Homeowners warned of financial consequences of rooftop solar systems

Energy experts are warning homeowners of the financial consequences of having rooftop solar systems that comply with regulations but are not registered with Eskom.

It comes as the power utility and municipalities ramp up efforts to enforce stricter controls on solar systems tied to the grid.

Energy expert Chris Yelland says a significant number of homeowners have not applied for permission for their solar rooftop systems to connect to the network.

Yelland adds that while these measures are aimed at ensuring improved grid safety, some see them as efforts by Eskom to keep revenue control.

“If the right safety procedures haven’t been followed on a rooftop, solar PV and battery installation, it can in some circumstances present some dangers to Eskom and municipal staff that are working on the distribution lines. So, there are reasons why these rules exist, although many of them, I think, it is true to say that they were there to try and inhibit users,” says Yelland.