SolarPowerGuide
Solar panels on roof

Municipal Approvals for Grid-Tied Solar Systems

Detailed guide on obtaining municipal approval for grid-tied solar PV installations in South Africa.

Solar installation
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4–8
Week Timeline
R0–R500
Application Fee
CoC
Required
95%
First-Time Pass (SAPVIA)
0
Grid Without Approval

Introduction

Municipal approval is a mandatory step before connecting a solar PV system to the municipal grid. Each municipality has specific application processes and requirements under NERSA, NRS 097-2-1, and SANS 10142-1. Non-approval = illegal operation, insurance void, and potential disconnection.

Application Requirements

Submit a complete package — missing docs = instant rejection.

Technical Documents

  • Single-Line Diagram (SLD): As-built, stamped by ECSA engineer
  • System Specs: Panels (IEC 61215), inverter (NRCS LoA), battery (UN38.3)
  • Roof Plan: Panel layout, mounting system, wind loading
  • Structural Report: If >20 panels or non-standard roof

Installer & Compliance

  • Installer Details: SAPVIA Gold, ECSA reg #, PIRB
  • CoC: Draft Certificate of Compliance (final after inspection)
  • Meter Proposal: Bi-directional (Landis+Gyr E460 or equiv.)
  • Insurance Declaration: System value + public liability

Application Process

Follow this 4-step timeline — use your SAPVIA installer to avoid delays.

1

Pre-Application (1–2 weeks)

Installer prepares full package + site survey.

2

Submit to Municipality (Day 0)

Hand-deliver or email to electrical dept.

3

Desk Review (2–4 weeks)

Engineer checks SLD, CoC, NRCS compliance.

4

Inspection & Approval (1–2 weeks)

On-site visit → final CoC → grid connection.

Inspection and Compliance

An inspector will review wiring, safety, and metering compliance. Only after approval may the system be switched on.

Inspector Focus Areas

  • DC cabling: UV conduit, labeling, no sharp bends
  • Earthing: <10 Ω, bonding rails to DB
  • Surge protection: Type 2 DC + AC
  • Inverter: NRCS LoA, NRS 097 settings
  • Meter: Bi-directional, sealed, remote read

Pass Criteria

  • Insulation resistance >1 MΩ
  • Polarity correct
  • Anti-islanding test passed
  • Final CoC issued

Common Challenges & How to Avoid

Challenge

  • Incomplete Paperwork: Missing SLD, CoC, NRCS
  • Wrong Inverter: No LoA or NRS 097
  • Structural Issues: No engineer report
  • Meter Delay: Utility backlog

Solution

  • Use SAPVIA Gold installers
  • Submit 30 days before install
  • Pre-order bi-directional meter
  • Book inspection same week as CoC

2025 Municipal Approval Guide

Municipality Max Size Fee Timeline Contact
City of Cape Town 350 kVA R0 4–6 weeks sseg@capetown.gov.za
City of Johannesburg (City Power) 1 MW R500 6–8 weeks sseg@citypower.co.za
eThekwini 500 kW R300 5–7 weeks sseg@durban.gov.za
Tshwane 1 MW R400 6 weeks sseg@tshwane.gov.za

Conclusion

Following municipal procedures ensures legal compliance and smooth grid connection. Start 30 days early, use SAPVIA installers, and submit complete paperwork — your system stays safe, insured, and export-ready.