 | Compliance with inverter, solar panel and battery installations
07 February 2025 | Press Releases |
7 February 2025
Drakenstein Municipality has received a number of enquiries by residents regarding the Municipality’s amnesty period for submitting building plans for inverter, solar panel and battery installations at their properties.
It is important to note that the National Building Regulations require the submission of building plans for inverter, solar panel and battery installations.
After legal consultation, Drakenstein Municipality has decided on the following:
• The requirement for building plan submissions for inverter, solar panel and battery installations is suspended with immediate effect; and
• Homeowners who do submit building plans to comply with the requirements of their respective insurance companies, will not be required to pay an administrative penalty fee.
It is, however, important that residents who install inverters, solar panels and batteries take note of the following:
1. Heritage Western Cape requires sketch plans for minor works for buildings older than 60 years;
2. Reputable installers should be used, and you should insist on a valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance (COC);
3. It is advisable to consult your short-term insurer to understand any conditions and obligations regarding inverter, solar panel and battery installations; and
4. Homeowners’ associations may have specific and varying rules for inverter, solar panel and battery installations.
It has also come to the Municipality’s attention that certain parties or service providers are abusing social media platforms to spread false information to property owners for their own financial gain, which is irresponsible and confusing.
Property owners with Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems should note that they need to apply to the Municipality’s Electro-Technical Services division at energy@drakenstein.gov.za. SSEG systems are inverters with solar panels and/or batteries that can be programmed to utilise power for own use or to generate excess energy into the municipal grid. Such installations must be registered with the Municipality to ensure the safety of the utility’s staff, the public and the user of the SSEG system.
The following are required when submitting an SSEG application to the Electro-Technical Services division:
1. The application must be prepared by an electrical engineer who is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA);
2. The property owner’s identity document and municipal account;
3. The location of the premises where the installation is due to take place;
4. A single-line diagram containing key information on installation details;
5. The necessary specifications in terms of solar panel, battery and inverter equipment; and
6. An NRS097 (National Rationalised Specifications) certificate.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
