SMALL SCALE EMBEDDED GENERATION (SSEG) REGISTRATION COMMUNICATION
Do I need to apply for authorisation?
Apply for authorisation to install an embedded generation system
You are required to apply for authorisation from the municipality if you intend installing an embedded generation system such as a rooftop solar PV.
How long is the amnesty period?
An amnesty period has been granted until 30 September 2024 for the registration for those systems which were installed prior to the adoption of the policy.
How do I apply?
The Knysna Municipality has implemented an online process to assist residents in registering their systems. This process can be found through accessing this link; https://apply.sseg.org.za/ .
What are the registration and safety requirements?
As is the case with many other metros and municipalities in South Africa, and in accordance with national regulation, the Knysna Municipality has implemented a policy whereby residents who have installed rooftop solar systems are required to register such systems with the Municipality. The reason for registration is two-fold: firstly, it is to ensure that the relevant safety standards have been applied in the installation and commissioning of the rooftop solar system. The second reason is for the Municipality to gather information on the number of such systems installed within their electrical reticulation network, as this has a direct effect on the construction and maintenance of the electrical reticulation network especially in those instances where residents elect to export surplus generating capacity on their systems back to the Municipality.
Due to the safety requirement the installed system needs to be signed off by a professional registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as per the proposed amendment to the South African Bureau of Standards SANS 10142- Parts 2, 3 and 4 (The Wiring of Premises). The level of registered professional needed depends upon the capacity of solar system installed, and is as follows:
- For systems with a capacity of 12kW or lower the installation needs to be signed off by either a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng), Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr. Tech Eng), Professional Certified Engineer (Pr. Cert Eng) or Professional Engineering Technician (Pr. Techni Eng).
- For systems with a capacity greater than 12kW and less than 250kW the installation needs to be signed off by either a Pr. Eng, a Pr. Tech Eng or a Pr. Cert Eng.
- For systems with a capacity greater than 250kW the installation needs to be signed off by either a Pr. Eng or a Pr. Tech Eng.
What is the SSEG tariff?
There is no additional cost associated with a resident registering their installed solar system if they elect to not export excess capacity back to the grid. The basic charge will be the same as those residents that do not have a solar system and the energy charge will remain as the Inclined Block Tariff (IBT).
Should a resident elect to sell excess capacity back to the Municipality then there is a requirement for the prepaid meter to be upgraded to a four-quadrant prepaid/Credit meter so as to facilitate the measuring of electricity flowing both from the grid as well as from the installed solar system back to the grid. The cost for the supply and installation of this meter will be to the resident’s account. The resident will be paid according to the export tariff applicable for electricity sent back to the grid.
The tariff description for this financial year is available on the Knysna Municipality website (Annexure B Tariffs, charges and fees for 2024/2025 MTREF)
Contact SSEG Project Leader:
Mr Ndiphiwe Naki
Telephone: +27 (044) 302 6404
Email: nnaki@knysna.gov.za