Eskom Extends Free Solar Registration and Smart Meters for Residential Customers Until 2026
Eskom Extends Free Solar Registration and Smart Meters for Residential Customers Until 2026
Eskom has announced the extension of its zero-fee registration program for residential solar installations until March 2026, continuing a policy that has been in place since March 2023. Homeowners with small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems up to 50kVA, which includes most household solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, will continue to benefit from free registration, free smart meters, and exemption from connection charges.
Free Registration and Smart Meters for Typical Households
The typical residential solar installation size of up to 16kVA will continue to attract zero fees for registration and smart meter installation. According to Eskom, this represents a potential saving of up to R9,132 per household compared to standard connection fees.
These exemptions cover:
- Registration fees
- Installation and sign-off costs
- Smart meter costs (bi-directional meters that measure both consumption and generation)
- Connection charges and tariff conversion fees
It's important to note that this exemption only applies to residential systems up to 50kVA. Non-residential or industrial installations above this threshold will continue to face a different fee structure, though Eskom states it will maintain the previous year's connection charges for these larger systems.
NERSA Compliance Requirements Remain in Place
Despite the fee exemptions, NERSA regulations still require all owners of embedded generation systems under 100kVA to register with Eskom if they are in Eskom-supplied areas, or with their local municipality if they are not. This requirement applies even to systems that don't export power back to the grid.
The only exception is for completely off-grid systems with no connection to Eskom's network. These customers must still provide proof that their systems operate independently.
Eskom emphasizes that these registration requirements are necessary for:
- Network security
- Safety of field personnel
- Public protection
Homeflex Tariff and Fixed Charges
Once registered, customers will be converted to the Homeflex tariff, which allows them to receive credits for energy exported back to the grid. Both solar and non-solar residential customers will pay the same fixed charge of R368 per month, which Eskom says covers backup services, export services, and administration.
New customers may also need to pay a deposit ranging from R3,500 to R4,800 if they haven't previously paid a deposit on their account, though this can be spread over 12 months.
Three-Step Registration Process
Eskom has outlined a simplified registration process:
- Apply by emailing your local Eskom office ([email protected]) with "#Applications" in the subject line
- For systems up to 50kVA, no payment is required until March 2026. Eskom will install and code the smart meter and convert the account to the Homeflex tariff
- Receive billing details and deposit options
Safety Requirements for Solar Installations
Eskom reminds customers to adhere to safety guidelines when installing solar PV systems:
- Equipment must comply with South African standards (NRS 097-2)
- A registered engineer or technologist must sign off on the Embedded Generator Installation (EGI) report
- A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is required for internal wiring
Online Savings Calculator Available
Customers can now use Eskom's new Small Power User (SPU) tool on the Eskom website to calculate potential savings from converting to the Homeflex tariff.
Outlook
This extension of fee exemptions appears to be part of Eskom's broader strategy to better manage the increasing number of small-scale generation systems connecting to the grid. With South Africa's continued grid stability since March 2024 and the push toward energy diversification, the streamlined registration process may help Eskom better monitor and integrate these systems.
The continuation of these exemptions could potentially accelerate residential solar adoption, providing relief for homeowners still recovering from the severe loadshedding experienced throughout 2023, while also helping Eskom manage the grid more effectively.
Key Terms Explained
SSEG (Small-Scale Embedded Generation): Generation systems like solar panels that are installed at the point of consumption (your home or business) rather than at a centralized power station.
kVA (kilovolt-ampere): A measure of apparent power that determines the size of your electrical installation. Most household solar systems are rated between 3-16kVA.
NERSA (National Energy Regulator of South Africa): The regulatory body that oversees South Africa's electricity sector and approves electricity tariffs.
Smart Meter/Bi-directional Meter: A specialized electricity meter that can measure both the electricity you draw from the grid and the excess electricity your solar panels send back to the grid.
Homeflex Tariff: Eskom's tariff structure for customers with solar installations that allows for billing credits when excess electricity is fed back into the grid.
EGI (Embedded Generator Installation) Report: A technical document certifying that your solar installation meets safety and technical standards for grid connection.
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