struggles with load shedding and rising tariffs, solar energy offers a path to greater independence and savings. The new City Power regulations reflect a desire to manage grid safety and integration, but they also introduce hurdles that could slow down the country’s solar growth.

For South Africans, the choice is clear: act now to secure your solar installation before the process becomes even more complicated and costly. Delaying means risking longer waits, higher expenses, and continued reliance on an unstable grid.

Solar power remains a smart investment in energy security and cost savings. Understanding and adapting to the new regulations will help you make the most of this opportunity.