Experts weigh in on rooftop solar incentive plans for South Africa

mylesillidge

mylesillidge

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Rooftop solar tax breaks for South Africa — what to expect

Finance minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver South Africa's budget speech on Wednesday, 22 February 2023, which should see the announcement of incentives for installing solar panels at homes and businesses.

However, according to a Times Live report, some experts believe tax incentives will be challenging to implement. The focus should instead be on lowering import duties on solar panels, batteries and inverters.
 
They should start by supplying the updated meter box for free.

This will allow me to push back into the grid if I have surplus power.

I’m in the process of upgrading mine for when the solar install comes and it’s a R11k shock from COC.
 
mylesillidge said:
Rooftop solar tax breaks for South Africa — what to expect

Finance minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver South Africa's budget speech on Wednesday, 22 February 2023, which should see the announcement of incentives for installing solar panels at homes and businesses.

However, according to a Times Live report, some experts believe tax incentives will be challenging to implement. The focus should instead be on lowering import duties on solar panels, batteries and inverters.
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There are already no import duties on solar panels, batteries or inverters. Only VAT.
 
Kit is just to expensive for the man in the street!
Even if they reduce import duties, who is to say that the cost saving will be passed onto the consumer?
SABC wants to introduce a household levy in place of licenses so why can't government give financial incentive to go solar?
 
I've been saying this, and many times on this forum, but the anc will probably do what they always do and that's ensure their pockets are full.
 
A great feature would be if they allowed for unconditional net metering countrywide for those who have digital/smart meters. Quite honestly the grid needs power at all times of the day so they won’t need to introduce a lower tariff during the day or anything. Everyone wins.
 
CPTBoy said:
They should start by supplying the updated meter box for free.

This will allow me to push back into the grid if I have surplus power.

I’m in the process of upgrading mine for when the solar install comes and it’s a R11k shock from COC.
Click to expand...
I will NEVER pay that. Norrafok.
 
Gimli_ said:
Unfortunate that I just spent 210K ZAR on solar panels, inverters and batteries. Not installed yet. So would this be back dateable?
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Doubt it...it would probably only be enforceable as of when the law comes into force. It would be a logistical nightmare to try to get that VAT back through all the suppliers, contractors, SARS and to correct all invoices, etc.
If you're a VAT registered business it doesn't matter anyway but if you're an end customer then you would have paid 15% more...
 
Gimli_ said:
Unfortunate that I just spent 210K ZAR on solar panels, inverters and batteries. Not installed yet. So would this be back dateable?
Click to expand...
To make you feel better, I think there is a better chance of seeing pigs fly than to see zero VAT.

Hope I'm wrong.

They can also take away the duties and vat on EVs while they're at it. They will help stabilise the grid.
 
Gimli_ said:
Unfortunate that I just spent 210K ZAR on solar panels, inverters and batteries. Not installed yet. So would this be back dateable?
Click to expand...
Same here. Tax year is ending this month, so even less chance.

On the bright side…
You will probably spend another 100k to 200k on batteries to tackle level 8 and 9, so you can score then.
 
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