Apply for authorisation to install an embedded generation system
You are required to apply for authorisation from the City if you intend installing an embedded generation system such as a rooftop solar PV. For more general information about solar options, see the Going solar page.
About
apply online
You can now submit your SSEG application online via
e-Services. The new Energy Services platform will make authorisation faster and more transparent. Find out more below.
The authorisation process for embedded generation installations applies to small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems with a generation capacity smaller than 1 mega-volt ampere (MVA) and embedded generation (EG) systems with a generation capacity of more than 1MVA and less than 100MVA in properties
within the City of Cape Town electricity supply area. The most popular technology is solar photovoltaic (PV).
- If you want to install a system larger than 100MVA, proof of registration from the
National Energy Regulator (NERSA) is required before we can consider authorisation. Special conditions over and above our requirements may also apply.
- There is no charge to register EG systems. A fee will only be applied if you fail to register your system. Grid engineering studies will be done by the City for the proposed PV installation should these be required.
- If you are in Eskom's area of supply, you need to apply to Eskom for consent to connect the EG to the electrical grid.
Download the Electricity Distribution and Area Boundaries Map to find out if you are located in
Eskom's area of supply.
Please note
We use your registration to mark off where your system is connected and confirm the quality of the installation so our staff and contractors do not get electrocuted when they work on the network.
Registered systems will be cross-checked with aerial photographs which we use to identify the existence of all PV systems. Unauthorised embedded generation systems must be authorised or decommissioned and a service fee will be charged.
Solar PV geysers
Solar PV geysers must be authorised, and follow the online SSEG application process, but do not require ECSA professional sign-off. PV geyser switches used must be on the City’s list of approved equipment and have a valid CoC. For a definition for what is classified as a solar PV geyser, see page 17 of Requirements for SSEG.
Authorisation for embedded generation systems
Please note
Since 1 October 2023, all new solar PV and/or battery systems are being treated as grid-tied and must use
City-approved inverters, have professional sign-off, and be authorised before switching on.
We are no longer accepting applications for standby and off-grid systems due to the risks they pose. Systems that have already been authorised will remain valid, and pre-October 2023 applications for standby/off-grid systems will still be processed, but priority will be given to grid-tied systems using City-approved inverters.
To improve the authorisation process for solar PV and/or battery systems, all applications for small-scale embedded generation in the City's electrical supply area must be done online via the Energy Services platform on
e-Services.
Benefits of using the online system:
- reduce turnaround times for faster authorisations;
- increase transparency on an application’s progress and status;
- automate the issuing of Permission to Install (PTI) letters for certain application types
How-to Guide
We have created a handy user guide for property owners, electrical contractors and SSEG installers. The guide will also assist ECSA registered professionals who must sign off on SSEG installations.
HOW-TO GUIDE
Download the guide for help submitting your SSEG application online.
Download PDF All parties involved in the application process (property owner, electrical contractor, SSEG installer and ECSA-registered professional) will need to apply online via e-Services.
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Step 1: Register for or log in to
e-Services
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Step 2: Activate ‘Energy Services’
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Step 3: Select ‘Energy Services Applications’
APPLICATIONS ALREADY SUBMITTED
If you have already submitted an SSEG application using the PDF form,
you do not need to resubmit your application online. Fully completed applications that have already been submitted may be fast tracked and you will be notified.
Service Provider Registration
Electrical contractors and ECSA-registered professionals must complete the Service Provider Registration form before the SSEG application can be completed. This eliminates verification during application processing.
Grant Proxy Authorisation application
As the SSEG application requires technical information, property owners can grant another e-Services user (such as the installer) the ability to apply for the authorisation of their solar PV and/or battery system on their behalf via the Grant Proxy Authorisation application.
Apply for Small-scale Embedded Generation application
The SSEG application requires the technical details of the solar PV system, as well as the details of the Electrical Contractor and ECSA registered professional as registered via the Service Provider Registration application.
Once completed and submitted, a Permission to Install (PTI) letter will be emailed to you shortly and available for download.
Your system may now be installed
but may not be switched on. Once your system is installed and signed-off, the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and signed Supplemental Contract must be uploaded and the ECSA-registered professional must login and sign-off the commissioning report.
A Commissioning Letter will be emailed and available for download. You will then be able to switch your system on. Throughout the application process, the property owner and applicant can login to review the status of the application.
SSEG APPLICATION PROCESS overview
Download an overview of the application process for property owners and applications submitted by a third party.
Download PDF Unauthorised systems
An unauthorised PV system can:
- Increase the risk of fire and other hazards
- Result in injury or death, especially if it is still feeding onto the grid during a power outage. Property owners will be at risk of legal recourse under Occupational Health and Safety laws.
- Cause quality and sustainability problems with the electricity grid, specifically from unknown capacity and schedules of all generation on the network. This information is needed in order to maintain the balance of load and electricity quality.
Properties with unregistered SSEG will be issued a contravention notice, be liable for a service fee and instructed to:
- Disconnect the SSEG within five working days;
- Provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) as proof
- Register the SSEG within one month and conclude the authorisation process within three months
Failure to comply could result in the disconnection of the electricity supply to your property.
Metering
Grid-tied Embedded Generation:
Feed-in systems
If you have a feed-in system, you will need to install an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter at your own cost. We will issue a metering quotation and, after payment is made, the meter will be installed.
If you do not intend to feed into the grid, you will need to enable reverse power flow blocking. A prepayment meter is required and will be installed by us at our cost.
You will be placed on the SSEG tariff from the date your AMI meter is installed. If your AMI meter was previously installed, you will be placed on the SSEG tariff and you will be able to connect your system from the day you receive your Commissioning Approval Letter.
Non-feed-in system
If you are installing a non-feed-in system (with reverse power flow blocking), you will remain on your current tariff. You will be able to connect your system from the day you receive your Commissioning Approval Letter.
Document downloads
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Approved Photovoltaic (PV) Inverter List
12/06/2026, List - 689.1 KB
Decommissioning of Embedded Generation Application Form
06/07/2021, Application form - 573.2 KB
Electricity Distribution Licence and Area Boundaries Map
15/06/2023, Map - 1.2 MB
Embedded Generation Schematic Drawings Guideline
25/01/2024, Guideline - 428.2 KB
Generic SSEG Supplemental Contract
15/05/2024, Contract - 468.2 KB
Register Your Solar PV System Advert
02/10/2023, Advert - 185.5 KB
Requirements for Small-scale Embedded Generation
22/04/2024, Guideline - 803.8 KB
Rooftop PV Safe and Legal Installations Guidelines Pamphlet
19/02/2025, Pamphlet,Guideline - 4.2 MB
SSEG Application Process Overview Posters
05/03/2025, Poster - 5.9 MB
SSEG Supplemental Contract: March 2024
04/03/2024, Contract - 633.9 KB
Small-scale Embedded Generation FAQs
15/01/2025, FAQs - 1.6 MB
Standard for the Interconnection of Embedded Generation
06/03/2024, Regulation - 6.8 MB
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