Here’s how to register a solar system with Eskom

Eskom is encouraging the public to register a solar system as all unregistered grid-tied solar systems are now considered illegal.

Eskom says the public has until March 2026 to register a solar system. Image: Flickr

Eskom is urging the public to register their solar systems, as all unregistered grid-tied solar systems are now deemed illegal. The public has until March 2026 to register their solar systems.

HOW TO REGISTER A SOLAR SYSTEM WITH ESKOM

To register for a solar system with Eskom, you must apply for a small-scale embedded generator (SSEG) by completing a form that can be accessed through the Eskom website. These are the steps you should follow:

Download the application form for connecting a small-scale embedded generator (SSEG) to the Eskom network. The application form can be found here.
Submit your completed application form to: customerservices@eskom.co.za. If you are struggling with the SSEG form submission, call 086 003 7566 and ask for assistance from a local advisor.

SUPPORT DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

For your application to be taken into consideration, here is a list of supporting documents required from you:

LATEST ELECTRICITY BILL.
LETTER FROM THE CUSTOMER IF YOU ARE APPLYING ON THEIR BEHALF.
SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM (SLD).
ESKOM SSEG APPLICATION FORM.
CUSTOMER IDENTITY DOCUMENT (I.D.).

After completing this process, you must register with NERSA (National Electricity Regulator of South Africa) to obtain a license or registration letter from the utility. The letter can be accessed online through http://www.nersa.org.za/.

Once NERSA issues you with the required license or registration for your SSEG application, you must submit it to Eskom. Eskom will then provide the applicable fees based on a quotation for the necessary work to connect the SSEG to the grid.

COMMENCEMENT OF PROJECT AND COMPLETION STEPS

You must sign the new supply agreement and pay any required fees.
Install the generator portion of the connection works while Eskom handles the part that needs to be done on its portion of the connection works.
Eskom will conduct a quality assessment during the installation of the electricity connection.
The installation will be tested, and you must provide Eskom with a copy of the signed Embedded Generation Installation report.
Create a new customer account.
If you are struggling with the SSEG form submission, call 086 003 7566 and ask for assistance from a local advisor.

If you are struggling with the SSEG form submission, call 086 003 7566 and ask for assistance from a local advisor. If you can’t reach them on a call, you can email them by choosing the address according to the name of your province with @eskom.co.za. For example, if you are from Northern Cape, email to NorthernCape@eskom.co.za. Remember to add #SSEG Application on your subject headline.

ESKOM SUSPENDS LOAD-SHEDDING

On 31 January 2025, South Africans were left in shock when Eskom announced the return of load-shedding after being free from it for more than 10 months. However, just two days ago, the company announced the suspension of load-shedding, citing the recovery of sufficient emergency reserves.

Five coal-fired generation units have been successfully repaired and returned to service, adding 2 930MW to the grid.