Capetonians Turn to Solar PV and Battery Systems in Response to Load-Shedding

As load-shedding persists, many Capetonians are embracing solar PV and battery systems as a way to circumvent power outages caused by Eskom. To assist with the increased demand, the City of Cape Town plans to simplify the solar PV authorization process and launch an intuitive online portal in the near future.

Streamlining Solar PV Authorization

Starting on October 1, 2023, the application turnaround time for small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems is expected to decrease dramatically, thanks to the new City-approved inverter requirement and professional sign-off for all SSEG systems. The objective of this initiative is to tackle the issue of fly-by-night operators offering subpar systems or inadequate wiring, which contributes to extended power outages during load-shedding recovery periods.

Addressing Delays in the Authorization Process

According to the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen, the rise in solar PV and battery system installations has resulted in delays in the authorization process due to the high volume of applications and various system types. Consequently, the City is working to speed up the approval process by employing additional personnel and creating the forthcoming online application portal. So far, nearly 6,000 systems have been authorized by the City.

Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

The new regulations, which will be implemented on October 1, require all grid-tied systems to use City-approved inverters with professional sign-off. These measures will not only reduce the authorization time but also improve safety, reduce the risk of area outages caused by subpar systems connected to the grid, and safeguard homeowners from deceitful operators.

Gratitude Toward Industry Stakeholders

Councillor Van Reenen expressed gratitude toward industry stakeholders who have been advocating for safe and legal systems and assured them of the City’s support during this transition. Faster and safer authorizations will benefit customers by enabling them to safeguard themselves from load-shedding while allowing installers to effectively manage stock and cash flow without getting bogged down in paperwork.

Enhancing the Application Process

The City has taken the following steps to speed up and secure the application process:

• All SSEG systems must use a City-approved inverter and receive professional sign-off.
• Standby and off-grid system applications will no longer be accepted. Priority will be given to grid-tied systems using City-approved inverters.

With these measures in place, Capetonians can expect a more efficient and reliable solar PV authorization process. This will enable them to take advantage of clean energy solutions and mitigate the impact of load-shedding on their daily lives.