Eskom relaxes solar panel registration requirements, thanks to AfriForum

After continued pressure from AfriForum, Eskom finally relented and announced a partial relaxation of the registration and certification requirements for small-scale embedded generation (SSEG). This amendment applies to domestic consumers who receive power directly from Eskom and means that it is no longer necessary for a professional engineer to sign off on these installations.

Earlier this year, AfriForum sent a formal letter to Eskom seeking clarity on the legal and regulatory framework on which the power provider relies to enforce the mandatory registration of SSEG systems, which generate less than 100 kW. After receiving no response, AfriForum sent a second letter and ultimately a legal letter to Eskom, which forced the utility to respond.

“AfriForum has emphasised from the outset that Eskom does not have a clear legal basis to require stringent and costly signoffs from engineers,” says Deidré Steffens, AfriForum’s Advisor for Local Government Affairs. “The fact that Eskom itself now acknowledges that electricians can do the work confirms our position that these requirements were unrealistic and unlawful,” adds Steffens.

According to the new Eskom measures, domestic solar installations can now be certified by a registered electrician from the Department of Labour (excluding single-phase testers). AfriForum views this step as an important victory for ordinary consumers and clear proof that community pressure works.

Although AfriForum welcomes this move, the organisation remains concerned about Eskom’s continued reference to so-called “mandatory registration” and possible fines that could be imposed after March 2026. Eskom has still not identified a single regulation or legal provision that would authorise it to impose fines on consumers who do not register.

“We will continue to monitor this process closely,” warns AfriForum. “We support safety and compliance with valid standards but will not allow consumers to be forced to comply with unsafe or illegal requirements,” concludes Steffens.

AfriForum views Eskom’s move as a win for the community and a confirmation that justified civil pressure can lead to real change. The organisation will continue to closely monitor Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (NERSA) policies to ensure that any future requirements are fair, transparent and legally based.