Energy Certificates Required for Solar-Powered Businesses in South Africa

South African companies are turning to solar energy to combat rising electricity costs, load shedding, and environmental concerns.

While solar power offers freedom from unreliable grids and reduced operational costs, it’s not a regulatory free-for-all.

Whether you’re a small business owner or running a large commercial facility, companies need several certificates and must meet specific compliance steps.

Here are some required certificates and regulations for installing and operating a solar power system for your business in South Africa.

Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CoC)

A CoC is a legal requirement in South Africa for any electrical installation, including solar systems.

While not a new requirement, it is essential as it confirms that all electrical wiring has been correctly installed and complies with SANS 10142 (the national wiring code).

To receive a CoC, you must contact a qualified and registered electrician. If you need to check whether the electrician has the proper qualification, you can ask for:

Registered Person License
Registered Contractor License
And proof of registration with the Electrical Conformance Board (ECB).

Your CoC certificate is valid if you and your business reside at the property, 3 years, or as long as no electrical alterations are made, within the 3 year period.

It’s also worth noting that a copy of the CoC must always be kept on-site.

A CoC certificate is also essential for insurance, property sales, and the legal operation of your solar system.

Municipal Approval and Building Plan Consent

If you plan to install a grid-tied solar system, you will need approval from your local municipality before installation.

To get approval of your plans, you will need to submit:

A building plan or rooftop layout.
A structural assessment (for roof-mounted panels).
Application forms for grid-tied approval, including system specs, inverter type, and installation diagrams.

Failure to obtain municipal approval can result in fines, forced removal, or system disconnection.

Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) Registration

If your business plans to export solar power back to the grid, you must register as an SSEG operator with your municipality or Eskom (if not on a municipal grid).

To register, you will be required to provide the following:

A signed connection agreement.
Proof of an approved inverter model (compliant with NRS 097-2-1 standards).
And prove you have protection settings to ensure safe grid interaction.

But what exactly is NRS 097?

NRS 097 Compliance

South Africa’s national standard for connecting solar systems to the grid is NRS 097-2-1, outlines the technical specifications and settings required for inverters and embedded generators.

Inverters must comply with this standard to receive municipal approval. This ensures that your system operates safely and doesn’t interfere with the local grid.

Some municipalities will reject installations that use non-compliant inverters.

Environmental Authorization (for Large-Scale Systems)

If your solar installation exceeds 1 Megawatt in capacity or is ground-mounted on agricultural or environmentally sensitive land, you may be required to conduct a Basic Assessment Report (BAR) or a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

These assessments are required under:

The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA)
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)

While most rooftop commercial systems are exempt, this requirement is non-negotiable for larger solar farms.

SANAS-Accredited Solar PV Installer or PV GreenCard

While not yet legally required, using an installer who is:

PV GreenCard-certified, or
Accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

It can significantly improve safety, system performance, and approval turnaround times.

Many insurers also view PV GreenCard installations as higher quality, which may qualify your business for discounts on monthly premiums.

Still Keen to Go Solar?

Installing a solar system to power your business in South Africa is still the smart choice. It helps protect your business from an uncertain energy future. However, it now comes with formal responsibilities and regulatory steps.

We can help you install a solar system that meets all current South African regulations.