Compliance · 2026-02-10
Understanding SSEG Registration in South Africa
What Small-Scale Embedded Generation registration means for SA rooftop solar — high-level steps, metering and why municipalities care.
If your solar system connects to the municipal or Eskom grid, you are usually entering the world of Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG). This article explains the idea in plain language. It is not legal advice and processes differ by distributor.
Why municipalities require SSEG registration
Distributed solar changes reverse power flows, protection settings and revenue. Distributors want approved inverters, safe isolation, and metering that can measure import and export.
Typical high-level steps
- Choose equipment that appears on relevant approval lists where your metro requires them.
- Submit an SSEG application with single-line diagrams and installer details.
- Install bi-directional / appropriate metering when required.
- Commission, obtain a Certificate of Compliance (CoC), and complete registration before exporting.
Net-billing context
NERSA has established net-billing related rules that influence how export credits are designed. Municipalities publish their own tariff schedules — export credits are often based on avoided-cost logic and can be much lower than the retail rate you pay to import. Self-consumption therefore remains the primary savings lever for most homes.
What to ask your installer
- Is SSEG application included in the quote?
- Who pays for meter changes?
- Can the system run backup loads during outages while remaining compliant when the grid returns?
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