Eskom has introduced a set of changes to help households with rooftop solar panels — or any home solar power system — register more easily and at no cost.
Eskom reveals new details about homes with solar power
These changes are aimed at people who still use Eskom electricity but also have small solar setups that can produce power.
If your household is connected to Eskom and you’ve installed a solar system that’s less than 50 kilovolt-amperes (kVA) — which is the case for most home users — you don’t have to pay anything to register.
There are also no costs for a smart meter or connection.
This offer will run until the end of March 2026.
That smart meter is important. It’s bi-directional, which means it can measure how much electricity your home takes from Eskom and how much your solar system sends back to Eskom.
This lets you earn credit for the power you give back to the grid — which can reduce your monthly electricity bill.
According to Eskom, this new offer can help households save up to R9,132 in one-off costs, like connection fees and meter installation.
If your home hasn’t yet installed solar panels but is planning to, the offer still applies — you’ll pay nothing if your system is under 50kVA and installed before the March 2026 deadline.
Eskom is also giving every registered solar home access to a pricing system called the “Homeflex tariff.”
This tariff gives you credits for every unit of electricity you send back to the grid. While you’ll still pay a fixed monthly charge of R368 for backup services and admin, your credits from solar exports can help lower your bill.
How to register for Homeflex tariff
To register, Eskom says it’s as simple as sending an email to your local Eskom office (for example, [email protected] with “#Applications” in the subject line).
You don’t need to pay anything upfront if your system is under 50kVA.
It’s also important to note that if your home is completely off-grid — meaning it doesn’t connect to Eskom’s power lines at all — you don’t need to register.
But you’ll need to show proof that your system is fully independent.
Eskom has also launched a tool to help customers calculate how much they could save.
The Small Power User tool is available on the Eskom website and shows how much money you can save by using solar and switching to the Homeflex tariff.
The new policy also includes safety rules.
Anyone installing a solar power system must make sure it’s done safely and legally. This includes getting certified wiring, using approved equipment, and having a professional sign off on the installation.
In short, Eskom is now making it cheaper and easier for homes with solar panels to become legal, stay safe, and earn money back — while helping reduce strain on the national electricity grid.