Thinking about solar or a home battery in Cape Town? Before your system can be switched on, it has to be authorised by the City. This is called SSEG registration, and it's one of the most common things homeowners ask us about. Here's what it is, how it works and why it matters.
What Is SSEG?
SSEG stands for small-scale embedded generation. The City of Cape Town uses it for any generating system smaller than 1 MVA that's connected to its electricity grid, and rooftop solar PV is by far the most common type. According to the City, all solar PV systems installed in its electricity supply area must be authorised. Registration is legally required under the City's Electricity Supply By-Law, 2010.
Does It Apply to Batteries Too?
Yes. Since 1 October 2023, the City treats all new solar PV and battery systems as grid-tied. They must use City-approved inverters, have professional sign-off and be authorised before they're switched on. The City no longer accepts new applications for standby or off-grid systems. So whether you're adding a Tesla Powerwall 3, a Sigenergy system or a full solar and battery package, registration is part of the job.
How the Process Works
Applications are now made online through the City's Energy Services platform on e-Services. According to the City, the steps are:
- Apply. The application includes the technical details of the system, plus the details of the electrical contractor and the ECSA-registered professional (a registered engineer or technologist).
- Permission to Install. Once the application is submitted, the City issues a Permission to Install (PTI) letter. The system can now be installed, but not switched on.
- Install and sign off. After installation, the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) and a signed Supplemental Contract are uploaded, and the ECSA-registered professional signs off the commissioning report.
- Commissioning letter. The City issues a Commissioning Letter, and only then can the system be switched on.
Property owners can log in at any time to check the status of the application. There's no charge to register; the City only charges a fee if a system isn't registered.
What Happens If You Don't Register?
The City warns that an unauthorised system can increase the risk of fire, can endanger people if it feeds onto the grid during an outage, and can cause problems on the grid. Properties with unregistered systems can be issued a contravention notice and a service fee, and be told to disconnect the system within five working days, provide a CoC, register within one month and finish the authorisation within three months. Failing to comply can lead to the property's electricity supply being disconnected.
It's also worth knowing that if your property is in Eskom's area of supply rather than the City's, you apply to Eskom for consent to connect instead. Other municipalities have their own rules, so always check with your installer.
How MLT Power Handles It for You
With MLT Power, you don't have to deal with the paperwork yourself. Certification is included on every home solar system and commercial solar project we install:
- SSEG council approval, applied for and tracked by our team
- Certificate of Compliance from a registered electrician
- Engineer sign-off on the commissioning
Our installed package prices include VAT, installation, certification and council registration, so there are no surprises at the end. One of our clients put it simply in a Google review: "New online SSEG registration through them worked well too."
Already Have an Unregistered System?
If you have an older system that was never registered, it's better to sort it out before the City finds it. Get in touch and we'll look at what's needed to bring it into line.
Why MLT Power
MLT Power is a family business founded in 1986, with more than 1,000 installations across Cape Town and Gauteng. We're a Tesla Premium Installer, South Africa's first installer of the full Tesla range, and a Sigenergy Certified Installer.
Send us your latest electricity bill and we'll design a system with a free, fixed-price quote, with the City approval handled for you.
Ready to go solar?
Send us your latest electricity bill and we'll design a system and fixed price for your home or business.