Installing solar in the City of Cape Town

You've contacted us for a quote, now  you are happy and ready to proceed with installation and leave your loadshedding fears in the past but hold on there is a few things you need to do first.

​You are required to apply for authorisation from the City of Cape Town if you intend installing an embedded generation (EG) system such as a rooftop solar PV. This is known as a small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) application for systems with a generation capacity smaller than 1 mega-volt ampere (MVA). There is no charge to register EG systems with the city, however some fees may apply to acquire the relevant documentation. A fine will be applied if you fail to register your system.
 
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. The form requires technical information that your installer, like us,  will be able to assist you with.
 
The City will assess your registration for authorisation . This may include a visit to your property to confirm that your meter and connection are able to support the EG. If you have a wheel meter this first needs to change to a prepaid meter which will be done at the cost of the City.
 
Once all relevant information has been provided, the city will issue a Permission to Install Letter, allowing you to install your proposed EG system. You cannot install any PV generating equipment until you have received this letter.
 
After you have installed and tested your EG, you will need to submit the following documents to the City:
Grid-tied systems:
·       Grid-tied SSEG Installation Commissioning Report completed and signed by an Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)  registered electrical engineering professional.
·       Final copy of the circuit diagram.
·       An electrical installation Certificate of Compliance.
·       Signed Supplemental Contract for Embedded Generation. 
A Commissioning Approval Letter will then be issued within 10 working days.
Off-grid / standby systems:
·       Electrical installation Certificate of Compliance
 
A Commissioning Approval Letter will then be issued within 10 working days.
 
You can find more information on the City of Cape Towns website.