 | Solar panel installation legislation in Drakenstein remains unchanged
16 September 2024 | Press Releases |
16 September 2024
Drakenstein Municipality (covering Paarl, Wellington, Mbekweni, Gouda, Saron, Hermon and Simondium in the Western Cape) wants to reassure its residents and businesses that the installation process for alternative energy solutions in Drakenstein has not changed, as incorrectly stated in a local newspaper on 12 September 2024.
It appears that the article was placed by a private entity as a business advertisement.
The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (103 of 1977) has been in effect since 1 September 1985. The Drakenstein Municipal Building Control Bylaw: 2020 has been in effect since gazetted in March 2020.
The Municipality is indeed making sure that this legislation is enforced strictly to ensure high standards and overall safety. The Municipality applies the South African National Standards (SANS), the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (103 of 1977), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993) and the regulations made thereunder, as well as the Municipality's relevant policies and bylaws.
Submit a building plan and Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) application before installation
Before the installation of a solar panel and battery backup system, consumers must submit an SSEG and building plan application for approval. This application must be prepared by an electrical engineer who is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), and a building plan draftsman who is registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).
The application should include:
- the consumer's identity document and municipal account;
- the location of the premises where the installation will take place;
- a single-line diagram containing key information on installation details;
- the necessary specifications in terms of solar panel, battery, and inverter equipment;
- confirmation by a structural engineer that the roof structure is designed for the additional weight (where solar panels are included in the installation); and
- an NRS097 certificate (National Rationalised Specifications).
The application process further requires that the current electricity meter be converted to a smart meter designed for two-way readings, specifically for the purpose of feeding electricity back into the municipal grid.
For buildings that are over 60 years old or that are located in the Special Character Overlay Zone (Wellington or Paarl), the consumer must apply to the Drakenstein Heritage Committee for comment or approval. The application may also require approval from other heritage bodies registered with Heritage Western Cape. Understanding these requirements in advance can therefore help to speed up the approval process of the building plan.
Before the alternative energy installation is switched on, a copy of a certificate of compliance and an occupation certificate must be handed over to the Municipality, which will be supported by a contract concluded with the Municipal Council, as well as a final approved letter confirming that the process is complete.
No discussion or agreement of an exemption period
There has been no discussion or agreement of an exemption period with respect to Solar PV installations, as it remains an offence if carried out without the necessary approvals by the Local Authority, as described in Section 4 of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (103 of 1977) as amended.
The cost per installation varies according to the size of the alternative energy installation and supply to the premises. The current applicable investigation fee for a solar panel installation submission is R935. Please note that rates are reviewed annually and are implemented from 1 July each year.
Fines may be levied for consumers who have not received prior approval from Drakenstein Municipality, as contained in the approved tariffs of the Municipality.
This summary provides general requirements, but it should be kept in mind that each application is unique and additional legislation may apply in some cases.
For more information, please contact the Municipality's Electro-Technical Services at Energy@drakenstein.gov.za or call 021 807 4660.
[ENDS]
Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
