Solar experts cry foul over Eskom charging more for grid-tied systems

[Daniel Puchert]

Eskom making solar power users pay for its problems

A reputable energy expert and two solar power installers have cried foul over Eskom charging people higher fixed tariffs for having grid-tied systems while also making it expensive and laborious for them to make them comply with its standards.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recently approved Eskom's retail tariff plan, which will increase the proportion of fixed charges that contribute to the power utility's revenues.

 

[RaptorSA]

"charging people higher fixed tariffs for having grid-tied systems while also making it expensive and laborious for them to make them comply with its standards."

Meh, not really, once you grow a pair and pretend you never follow the news it's...




“They have been encouraged to install these systems, they have even been incentivised through government tax incentives to install them and now suddenly, the rules of the game are being changed,” Yelland said.

Shame, imagine being one of the people who didn't see that coming?!
If that's you reading this you might want to consult your nearest US embassy because you failed the Commie test.
...Don't ever fail the Commie test....

 

[Lupus]

I mean I get this part,
The ToU tariff is designed to encourage people to use less electricity from the grid during peak periods by charging expensive energy fees during those periods, while also offering discounted tariffs during off-peak times.

In the case of grid-tied users, it will discourage charging batteries during periods when Eskom’s grid is constrained.

That is kinda the point against solar, during peaks you switch back to Eskom. When in reality you should have sufficient batteries to get through the peaks and only charge during off peak, so from 10am to 4pm or from 9pm to 5am. So not sure why people would be kicking off their battery charging from 4pm to 9pm??

 

[Lupus]

Oh also seems they have a time machine
Henkemans said the upcoming increase of 12.74% from April 2024 for direct customers is the fourth-largest in the last decade.
Perhaps read the articles yourself before publishing. Also as stated a few times, this is Eskom direct customers, Municipalities have their own tariffs and will do their own trickery later

 

[wingnut771]

I mean I get this part,
The ToU tariff is designed to encourage people to use less electricity from the grid during peak periods by charging expensive energy fees during those periods, while also offering discounted tariffs during off-peak times.

In the case of grid-tied users, it will discourage charging batteries during periods when Eskom’s grid is constrained.

That is kinda the point against solar, during peaks you switch back to Eskom. When in reality you should have sufficient batteries to get through the peaks and only charge during off peak, so from 10am to 4pm or from 9pm to 5am. So not sure why people would be kicking off their battery charging from 4pm to 9pm??

They can go a step further and offer wholesale rates.

 

[wingnut771]

Oh also seems they have a time machine
Henkemans said the upcoming increase of 12.74% from April 2024 for direct customers is the fourth-largest in the last decade.
Perhaps read the articles yourself before publishing. Also as stated a few times, this is Eskom direct customers, Municipalities have their own tariffs and will do their own trickery later

The munis always add their cut. How does nersa allow this to happen.

 

[Lupus]

The munis always add their cut. How does nersa allow this to happen.

Cause they can... Though looking at it, the muncis are only allowed to go up to 11%?? So not sure what is happening

 

[HartsockZA]

I'm getting my new inverter tomorrow from Growatt 5000ES spf to the 6000 model. 5000 served me well but my solar capacity was a bit too large so new one has capacity. Was gonna do parallel system but seems as though the 5000 has been shelved. So no more grid prepaid ever again

 

[RaptorSA]

I'm getting my new inverter tomorrow from Growatt 5000ES spf to the 6000 model. 5000 served me well but my solar capacity was a bit too large so new one has capacity. Was gonna do parallel system but seems as though the 5000 has been shelved. So no more grid prepaid ever again

As someone who started with Growatt I would honestly just add a few bucks more and go with Deye.
The firmware, stability, support and future integration possibilities with Deye or Sunsynk is so worth it.

Was pissed after I spent money on my Growatt to integrate into my Home Assistant and Solar Assistant only to find this:



Turns out I was one of the "unlucky" ones.
Never trusted their quality after that. The thing also had all kinds of weird quirks, like alarms going off at 3AM moaning about bus voltages when nothing was wrong, it needed constant rebooting and researching attempts at firmware updates on the damn thing led me to the first time in my life saying "nuh-uh".

 

[neoprema]

I mean I get this part,
The ToU tariff is designed to encourage people to use less electricity from the grid during peak periods by charging expensive energy fees during those periods, while also offering discounted tariffs during off-peak times.

In the case of grid-tied users, it will discourage charging batteries during periods when Eskom’s grid is constrained.

That is kinda the point against solar, during peaks you switch back to Eskom. When in reality you should have sufficient batteries to get through the peaks and only charge during off peak, so from 10am to 4pm or from 9pm to 5am. So not sure why people would be kicking off their battery charging from 4pm to 9pm??

In reality we shouldn't need any of this, because South Africa was a global leader in Electricity generation and power stations and had more than enough power. Until they destroyed it all. That's the reality This is the result...

 

[HartsockZA]

As someone who started with Growatt I would honestly just add a few bucks more and go with Deye.
The firmware, stability, support and future integration possibilities with Deye or Sunsynk is so worth it.

Was pissed after I spent money on my Growatt to integrate into my Home Assistant and Solar Assistant only to find this:

View attachment 1804967

Turns out I was one of the "unlucky" ones.
Never trusted their quality after that. The thing also had all kinds of weird quirks, like alarms going off at 3AM moaning about bus voltages when nothing was wrong, it needed constant rebooting and researching attempts at firmware updates on the damn thing led me to the first time in my life saying "nuh-uh".

So going on 3 years, not installed by idiots. Works brilliant. They are quite finiky BUT they work great. If you can't blow 27k on a Deye or Sunsynk then it is really good. People just need to understand that you can't overload the system and put a ton of items on it. App sure is buggy but it works. You don't need to check on it every min of every hour. It's supposed to be a leave it alone and check on it now and then. For me, I have the entire house plus 3 AC non inverter on it. Works brilliant. Rebooting and all that kak you describe just tells me kak installer and kak plan from the get go. I'd also say FT for the amount of kak one goes through but honestly they are what they are for the price. Capacitor vs Transformer

 

[Eddy Bear]

Eskom making solar power users pay for its problems

A reputable energy expert and two solar power installers have cried foul over Eskom charging people higher fixed tariffs for having grid-tied systems while also making it expensive and laborious for them to make them comply with its standards.

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) recently approved Eskom's retail tariff plan, which will increase the proportion of fixed charges that contribute to the power utility's revenues.

I wrote the below mentioned to the BUsinesstech News team, - NO RESPONSE. I think the media is aiding and abetting Eskoms campaign of soliciting fear and intimidation based on fear and threat of criminality. We enough said.

Dear News Team,

The below mentioned article refers to the article posted by Malcolm Libera of on "businesstech.co.za" news website on the 02 Feb 2025, which refers to "Eskom’s warning to South Africans with rooftop solar: pay up, or be fined";

The article is not only misleading and disingenuous, but threatening and counter productive by default, albeit that your office is only the messenger of this information. I need to correct the narrative to I am open to correction and without getting into the "nitty gritty" detail.

I highlight the following main points for your benefit and offer a solution option with regards to the article.

The Core Issue of Eskom's Statement

Eskom’s statement that "this regulation applies even to those systems that do not feed electricity into the grid" is misleading.
The truth is that registration is only required for systems that feed electricity into the grid.
Eskom’s claim is part of their broader effort to ensure compliance with national electricity regulations and maintain grid stability. However, this does not apply to systems that are isolated from the grid or do not interact with it.

The Issue

Eskom requires home-owners with solar systems to register their installations only if the system feeds electricity into the grid. (However this not what the article conveys); What this means is:

If your solar system is grid-tied and capable of feeding power back into the grid, registration is mandatory.

If your system is isolated from the grid (e.g., through a "firewall" set-up) and does not feed power back into the grid, registration is not required.

Many home-owners are unaware of these rules or find the registration process cumbersome, especially for systems that do not interact with the grid.

Key Implications

Eskom’s argument:

Grid Stability and Safety: Eskom’s regulations aim to ensure that grid-tied solar systems do not destabilize the grid or pose safety risks.

Enforcement: Eskom can detect grid-tied systems through smart meters or inspections and impose fines for non-compliance.

Consumer Burden: Home-owners with grid-tied systems must hire qualified professionals to certify their systems and may face additional costs for inspections or upgrades (e.g., smart meters).

Eskom’s Consumer Options

Register Your System (If Grid-Tied):

If your solar system is grid-tied and capable of feeding power back into the grid, you must register it with Eskom.

Take advantage of the grace period until March 2026 to register without connection fees for systems below 50 kVA.

Ensure your system complies with safety and technical standards by hiring a qualified engineer or technologist.

Customer Options

Go Completely Off-Grid:

Disconnect your solar system from the grid entirely. This eliminates the need for registration, as Eskom’s regulations only apply to grid-tied systems.

Invest in sufficient battery storage and backup power sources to ensure energy independence.

Note: You must still comply with local electrical safety standards and municipal by-laws.

Use a Backup Inverter as a "Firewall":

Install at minimum a 1kW pure sine inverter with a battery array as a backup system. The inverter acts as a "firewall" between your solar system and the grid.

Connect the solar system to the 1kW inverter, which then supplies power to your home. This ensures that the solar system does not feed power into the grid and acts like any backup inverter connected to a 16A wall plug.

This set-up treats the solar system as an independent power source, similar to a generator, and avoids the need for registration.

Ensure the installation complies with local electrical safety standards.

Legal and Technical Considerations

No Grid Feedback, No Registration: If your system does not feed power into the grid (e.g., it is isolated by a "firewall" or uses a non-exporting inverter), it is not classified as a small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) system and does not require registration.

Enforcement Challenges: Eskom cannot detect or enforce compliance for systems that do not interact with the grid.

Safety First: Regardless of your chosen option, ensure your system is installed by a qualified professional and complies with local safety standards.
Proposed Solution: The "Firewall" Approach

How It Works:

Use a 1kW pure sine inverter and battery array as a backup system.
Configure your primary inverter to act as a "generator" connection.
Connect your solar system’s AC input to the 1kW inverter, which supplies power to your home.
The solar system is then isolated from the grid, and the 1kW inverter acts as a buffer.

Benefits:

Avoids the need for Eskom registration.
Provides backup power during load shedding or outages.
Treats the solar system as an independent power source, similar to a generator.

Requirements:

Ensure the system is properly sized (around 20% of your primary inverter’s capacity) and configured to meet your home’s energy needs.
Comply with local electrical safety standards

Conclusion

Home-owners have several options to navigate Eskom’s solar system regulations:

Register your system if it is grid-tied and capable of feeding power back into the grid.

Go completely off-grid to avoid registration entirely and monthly connection fees.

Use a backup inverter as a "firewall" to isolate your solar system from the grid and avoid registration.
The "firewall" approach is a practical and cost-effective solution for home-owners who want to use solar power without the burden of registration. However, always prioritize safety and compliance with local electrical standards.

Noteworthy points:

Eskom’s Enforcement Mechanisms

Eskom’s ability to enforce compliance depends on the system’s interaction with the grid:

Grid-Tied Systems: Eskom can detect grid-tied systems through smart meters or during routine inspections. Non-compliant systems may be flagged, and fines could be imposed.
Off-Grid or Non-Interactive Systems: Eskom has no direct way to monitor or enforce compliance for systems that do not interact with the grid. Enforcement would only occur if:
The system is discovered during an inspection.

The home-owner voluntarily discloses the system

During a property sale, or
Insurance application).

I look forward to your thoughts, comments and/or opinion.

 

[Lupus]

I wrote the below mentioned to the BUsinesstech News team, - NO RESPONSE. I think the media is aiding and abetting Eskoms campaign of soliciting fear and intimidation based on fear and threat of criminality. We enough said.

Dear News Team,

The below mentioned article refers to the article posted by Malcolm Libera of on "businesstech.co.za" news website on the 02 Feb 2025, which refers to "Eskom’s warning to South Africans with rooftop solar: pay up, or be fined";

The article is not only misleading and disingenuous, but threatening and counter productive by default, albeit that your office is only the messenger of this information. I need to correct the narrative to I am open to correction and without getting into the "nitty gritty" detail.

I highlight the following main points for your benefit and offer a solution option with regards to the article.

The Core Issue of Eskom's Statement

Eskom’s statement that "this regulation applies even to those systems that do not feed electricity into the grid" is misleading.
The truth is that registration is only required for systems that feed electricity into the grid.
Eskom’s claim is part of their broader effort to ensure compliance with national electricity regulations and maintain grid stability. However, this does not apply to systems that are isolated from the grid or do not interact with it.

The Issue

Eskom requires home-owners with solar systems to register their installations only if the system feeds electricity into the grid. (However this not what the article conveys); What this means is:

If your solar system is grid-tied and capable of feeding power back into the grid, registration is mandatory.

If your system is isolated from the grid (e.g., through a "firewall" set-up) and does not feed power back into the grid, registration is not required.

Many home-owners are unaware of these rules or find the registration process cumbersome, especially for systems that do not interact with the grid.

Key Implications

Eskom’s argument:

Grid Stability and Safety: Eskom’s regulations aim to ensure that grid-tied solar systems do not destabilize the grid or pose safety risks.

Enforcement: Eskom can detect grid-tied systems through smart meters or inspections and impose fines for non-compliance.

Consumer Burden: Home-owners with grid-tied systems must hire qualified professionals to certify their systems and may face additional costs for inspections or upgrades (e.g., smart meters).

Eskom’s Consumer Options

Register Your System (If Grid-Tied):

If your solar system is grid-tied and capable of feeding power back into the grid, you must register it with Eskom.

Take advantage of the grace period until March 2026 to register without connection fees for systems below 50 kVA.

Ensure your system complies with safety and technical standards by hiring a qualified engineer or technologist.

Customer Options

Go Completely Off-Grid:

Disconnect your solar system from the grid entirely. This eliminates the need for registration, as Eskom’s regulations only apply to grid-tied systems.

Invest in sufficient battery storage and backup power sources to ensure energy independence.

Note: You must still comply with local electrical safety standards and municipal by-laws.

Use a Backup Inverter as a "Firewall":

Install at minimum a 1kW pure sine inverter with a battery array as a backup system. The inverter acts as a "firewall" between your solar system and the grid.

Connect the solar system to the 1kW inverter, which then supplies power to your home. This ensures that the solar system does not feed power into the grid and acts like any backup inverter connected to a 16A wall plug.

This set-up treats the solar system as an independent power source, similar to a generator, and avoids the need for registration.

Ensure the installation complies with local electrical safety standards.

Legal and Technical Considerations

No Grid Feedback, No Registration: If your system does not feed power into the grid (e.g., it is isolated by a "firewall" or uses a non-exporting inverter), it is not classified as a small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) system and does not require registration.

Enforcement Challenges: Eskom cannot detect or enforce compliance for systems that do not interact with the grid.

Safety First: Regardless of your chosen option, ensure your system is installed by a qualified professional and complies with local safety standards.
Proposed Solution: The "Firewall" Approach

How It Works:

Use a 1kW pure sine inverter and battery array as a backup system.
Configure your primary inverter to act as a "generator" connection.
Connect your solar system’s AC input to the 1kW inverter, which supplies power to your home.
The solar system is then isolated from the grid, and the 1kW inverter acts as a buffer.

Benefits:

Avoids the need for Eskom registration.
Provides backup power during load shedding or outages.
Treats the solar system as an independent power source, similar to a generator.

Requirements:

Ensure the system is properly sized (around 20% of your primary inverter’s capacity) and configured to meet your home’s energy needs.
Comply with local electrical safety standards

Conclusion

Home-owners have several options to navigate Eskom’s solar system regulations:

Register your system if it is grid-tied and capable of feeding power back into the grid.

Go completely off-grid to avoid registration entirely and monthly connection fees.

Use a backup inverter as a "firewall" to isolate your solar system from the grid and avoid registration.
The "firewall" approach is a practical and cost-effective solution for home-owners who want to use solar power without the burden of registration. However, always prioritize safety and compliance with local electrical standards.

Noteworthy points:

Eskom’s Enforcement Mechanisms

Eskom’s ability to enforce compliance depends on the system’s interaction with the grid:

Grid-Tied Systems: Eskom can detect grid-tied systems through smart meters or during routine inspections. Non-compliant systems may be flagged, and fines could be imposed.
Off-Grid or Non-Interactive Systems: Eskom has no direct way to monitor or enforce compliance for systems that do not interact with the grid. Enforcement would only occur if:
The system is discovered during an inspection.

The home-owner voluntarily discloses the system

During a property sale, or
Insurance application).

I look forward to your thoughts, comments and/or opinion.

So probably the reason that the Axperts aren't on the CoCT approved list, as they cannot export

 

[Enzo Matrix]

I wrote the below mentioned to the BUsinesstech News team, - NO RESPONSE. I think the media is aiding and abetting Eskoms campaign of soliciting fear and intimidation based on fear and threat of criminality. We enough said.

Dear News Team,

The below mentioned article refers to the article posted by Malcolm Libera of on "businesstech.co.za" news website on the 02 Feb 2025, which refers to "Eskom’s warning to South Africans with rooftop solar: pay up, or be fined";

The article is not only misleading and disingenuous, but threatening and counter productive by default, albeit that your office is only the messenger of this information. I need to correct the narrative to I am open to correction and without getting into the "nitty gritty" detail.

I highlight the following main points for your benefit and offer a solution option with regards to the article.

The Core Issue of Eskom's Statement

Eskom’s statement that "this regulation applies even to those systems that do not feed electricity into the grid" is misleading.
The truth is that registration is only required for systems that feed electricity into the grid.
Eskom’s claim is part of their broader effort to ensure compliance with national electricity regulations and maintain grid stability. However, this does not apply to systems that are isolated from the grid or do not interact with it.

The Issue

Eskom requires home-owners with solar systems to register their installations only if the system feeds electricity into the grid. (However this not what the article conveys); What this means is:

If your solar system is grid-tied and capable of feeding power back into the grid, registration is mandatory.

If your system is isolated from the grid (e.g., through a "firewall" set-up) and does not feed power back into the grid, registration is not required.

Many home-owners are unaware of these rules or find the registration process cumbersome, especially for systems that do not interact with the grid.

Key Implications

Eskom’s argument:

Grid Stability and Safety: Eskom’s regulations aim to ensure that grid-tied solar systems do not destabilize the grid or pose safety risks.

Enforcement: Eskom can detect grid-tied systems through smart meters or inspections and impose fines for non-compliance.

Consumer Burden: Home-owners with grid-tied systems must hire qualified professionals to certify their systems and may face additional costs for inspections or upgrades (e.g., smart meters).

Eskom’s Consumer Options

Register Your System (If Grid-Tied):

If your solar system is grid-tied and capable of feeding power back into the grid, you must register it with Eskom.

Take advantage of the grace period until March 2026 to register without connection fees for systems below 50 kVA.

Ensure your system complies with safety and technical standards by hiring a qualified engineer or technologist.

Customer Options

Go Completely Off-Grid:

Disconnect your solar system from the grid entirely. This eliminates the need for registration, as Eskom’s regulations only apply to grid-tied systems.

Invest in sufficient battery storage and backup power sources to ensure energy independence.

Note: You must still comply with local electrical safety standards and municipal by-laws.

Use a Backup Inverter as a "Firewall":

Install at minimum a 1kW pure sine inverter with a battery array as a backup system. The inverter acts as a "firewall" between your solar system and the grid.

Connect the solar system to the 1kW inverter, which then supplies power to your home. This ensures that the solar system does not feed power into the grid and acts like any backup inverter connected to a 16A wall plug.

This set-up treats the solar system as an independent power source, similar to a generator, and avoids the need for registration.

Ensure the installation complies with local electrical safety standards.

Legal and Technical Considerations

No Grid Feedback, No Registration: If your system does not feed power into the grid (e.g., it is isolated by a "firewall" or uses a non-exporting inverter), it is not classified as a small-scale embedded generation (SSEG) system and does not require registration.

Enforcement Challenges: Eskom cannot detect or enforce compliance for systems that do not interact with the grid.

Safety First: Regardless of your chosen option, ensure your system is installed by a qualified professional and complies with local safety standards.
Proposed Solution: The "Firewall" Approach

How It Works:

Use a 1kW pure sine inverter and battery array as a backup system.
Configure your primary inverter to act as a "generator" connection.
Connect your solar system’s AC input to the 1kW inverter, which supplies power to your home.
The solar system is then isolated from the grid, and the 1kW inverter acts as a buffer.

Benefits:

Avoids the need for Eskom registration.
Provides backup power during load shedding or outages.
Treats the solar system as an independent power source, similar to a generator.

Requirements:

Ensure the system is properly sized (around 20% of your primary inverter’s capacity) and configured to meet your home’s energy needs.
Comply with local electrical safety standards

Conclusion

Home-owners have several options to navigate Eskom’s solar system regulations:

Register your system if it is grid-tied and capable of feeding power back into the grid.

Go completely off-grid to avoid registration entirely and monthly connection fees.

Use a backup inverter as a "firewall" to isolate your solar system from the grid and avoid registration.
The "firewall" approach is a practical and cost-effective solution for home-owners who want to use solar power without the burden of registration. However, always prioritize safety and compliance with local electrical standards.

Noteworthy points:

Eskom’s Enforcement Mechanisms

Eskom’s ability to enforce compliance depends on the system’s interaction with the grid:

Grid-Tied Systems: Eskom can detect grid-tied systems through smart meters or during routine inspections. Non-compliant systems may be flagged, and fines could be imposed.
Off-Grid or Non-Interactive Systems: Eskom has no direct way to monitor or enforce compliance for systems that do not interact with the grid. Enforcement would only occur if:
The system is discovered during an inspection.

The home-owner voluntarily discloses the system

During a property sale, or
Insurance application).

I look forward to your thoughts, comments and/or opinion.

What is you major malfunction?

 

[Eddy Bear]

Spot on point of view - same with MUST inverters - export disabled

 

[Eddy Bear]

What is you major malfunction?

"My major malfunction is dealing with questions like this."