How To Register Your Solar Panels?

Just when we believed we were free to avoid the grid, the escalating costs of electricity, and do our part for the environment…without government intervention, thinking about investing in solar panel systems beyond solar backup generators…

All power users (domestic and commercial) in South Africa must now register their ‘grid-tied’ and ‘off-grid’ alternative power sources, according to new laws. This has enraged many individuals. It’s not going down well in a country where load-shedding has become the norm, with electricity bills nearly increasing every year, eroding monthly budgets like ‘Pacman.’

Do you want to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon reading? Check out the most recent rules for registering your solar panel systems.

These rules are based on changes to Schedule 2 of the South African Electricity Regulation Act, 2006, made in 2017. (ERA) Unfortunately, we cannot claim ignorance of the law, therefore if you have alternative electricity in your home or business, you should read up on it.

These standards are complicated and comprehensive, but in a nutshell, they govern electrical resellers who can sell electricity generated by solar panels to others. That might be anyone, or any residential area with solar panels, or a business PV plant that is either “grid-tied” (unless it’s merely a backup solar generator) or “off-grid.”

It’s important to note that they don’t oppose you installing solar panels. On the contrary, they want to ensure that they maintain control and ownership of the national electricity supply, including that provided by solar panels. Your self-installed home solar power supply is completely free; in fact, grid-tied systems are encouraged. The solar PV industry’s expansion, on the other hand, has the potential to grow into enormous solar grids that can power hundreds of homes or companies. That’s when your pie is included in ‘their whole pie.’

You will be punished if you do not register. Heavily. You will also have to pay to register. Although there is no government registration cost at this time, you will have to pay for an accredited electrician to sign off on your registration and provide the technical information requested on the registration form. If it makes you feel any better, it costs less than the fine.

Is it necessary to obtain authorization in order to install solar panels in South Africa?

The connection to the electrical load/grid is the most typical technique to distinguish a solar rooftop system.

Grid-tied / linked with reverse power blocking: The property is connected to the national grid but prevents any surplus electricity from being fed back into the grid.
Grid Tied / Connected: Electricity generated can be consumed on-site, with any surplus being fed back into the grid. This input is sometimes adjusted for.
Off-Grid / Standalone PV Systems: Off-grid PV systems often include batteries as well as a charge controller. The PV system produces electricity for on-site usage and is totally self-contained from the national grid.

If you want to build a grid-tied system, you must first register with your distribution authority and get clearance. Most municipalities that allow it, such as the City of Cape Town, have the relevant papers on their websites.

Is solar energy permitted in South Africa?

Renewable energy has very few government-led regulatory and financial advantages. As previously stated, South Africa’s existing regulatory structure prohibits excess electricity from renewable sources such as residential or rooftop solar from being sold back to the grid, and allowing this will stimulate and support quicker growth in the rooftop solar sector. The lack of large tax incentives or other government-led programs to promote the development of the renewables industry exacerbates the situation. There are no tariff top-up arrangements like those seen in renewable energy programs elsewhere in Africa, such as Uganda’s GET FiT program, which has been effectively implemented. Although feed-in tariffs were initially proposed in South Africa, they were quickly replaced with the REIPPPP auction mechanism, which has proven to be a major success, with each subsequent round being significantly oversubscribed.

Section 12B of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No. 58 of 1962) (South Africa) (the Income Tax Act) reduced the three-year accelerated depreciation allowance for renewable energy (from 50% to 30% to 20%) to a one-year depreciation allowance from 1 January 2016. (100 per cent). The proposal in the 2015 draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill to modify the definition of solar energy to distinguish between solar PV energy of more than 1MW, solar PV energy of less than 1MW, and concentrated solar energy resulted in this accelerated depreciation allowance. In the case of solar PV energy less than 1MW, the modified Section 12B provision now provides for a 100% accelerated capital allowance in the first year.

The adjustment is being made in order to speed up and incentivize the construction of smaller solar PV energy installations, which have a lower impact on water and the environment. This is also designed to assist South Africa address its energy constraints in a more environmentally friendly manner.

A capital allowance for moveable assets utilized in the production of renewable energy is provided by Section 12B of the modified Income Tax Act. More specifically, it allows for a 100% deduction for any plant or machinery that is initially employed in a year of assessment and is used in a manufacturing or equivalent process. Notably, the allowance is only available if the taxpayer is using the asset for the first time. To put it another way, the allowance does not apply to new or underused assets. The phrase simply prohibits a taxpayer from claiming the Section 12B allowance on the same asset twice.

Companies can use this incentive to deduct the cost of their new solar power system from their profits as a depreciation expenditure.

The Carbon Tax Act establishes a basic tax-free level of about 60% of emissions, as well as additional allowances for specific industries that might result in tax exemptions of up to 95% of emissions during the first phase, which runs until 2022. After exemptions, the full carbon tax rate is projected to be 120 rand per tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent (e) (tCO2e). The effective tax rate per tCO2e is estimated to range between 6 and 48 rand.

Under the REIPPPP, the upgraded IRP provides for a minimal allocation of 1% to CSP technology. In comparison to solar PV and wind, CSP technology is thought to have substantially higher costs. The ever-increasing introduction of battery solutions is anticipated to tackle the problem of intermittency; nevertheless, it is uncertain on what scale this can be financed in the local market.

Is it necessary to register solar panels?

Solar PV panels are classified as ‘permitted developments,’ which means they don’t always require planning approval. However, there are certain exceptions, and it’s better to seek advice from your local planning authority. Additional restrictions may apply if you live in a listed building, conservation area, or national park.

You must register your solar PV system with your Distribution Network Operator if you plan to install one in your house (DNO). The DNO is the business in charge of supplying electricity to your residence. Your installer will most likely register the gadget for you.

In England, Scotland, and Wales, the UK government offers guidance on how to register your new energy device.

Is it necessary to register your solar power system?

All small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) installations with a generation capacity of less than 1 Mega Volt Amp (MVA), which includes the great majority of off-grid solar solutions for residential dwellings and certain small offices, are required to register.

According to Niveshen Govender, program manager of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA), residents of Cape Town have had plenty of time to register their PV systems since July of last year. From February 28 to May 31, the grace period has been extended.

How long does it take for solar panels to be turned on?

You’ll have to wait till your solar system is installed on your roof before you can start generating electricity. A local inspector will be required to inspect the location to ensure that the solar panels were placed properly and in accordance with the law. While this process may appear inconvenient, it is necessary to ensure that all installations are secure and ready to generate electricity. This phase may differ based on the time of year and the present inspection backlog.

What is the procedure for turning on solar for the first time?

Look for the breaker labeled “PV/SOLAR BREAKER” in your electrical panel. Secure the cover on your electrical panel and turn on the breaker. The system should be up and operating after all AC and DC switches are turned on. There may be two or more disconnects in some systems.

Is it okay if I turn on my solar panels before the inspection?

An inspection from the city is required after your utility has approved your Net Energy Metering application for connections, but before you may run your solar system. One of the final stages before your solar power system can be turned on and connected to the grid is to have it inspected by the city. The onsite inspection verifies that everything was installed correctly and in accordance with the authorized designs.

(Keep in mind that you won’t be able to use your solar system until you’ve received approval from both your city and your utility company.)

Are there any construction codes that must be followed while installing solar panels?

Solar panel installations must meet the property’s regular construction codes, which is a legal requirement for many home upgrades.

The structural safety of a building (Part A) and the electrical safety of a building are the two most important elements (Part P). The added weight of rooftop panels must be supported by your roof, and the system’s electricals must be safe. In addition, standard health and safety procedures must be followed.

If you hire an installation who is a member of an approved Competent Persons Scheme, you won’t have to file your own building rules application (CPS). Your installer should have MCS certification and be a member of a microgeneration technology CPS, such as NICEIC. Following the system’s commissioning, you’ll obtain certificates proving that it complies with all applicable regulations.

Planning permission for solar panels

Solar panels, in most circumstances, do not require planning clearance because they are allowed developments. Depending on whether the property is residential or commercial, there are a few standards that must be met.

Domestic installations

Solar panels installed on a private home’s roof or wall are considered authorized development (i.e., they don’t require planning permission) if the following conditions are met:

Panels should not protrude more than 200mm from the roof or wall surface and should not be positioned over the ridgeline. On a sloping roof, these parameters will be met if the panels are positioned parallel to the roof. They are unlikely to be fulfilled if the panels are installed on a level roof, as the panels will be installed at a minimum of a 5-10 degree slope to the horizontal and will protrude more than 200mm over the roof in this instance.
Even though planning approval is not required, if your property is a listed building, the installation will almost certainly necessitate an application for listed building consent. All installations should be checked with the local planning authority.
Only available as a wall mount.
When panels are to be installed on the major or side elevation walls and are visible from the highway, planning consent is necessary if your property is in a conservation area or a World Heritage Site. If you’re installing panels on a structure in your garden or grounds, they shouldn’t be visible from the road. We urge that you double-check all installations with the local planning office to be safe.

Unless the array is less than 9 square meters, ground-mounted installations require planning clearance, but even then, you should check. The portal implies that’standalone’ systems (we think they mean ground-mounted systems, but it’s worth double-checking with your local government) don’t require approval as long as they follow some very rigorous guidelines:

a maximum height of four metres;
a distance of at least 5 meters from the limits;
The array can only be 9m2 in size, or 3m wide and 3m deep;
should not be placed inside the bounds of a listed structure;
Land in a conservation area or a World Heritage Site should be hidden from view from the highway;
There can only be one standalone solar installation.

Commercial installations

Most non-domestic solar projects under 1 MW are considered approved development under regulations enacted in April 2015, as long as the following conditions are met:

Panels protrude less than 200mm perpendicularly from the roof or wall plane (pitched and wall installations);
panels are at least 1 meter away from the building’s external boundaries (pitched and flat roof installations);
Panels must protrude less than 1 meter from the roof surface and cannot be the tallest component (flat roof installations);
A ground-mounted array must be no larger than 9m2, no higher than 4m, and no wider than 3m in any direction.

Permitted development does not apply in the following situations:

if the installation is on a listed building or a building within the grounds of a listed structure, or if the installation is on a scheduled monument site;
if the structure is on Article 2(3) designated land and the equipment is not mounted on a highway-facing wall or roof slope;
if the curtilage contains more than one ground-mounted system

For systems larger than 50 kW, the Local Planning Authority must provide Prior Approval, which is a less rigorous process than a planning application. This will evaluate the development’s design and appearance from the outside, with a focus on the impact of glare on nearby landowners.

Rooftop domestic installations under 4kWp

The structural report may be the only stumbling block for domestic rooftop installations. If the house has a single phase supply, an application to the DNO is normally required if the system size exceeds 3.68kWp (this limit is 3.68kWp per phase, so 11kWp on a 3 phase supply). For systems under 4kWp, permission to connect to the grid is frequently granted.

Non domestic installations and larger domestic installations

The following are some of the possible roadblocks to overcome:

Permission from the Planning Commission (if applicable) (allow 10-11 weeks). If planning permission is required, we will normally spend two weeks putting together the application, followed by an eight-week wait for the planning department to decide on the application’s outcome.
Application for DNO (allow 11 weeks). Installations requiring more than 3.68 kWp (on a single phase supply) or 11 kWp (on a three phase supply) will require an application to the relevant DNO (network operator), such as Western Power or SSE, in addition to planning clearance. Occasionally, the DNO will approve the connection if specified additional costs are paid to enhance the grid (transformer or cables) in the area.
Work on the grid/installation of a three-phase connection (allow at least six weeks if required). If the DNO discovers extra grid work or a 3-phase connection needs to be constructed on the property, the timeframe will likely be extended by six to many months, depending on the speed of the operator.
Report on the structure (allow one to two weeks). The structural analysis, which confirms that the roof can withstand the increased stresses imposed by the panels, is the final hurdle to clear for roof mounted systems. As a result of this research, additional strengthening work may be required. As long as the job isn’t too extensive, it can be done concurrently with the panel installation. Alternatively, because panels are lighter than roof tiles, you may go with an in-roof system rather than an on-roof system.

We normally apply for planning approval, submit an application to the DNO, and compile a structural report all at the same time, so that if everything goes smoothly, all of these hurdles can be cleared in 11 weeks. The installation can then begin, which usually takes four to six weeks after the planning decision is made. Depending on the magnitude of the project, installation can take anywhere from one to three weeks, with a total project timeframe of roughly five months.

We may delay applying to the DNO or creating the structural report until the planning application is determined at the client’s request and to save our (and their) costs if the planning application fails. This usually adds two months to the proceedings, bringing the total period to seven months.

The following is a typical installation timeline for a large-scale household or non-domestic installation:

The installation process

After you’ve made a reservation for an installation, the procedure for domestic installations is as follows:

A specialized project manager will be assigned to oversee all elements of your installation. At Spirit Energy, your project manager will be your personal point of contact, and you will be able to reach out to them at any time before, during, or after the installation.
We will schedule a technical survey on a day that is convenient for you if you have not already had one. One of our installers will visit your home and do a thorough technical inspection.
We will inspect your roof throughout this survey to ensure that it can withstand the panel load. Our structural engineer partner will offer you with structural calculations. It’s possible that we’ll need to make minor repairs to your roof.
Our planning department will call you and obtain the relevant information to file a planning application if the installation requires planning authorization and you have requested our assistance.
We normally install within 4-6 weeks after the date you sign the installation contract, though we may be able to do it sooner depending on our installers’ availability.
If your project necessitates scaffolding, we will arrange for scaffolding to be erected prior to the start of the installation. Our installers will be on site from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. throughout the installation. It takes two to three days to complete a standard installation.
Our lead installer will fully test and commission the system at the conclusion of the installation. We will welcome you to inspect every part of the work that has been completed. Our technicians will be able to explain what each component does and how to operate your new system in detail. You will be given a complete handover package that includes instructions on how to manage the system as well as all necessary certifications.
Finally, we will send you an invoice for the remaining money after you are completely satisfied with your new system. (On residential retrofit installs, we require a 25% deposit up front, with the remainder required within 7 days of completion.) Along with the 25% deposit, we have a stage payment plan for new construction.)

For domestic installations that do not require planning approval, you may anticipate to have your system up and operating within 4-6 weeks of contacting us, or sooner if you are in a hurry, as stated in the section on project timescales above.