Solar PV Regulations and Legal Requirements in South Africa

Introduction

Installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system in South Africa requires compliance with multiple legal and regulatory requirements. Adhering to these rules ensures safety, eligibility for incentives, and lawful grid connection. This guide consolidates all 2025 regulations — from municipal by-laws to NERSA and SANS 10142-1.

Overview of Solar PV Regulations

South Africa regulates solar energy through municipal by-laws, national standards, and NERSA. These govern:

Safety & Installation

SANS 10142-1 (Wiring Code)
SANS 62109 (Inverter Safety)
NRCS LoA (Component Certification)

Grid & Incentives

NRS 097-2-1 (Grid Code)
Municipal SSEG Rules
SARS Section 12B (Tax Rebate)

Municipal Compliance

Each municipality has specific rules for Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG). Homeowners and businesses must:

Obtain approval for grid-tied installations
Use licensed electricians (ECSA + PIRB)
Submit full system details: size, inverter type, panel layout

Municipality	Max Size	Approval Time	Fee
Cape Town	350 kVA	4–6 weeks	R0
Johannesburg	1 MW	6–8 weeks	R500
eThekwini	500 kW	5–7 weeks	R300

National Electrical Standards (SANS 10142)

SANS 10142-1:2021 dictates safety and installation rules. Compliance includes:

Cabling & Protection

4–6 mm² UV-resistant solar cable
Type 2 SPD (DC + AC)
gPV fuses + DC isolator

Earthing & Inverter

Earth rod < 10 Ω
NRCS-approved inverter
IP65, 300 mm clearance

NERSA Registration

For residential & small commercial (<1 MW):

Register via municipality — no full license needed
Required for net metering & FiT
Submit CoC + SLD + NRCS LoA

Grid Connection Process

Submit application to municipality
Provide specs: inverter LoA, panel certs
Schedule inspection (2–4 weeks)
Install bi-directional meter (free or ~R3,500)
Receive approval → energize system

Permits and Approvals

Building permit: Roof alterations (>20 panels)
Environmental: Ground-mount >1 ha
CoC: Issued by registered electrician

Safety and Liability

Non-compliance risks:

Fines: R10,000–R100,000
Insurance void: No claim payout
Disconnection: Forced system shutdown

Must-Have Safety

Licensed installer (SAPVIA Gold)
Warning labels + emergency shutdown
Fire-rated battery room (if lithium)

Incentives and Rebates

125%

SARS Section 12B Deduction

R1.80

Avg Net Metering Credit/kWh

+15%

Property Value Boost

Off-Grid Systems and Legal Considerations

No grid connection = fewer rules, but safety still applies:

SANS 10142 wiring compliance
UN38.3 battery safety
Fire-rated enclosure + ventilation
CoC recommended for insurance

Enforcement and Inspections

Municipal & NERSA officials may audit. Keep all documents in a fireproof folder + cloud backup:

CoC, NRCS LoA, SLD, test reports
Installer contract + warranty
Insurance declaration

Conclusion

Understanding and following South African solar PV laws protects you, unlocks incentives, and ensures safety. Use SAPVIA installers, get your CoC, and register properly — your system will run legally for 25+ years.