South Africans with grid connected rooftop solar installations are being urged to ensure their systems are properly registered and compliant before the end of September, as the country’s rapidly expanding solar market brings greater scrutiny from insurers.
Owners of eligible installations of up to 50kW have until 30 September 2026 to register their systems with Eskom or the applicable municipality without paying registration fees.
According to Eskom, customers seeking to register eligible systems during the fee waiver period need to submit a Certificate of Compliance, an inverter test certificate and a test report for the installation.
The deadline comes as South Africa’s solar industry continues to expand, with installed capacity now exceeding 8.3GW.
Marius Kemp, Head of Personal Underwriting at Santam, said solar owners should establish exactly which requirements apply to their installations and electricity distributors.
“It is important that owners of grid connected solar systems take steps before the end of the month to determine which registration and compliance requirements apply to their particular installation and electricity distributor, that is Eskom or a municipality, as these can differ quite widely,” Kemp said.
Solar compliance increasingly important
As more households and businesses turn to solar to reduce their reliance on the electricity grid, the insurance requirements surrounding these installations are also becoming more detailed.
Kemp said insurers now consider several factors when assessing solar installations, rather than simply adding the value of the panels to an existing household policy.
“Not long ago, insuring solar panels required little more than adjusting an asset value on a policy schedule,” Kemp said.
“Today, insurers ask very different questions. Is the system registered? Was it installed according to grid standards? Who signed off the commissioning? Are protection systems adequate? Can the building structurally support the installation?”
He said the change reflected the growing complexity and value of residential solar systems.
“Insurers are no longer covering electrical upgrades. They are underwriting decentralised power plants,” Kemp said.
“Even at a small, rooftop scale, insurance now follows the lifecycle of renewable projects, from installation risks to machinery breakdown, liability exposure and even business interruption if the SSEG is being used for business purposes.”
Tell your insurer before installation
Santam is also urging homeowners to involve their insurers before installing solar rather than waiting until the system has been commissioned.
“If and when you install a solar power system in your home, it’s important to inform your insurer at the point that you confirm the purchase, before you install,” Kemp said.
One of the immediate considerations is ensuring that the insured value of the property accurately reflects the replacement value of the home and its permanent fixtures.
“It is essential that the insured amount correctly represents the present replacement value of the home and any additional structures on the property,” Kemp said.
“The worth of a building includes all permanent fixtures and fittings connected to the residential structure, including solar power systems.”
This is important because adding solar panels, inverters and batteries can materially increase the replacement cost of a property.
If these additions are not properly disclosed, homeowners could potentially find themselves underinsured when making a claim.
Installer credentials matter
The installation process is another important consideration for both safety and insurance.
Kemp urged homeowners to use professional and reputable installers and to verify their credentials before work begins.
“Installation is a complex process and must be done by a professional and reputable installer,” he said. “Make sure that you check the installer references and insist on a warranty and certificate of compliance.”
The Certificate of Compliance is particularly important because it can be required both for registration and for securing appropriate insurance cover.
Kemp said insurers could also require detailed documentation relating to the equipment and installation.
“Most insurers will insist on a CoC, a full invoice detailing the brand, type, size and number of the solar panels, inverters and batteries as well as the total cost of installation,” he said.
Some insurers may also require confirmation that the roof can safely support the additional weight.
“Some insurers may also require a structural engineer’s certificate that testifies that the roof is structurally able to support the weight of solar panels, which can be up to 40kg each,” Kemp said.
“Therefore, ascertaining the exact requirements from your insurer is key.”
Protecting a growing investment
The rapid expansion of rooftop solar has made installations an increasingly significant financial asset for South African households.
While solar systems can reduce electricity costs and provide greater energy resilience, they also represent a substantial investment that needs to be properly documented, registered and insured.
Kemp said homeowners should therefore consider compliance and insurance as part of the solar installation process rather than as an afterthought.
“Homeowners should carefully vet their installer and ensure their insurance coverage is updated to protect this valuable, cost saving addition,” Kemp said.
ashley.lechman@nationalmg.co.za