Grid-connected rooftop solar owners have until 30 September 2026 to register installations up to 50kW with Eskom or the applicable municipality, to avoid registration fees. As the local solar industry matures, with installations now having broken the 8.3 GW mark, the compliance and insurance landscape for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems like solar, has also shifted.
According to Eskom, to make compliance simple, the utility will waive registration‑related charges for eligible systems until 30 September 2026. It says that customers only need to submit a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), an inverter test certificate, and a test report for the installation.
Commenting on this is Marius Kemp, head of personal underwriting at Santam, who says registration requirements can vary depending on the type of installation, its connection to the electricity network, and the applicable distributor’s rules. “It is important that owners of grid-connected solar systems take steps before the end of the month to determine which registration and compliance requirements apply to their particular installation and electricity distributor (i.e. Eskom or a municipality) – as these can differ quite widely,” says Kemp.
He adds that the insurance cover for solar has also evolved. “Not long ago, insuring solar panels required little more than adjusting an asset value on a policy schedule. Today, insurers ask very different questions. Is the system registered? Was it installed according to grid standards? Who signed off the commissioning? Are protection systems adequate? Can the building structurally support the installation?”
Kemp says that the reason for this is simple. “Insurers are no longer covering electrical upgrades. They are underwriting decentralised power plants. Even at a small, rooftop scale, insurance now follows the lifecycle of renewable projects — from installation risks to machinery breakdown, liability exposure and even business interruption if the SSEG is being used for business purposes,” says Kemp.
Partner with your insurer early on
With the groundswell of solar activity, South Africa’s largest insurer is urging people who have installed solar, or those who plan to, to let their insurers know earlier than later.
“If and when you install a solar power system in your home, it’s important to inform your insurer at the point that you confirm the purchase – before you install,” says Kemp.
Aside from the immediate need of having to have your building insurance sum adjusted accordingly when you are having solar installed, to avoid being underinsured, Kemp says there are several other insurance-related considerations.
“Firstly, it is essential that the insured amount correctly represents the present replacement value of the home and any additional structures on the property,” explains Kemp. “The worth of a building includes all permanent fixtures and fittings connected to the residential structure, including solar power systems.”
Secondly, Kemp says that the installation process is increasingly crucial from a safety and compliance perspective. “Installation is a complex process and must be done by a professional and reputable installer. Make sure that you check the installer references and insist on a warranty and certificate of compliance (CoC),” advises Kemp. He adds that this is crucial for both the registration of your system as well as securing adequate insurance cover. “Most insurers will insist on a CoC, a full invoice detailing the brand, type, size and number of the solar panels, inverters and batteries as well as the total cost of installation. Some insurers may also require a structural engineer’s certificate that testifies that the roof is structurally able to support the weight of solar panels, which can be up to 40kg each,” says Kemp. “So ascertaining the exact requirements from your insurer is key.”
Kemp emphasises that a solar power generating system is a significant investment for any home and should be safeguarded accordingly. “Homeowners should carefully vet their installer and ensure their insurance coverage is updated to protect this valuable, cost-saving addition”, concludes Kemp.