Cape Town residents with solar installations have received a significant reprieve from the City regarding the authorisation process.
Getting home solar in Cape Town just got easier: Here’s what you must know
As reported by My Broadband, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) mayoral committee member for energy, Beverley van Reenen, announced that residents who have initiated the application for authorisation before using their solar systems will not face fines.
However, properties with unregistered solar systems will still be subject to penalties.
The decision follows complaints from solar installers about the lengthy backlog of rooftop solar applications in Cape Town, leaving residents without approval vulnerable to fines ranging from R5 000 to R7 000.
Van Reenen clarified that all solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems connected to a building’s wiring must receive authorisation from the City.
Residents who can provide evidence of initiating the application process will not be fined.
Here’s how the City of Cape Town is expediting the solar application process
To expedite the authorisation process, the City has made adjustments, treating all Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) applications as grid-tied systems starting from October 2023.
This means that a City-approved inverter and professional sign-off will be required for all systems.
Van Reenen emphasised that the use of non-approved inverters currently poses safety risks and impedes the registration process.
Having an approved inverter will streamline the authorisation process.
It’s important to note that the registration requirement in Cape Town ensures the safety of individuals who interact with PV systems and the grid itself.
Additionally, it ensures that all users of grid electricity pay for their usage, preventing undue strain on the rest of the city’s resources.
For properties with unregistered SSEG systems, a contravention notice will be issued, and owners will be expected to take the following actions:
- Disconnect the system within five working days.
- Provide a certificate of compliance.
- Register the SSEG within one month and complete the authorization process within three months.
Failure to comply with these instructions may result in the disconnection of the electricity supply to the property.
However, the authorisation process itself can be time-consuming, with some residents experiencing delays of up to five months.
The City of Cape Town has been approached by the Milnerton Central Residents Association chairman, Bouwe van der Eems, who has offered assistance in reducing the lengthy wait times for solar authorisation.
SolarAdvice, the company that initially highlighted the delays, supports a moratorium on fines for residents who have installed and utilised their solar panels while awaiting approval.
They believe such a moratorium would alleviate frustrations caused by the approval process and expedite the overall waiting period.