Stage Zero simplifies solar compliance: Everything you need to know about SSEG, regulations, and insurance

Navigating the world of solar energy in South Africa requires more than just selecting the right panels and inverters. 

Most importantly, it requires a thorough understanding of regulatory compliance and insurance considerations. 

Fortunately, Stage Zero is there to simplify this process while ensuring that every step aligns with national standards while safeguarding your investment.

• For more information about Stage Zero, click here.

Understanding SSEG systems

Small scale embedded generation (SSEG) systems generate electricity, typically via solar panels, primarily for use on-site, with the potential to feed surplus power back into the municipal grid. 

In South Africa, registering these systems is mandatory to ensure grid stability, safety, and compliance.

What you need to know about compliance

• Approved inverters: Only NRS 097-2-1 type-approved inverters may be used for solar installations—whether off-grid, hybrid, or grid-tied, with or without solar panels. Many municipalities, including the City of Cape Town, maintain a list of approved inverters, and all electricity distributors require compliance with this standard. 
• Certifications required: Every solar installation must have a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by a qualified electrical contractor registered with the Department of Employment and Labour. This certificate confirms that the installation meets all necessary safety and technical standards. Additionally, an electrical engineer must verify and approve that the installed system meets the design criteria. 
• Structural sign-off for large systems: For roofs with 14 or more panels, a civil engineer must approve the structural design to ensure the roof can support the weight of the solar panels. However, structural sign-off is only required in certain municipalities when the PV array exceeds 20kWp.
• PV registration: Before installation, it’s also essential to obtain approval from your local municipality or Eskom, depending on your service provider. This step ensures that your system complies with local regulations and can be safely integrated into the existing grid.
• National standards: All solar installations must comply with South African National Standards (SANS) and the NERSA Grid Code, which set out the safety and technical requirements for connecting renewable energy systems to the grid.
• Solar Panel Certification: Photovoltaic panels must be tested and certified to IEC 61215 and 61730 by an authorised independent test laboratory.
• Qualified installers: Only accredited professionals should undertake solar installations. Insurers often require that installations be performed by certified installers to ensure safety and compliance.
• Grid-tied systems and metering: If you plan to export surplus energy back to the grid, you’ll need a bi-directional meter upgrade and a tariff change from your electricity provider.
• Battery charging limits: To comply with national regulations (specifically NRS 097-2-3), your battery charging rate must not exceed 25% of your grid connection size. This is to prevent overloading the grid after load shedding, especially during high-demand periods.
• Solar system insurance: Installing a solar system means updating your insurance policy to cover theft, damage, and compliance-related risks. Without proper coverage, insurers may refuse to pay out in the event of a fire if the system isn’t compliant. A valid CoC is usually required for insurance approval.
• Landlord approval for renters: If you’re renting a property, you’ll need written approval from your landlord before installing a solar system. This ensures compliance with lease agreements and avoids potential disputes.

Stage Zero takes care of all of the above on your behalf. Our goal is to remove complexity and ensure every system is safe, compliant, and worry-free from day one.

The role of insurance

Protecting your solar investment is crucial. As mentioned, most insurers mandate that systems be installed by accredited professionals and possess a valid CoC to qualify for coverage.

Failure to comply can lead to denied claims or increased premiums.

With Stage Zero, all installations meet insurance requirements from day one, ensuring that customers never have to worry about compliance-related claim rejections.

How Stage Zero simplifies the process

We recognise the complexities of regulatory compliance and insurance requirements.

From the moment you sign up with Stage Zero, our approach is designed to eliminate the typical challenges of moving to solar—so you can focus on the benefits, not the bureaucracy.

“We built a fully integrated model to remove the hurdles that traditionally make solar inaccessible,” says Abraham van der Merwe, CEO of Stage Zero.

“From navigating municipal approvals to ensuring seamless installation, our goal has always been to provide a service where customers experience real savings—without the complexity.”

So, what does that mean for you?

End-to-end compliance management: Stage Zero handles the entire SSEG registration and approval process, liaising with municipalities and Eskom to ensure your system meets all national standards. Whether it’s obtaining pre-approval or securing compliance certificates, we take care of it for you.

Certified installations: Solar installations must comply with the Electricity Regulation Act, municipal by-laws, and SANS national standards—but you don’t have to figure that out yourself. Our team of accredited professionals ensures every installation is done to the highest industry standards, providing peace of mind and seamless insurance coverage.

Proactive maintenance, and support: Unlike traditional solar providers that install and walk away, Stage Zero remains actively involved in your system’s performance:

• Automatic panel cleaning to maintain maximum efficiency.
• 24/7 monitoring and proactive support to detect and resolve issues before they become a problem.
• Smart battery management that adapts to your energy needs and weather conditions.
• Instant swap-outs of faulty or end-of-life equipment—at no additional cost to you.
• And for your peace of mind, all your compliance documentation is securely stored and accessible at any time in the Stage Zero Customer Zone.

“We don’t just sell solar; we provide a reliable, long-term energy service,” Abraham explains. “If your system isn’t working efficiently, that’s on us—not you. That’s why we proactively maintain and upgrade our equipment, ensuring our customers always have a seamless experience.”

By removing the complexity and handling everything in-house, Stage Zero makes moving to solar easy, affordable, and risk-free.

Embarking on a solar journey in South Africa involves navigating a landscape of regulations and insurance considerations.

With Stage Zero, you get a partner who simplifies this process while ensuring that every aspect of your solar installation is compliant, insured, and optimised for performance.

For more information about Stage Zero, click here.

Trust Stage Zero to light your path to sustainable energy.