| Going solar | Going solar | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Energy%20Use%20Regulations%20For%20Buildings.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClassCC25FB089B8C418FA6300467EA320B1C"><p>Homes or businesses that have onsite renewable energy generation will benefit from lower electricity costs and contribute to a more secure and sustainable future for Cape Town. </p></div> | <h2 class="sectHeading">Safer, faster solar PV approval</h2><p>You can now
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-for-authorisation-to-install-a-small-scale-embedded-generation-system">apply for authorisation of your solar PV or battery system online</a> using the new Energy Services Applications platform on e-Services. </p><p>Applying online will improve the process of obtaining authorisation for SSEG installations by:</p><ul><li>significantly reducing turnaround times, </li><li>providing greater transparency, and </li><li>automating the issuing of Permission to Install (PTI) letters for certain application types. </li></ul>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>
<strong>Since 1 October 2023, all new solar PV and/or battery system applications are being treated as grid-tied systems in an effort to make SSEG approvals faster and safer.</strong> This means that all systems must use
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Approved%20Photovoltaic%20%28PV%29%20Inverter%20List.pdf" target="_blank">City-approved inverter</a>, have professional sign-off and be authorised before switching on. </p></div></div></span>
<p>Many systems using non-approved inverters are not correctly wired. These pose risks to the safety and integrity of the network. We will no longer be accepting applications for standby and off-grid systems.</p><p>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.
<br> </p><h4>The following do not require authorisation:<br></h4><ul><li>Solar Water Heaters (thermal) </li><li>Solar security/garden lights </li><li>Portable UPS trolley inverters (that you plug into the wall socket)</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Solar water heating options for the home<br></h2><p>Switching to a more efficient water heating system will help you save money on your electricity bill.</p><h4>Solar water heaters</h4><p>Solar water heaters are a set of pipes that are placed on the roof of your home. Heat from the sun warms water that can then be used throughout your home for all your hot water needs.</p><h4>Heat pumps</h4><p>Heat pumps use a small amount of electricity to power a pump. The pump acts as an air conditioner in reverse, moving heat from the air into the hot water geyser.</p><p>Heat pumps are a good option for homes and flats that do not get a lot of direct sunshine or do not have enough space or the right construction to support a solar water heater.</p><h4>Solar PV water heaters</h4><p>Solar photovoltaic (PV) water heaters use PV panels to generate electricity from the sun to heat water via an electrical element. The water can then be used throughout your home for all your hot water needs.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">On-site electricity generation</h2>
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<i class="info toptip"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Solar PV Installer Newsflash<br></h4><p>If you are a Solar PV Installer, and would like to receive more information on Small-scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) from the City, you can
<a href="https://cityofcapetown.evlink19.net/public/forms/h/ac0651KQexIkjg3a/OTY5NDNmYWFiYjc0N2VhYTU5NTZlOGY2MGE4NTdmMmMxZjJkYzVhMQ==" target="_blank">subscribe to our Solar PV Installer Newsflash</a> to stay up-to-date with the latest information.</p></div></div></span>
<h4> Solar Photovoltaic (PV): Embedded Generation (EG)</h4><p>Solar PV technology converts energy from the sun to electricity, which can be used in buildings of all sizes. Investing in solar PV can help reduce the amount of electricity that is bought from the City.</p><p>Solar PV is one form of Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG). SSEG refers to systems generating less than 1MVA that are connected to the City's electricity grid. EG refers to systems with a generation capacity of more than 1 MVA and less than 100 MVA.</p><p>Solar PV is suitable for any place where there is a good solar resource and electricity is already used including residential, commercial and industrial areas. </p><p>All solar PV systems installed within the City of Cape Town electricity supply area must be
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-for-authorisation-to-install-a-small-scale-embedded-generation-system">registered for authorisation</a>.<br></p>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Find out more<br></h4><p>Guidelines for
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT-Energy-PV-Brochure.pdf" target="_blank">safe and legal rooftop solar PV installations in Cape Town</a>.</p></div></div></span><span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Choosing a solar PV system</h2></span><span>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>We no longer accept applications for off-grid or standby systems due to the risks they pose and the time required to authorise.<br></p></div></div></span>
<p>There are a number of solar PV configurations:</p><h4>Grid-tied systems<br></h4><p>These are connected to the City's electricity grid either directly or through your property's internal wiring. There are two types of grid-tied systems.</p><ul><li>
<strong>Grid-tied feed-in </strong>
<strong>system </strong>(also known as an EG with export option): the electricity generated by the PV system is used on the property. Excess electricity generated from the system is fed back into the electricity grid - you may receive credit from the City.</li><li>
<strong>Grid-</strong><strong>tied non-feed-in PV </strong>(also known as an EG with no export option, with reverse power flow blocking): the electricity generated by the PV system is used on the property only when there is a demand for it. Excess electricity generated is blocked from feeding back into the grid.</li></ul><h4>Grid-tied hybrid systems</h4><p>Grid-tied systems that island after interruption of the distributor supply or when the applicable electrical service conditions are outside stated limits or out of required tolerances and then supplies the load from the inverter, operating in the stored-energy mode via a suitably interlocked change-over switch.</p>
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<i class="info fastfact"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Find out more</h4><p>Our
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Load-shedding%20Resilience%20Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Load-shedding Resilience Guide </a>offers easy and affordable ways to protect your home from load-shedding. You can also find answers to
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/SSEG_FAQs.pdf" target="_blank">SSEG FAQs</a>.<br></p></div></div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Register your solar PV system</h2><p>All solar PV systems installed within the City's electricity supply area must be authorised by us.<br></p>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Apply online<br></h4><p> You can now
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-for-authorisation-to-install-a-small-scale-embedded-generation-system">apply for authorisation of your solar PV or battery system online</a> via the new 'Energy Services' platform on e-Services. </p><p>
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</p><p> The new platform will improve the process of obtaining authorisation for SSEG installations through reduced turnaround times, increased transparency on an application’s progress and status, and automated issuing of Permission to Install (PTI) letters for certain application types. <br></p></div></div></span>
<h4>See our useful guideline documents below:<br></h4><ul><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Requirements%20for%20Small-Scale%20Embedded%20Generation.pdf" target="_blank">Requirements for Small-scale Embedded Generation</a></li><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT-Energy-PV-Brochure.pdf" target="_blank">Guidelines for Safe and Legal PV installation in Cape Town</a></li></ul><p>Registration is legally required in terms of the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Electricity%20Supply%20By-law.pdf" target="_blank">City of Cape Town Electricity Supply By-Law, 2010 </a>and ensures the safety of anyone who comes into contact with the PV system or the grid itself.</p><p>Registration also makes sure that all those who are using electricity from the grid pay for their usage accordingly. Running your meter backwards or avoiding paying your share of the grid upkeep is illegal and puts greater strain on the rest of the city.</p>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Connection of Embedded Generation form<br></h4><p> SSEG applications using the Connection of Embedded Generation PDF form will only be allowed in extenuating circumstances. </p><p>
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</p><p>Email the relevant area office in the 'Contact us' section below to request the form. Note that this process may take longer and you will not be able to track your application progress. Issuing of the PTI letter will take 3-6 months.
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<p>Follow the link below to find out how to register your solar PV and/or battery system: </p>
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<i class="info citycard"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-for-authorisation-to-install-a-small-scale-embedded-generation-system">Apply for authorisation to install an embedded generation system</a></p></div></div></span>
<h4> An unauthorised PV system can:</h4><ul><li>Increase the risk of fire and other hazards</li><li>Result in injury or death, especially if it is still feeding onto the grid during a power outage. The property owner will be at risk of legal recourse under Occupational Health and Safety laws.</li><li>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. </li></ul><p>Properties with unregistered SSEG will be issued a contravention notice, be liable for a service fee and instructed to:</p><ul><li>Disconnect the SSEG within five working days; </li><li>Provide a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) as proof </li><li> Register the SSEG within one month and conclude the authorisation process within three months</li></ul><p>Failure to comply could result in the disconnection of the electricity supply to the property.</p>
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<i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>cash for power programme<br></h4><p>A City official will contact applicants who submitted an Expression of Interest once all the applications have been assessed. We ask for your patience during this process. Successful applicants will sign a contract with the City in accordance with Supply Chain Management procurement processes.
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<br>Submissions are closed. The next Expression of Interest will be issued in February 2025.</strong> </p></div></div></span>
<p>Most of the electricity generated by a grid-tied feed-in system is consumed onsite. Sometimes, more electricity is generated than consumed, and the City allows customers to feed excess generation back into the City’s grid through the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Financial%20documents/Electricity%20Consumptive%20Tariffs.pdf" target="_blank">SSEG Feed-in tariff</a>. <br></p><p>
<strong>Follow the link below if you would like to feed in excess electricity to the City’s network:</strong><br></p>
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<i class="info citycard"><br></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Apply/Municipal-services/Electricity/apply-to-sell-surplus-sseg-energy-to-the-city">Apply to sell surplus SSEG electricity to the City</a><br></p></div></div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us<br></h2><h4>Small-scale embedded generation</h4><p>For more information, email
<a href="mailto:electricityapplication.queries@capetown.gov.za">
<em>electricityapplication.queries@capetown.gov.za</em></a> or contact the relevant area office below. </p>
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<i class="info toptip"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Top tip</h4><p> Find out which
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Maps%20and%20statistics/Electricity%20Distribution%20Licence%20and%20Area%20Boundaries.pdf">area your suburb falls into</a>.</p></div></div></span>
<h4> Area North</h4><p>
<em> Telephone:<br><a>021 444 1394 </a>/
<a>021 444 8333</a></em><br></p><p>
<em> </em><em>Email:</em><br><a href="mailto:sseg.north@capetown.gov.za"><em>electricityapplications.north@capetown.gov.za</em></a></p><h4> Area East<br></h4><p>
<em>Telephone:<br><a>021 444 8511</a> /
<a>021 444 8334</a> /
<a>021 444 8335</a> </em></p>
<em> </em>
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<em> Email:<br><a href="mailto:sseg.east@capetown.gov.za">electricityapplications.east@capetown.gov.za</a></em></p><h4> Area South</h4><p>
<em> Telephone:<br><a>021 444 2097</a> / <a>021 400 4750</a> /
<a>021 400 4751</a> /
<a>021 400 4752</a> /
<a>021 400 4753</a></em></p>
<em> </em>
<p>
<em> Email:<br><a href="mailto:sseg.south@capetown.gov.za">electricityapplications.south@capetown.gov.za</a></em></p> | | GP0|#67d74054-d4d1-47e5-b8f8-e374af39aec0;L0|#067d74054-d4d1-47e5-b8f8-e374af39aec0|Going solar;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#0245199c-5be3-4af0-937a-b126a226207c;GPP|#39d66b11-2134-4df5-8360-0bc5e66e8f4f;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711;GP0|#cd77e783-b852-4152-a52b-eab50f1da86d;L0|#0cd77e783-b852-4152-a52b-eab50f1da86d|Going solar;GPP|#ccd25ffb-04bd-465f-b4e4-e0a88d1cac35;GPP|#d6c1debf-2fe6-4caf-8748-a5126af00c53;GPP|#e88ff549-973f-4e3c-a46c-cfbe61bd6a24 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Improve overall energy efficiency in your home through solar energy such as water heaters, solar geysers and rooftop panels. | 0 |
