What are the rules of installing solar panels on residential estates in South Africa

As the world embraces renewable energy sources, solar power has emerged as a popular choice for homeowners seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their electricity costs.

South Africa is no exception and residential estates are increasingly adopting solar energy solutions to harnes the abundant sunlight the country enjoys.  

However, before installing such panels on residential estates it’s important to consider the rules.  

 Consult or create body corporate rules 

Andrew Middleton, CEO of GoSolr, says: ‘The body corporate or homeowners association of the estate should ensure there is an enabling framework in place that communicates minimum standards for installations to ensure quality, alignment with any aesthetic requirements and safe installations. Where required such framework should provide clarity on areas designated for solar panel installations and how these should be installed (this is likely influenced by architectural guidelines) but also who the responsibility lies with for maintenance, insurance, etc.’ 

Dominique dHotman, ooba Group’s chief strategy officer and head of ooba Solar, adds: ‘For estate managers that have not yet developed policies, it would be important to consider the desired aesthetic of installed systems. 

There are different types of panes for example and the estate might require that only specific forms and finishes are allowable.  In scenarios where all units in the estate are built to a specific specification, there could also be design recommendations provided to residents as to the most suitable installation configurations and if there are preferred providers that are allowed to perform the installation.’ 

Get approval from the municipality

In addition to HOA permission, permits may be needed from the local municipality. Murray Crow, managing director of Electrolux explains: ‘For City of Cape Town: all residential solar PV installations (referred to as SSEG or Small-Scale Embedded Generation) require pre-approval by the municipality.
For most other municipalities in South Africa: all grid-tied residential solar PV installations require pre-approval by the relevant municipality. Off-grid residential solar PV installations typically only require registration, which can be done after installation.’

Get a nod from residents 

For bigger installations, it’s important to get pre-approval from as many residents on the estate as possible. Middleton says: ‘There needs to be a central application and approval process which ensures consistency and affords each resident an equal voice in the voting process. Consent thus should be facilitated through the body corporate or homeowners association, aligned with specific protocols/requirements as prescribed by the association and applicable regulations