SSEG registration in Cape Town
If your solar system is connected to the municipal grid, it must be registered with the City of Cape Town as a Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) system. We handle the application, the documentation and the compliance work, for new installations and systems already on your roof.
What is SSEG?
Small-Scale Embedded Generation covers electricity generation on your property that runs alongside the municipal supply: typically solar PV, battery systems and hybrid inverters.
Because these systems operate in parallel with the grid, the City requires them to be authorised. Registration confirms that approved equipment is used, that the installation is safe for occupants and municipal workers, and that grid stability is protected. Unregistered grid-connected systems can be treated as non-compliant, with the risk of penalties or disconnection.
The application process
- 1System design and engineering documentation, including the single-line diagram
- 2Submission of the SSEG application to the City
- 3Review and approval by the municipality
- 4Installation of the solar PV system
- 5Submission of the Certificate of Compliance and test reports
- 6Final municipal approval and commissioning. Some sites also need an inspection or meter upgrade.
Already installed, but not registered?
Many systems went in before the requirements were widely understood. It is usually still possible to get them approved. We assess the system against current requirements, upgrade equipment where needed, prepare the documentation and submit the application.
If the system has no valid CoC, we inspect it and do any corrective work first. See CoC for solar systems.
Commercial systems over 100 kW
Larger systems fall into a higher SSEG category with more requirements. We have taken commercial systems through this process, including a 200 kWp rooftop in Paarden Island registered under category A3.
Exporting power to the grid
Cape Town property owners may be able to export surplus solar power and be credited on their municipal account. To export, the system must be fully registered and approved, use a City-approved inverter, and have an approved bi-directional or AMI meter installed.
SSEG questions
Does my system need SSEG registration?
Most grid-connected solar systems on residential, commercial and industrial properties do. We can confirm what applies to yours.
Can you register a system someone else installed?
Yes. We inspect it, put right anything that doesn't meet the requirements, and then handle the CoC and the application.
Do I need a new meter?
Only if you want to export power, or if the City requires it for your connection. An approved bi-directional or AMI meter is needed for export.
Need your system registered?
Send us your inverter make and a photo of the installation, and we'll tell you what it needs.