Since mid-2022, when a sharp increase in loadshedding was
experienced nationwide, many residents in Mossel Bay opted to migrate to
renewable energy solutions. The Mossel Bay Municipality addressed frequently
asked questions about solar installations on several of its social media
platforms, through newsletters, and during interviews on local radio stations.
Although South Africa briefly experienced loadshedding in February, as of
January 21, 2025, the country had been without loadshedding for more than 300
days. This milestone had not been reached since June 2018.
The following information covers the most important issues
regarding solar installations from a building control perspective. This forms
part of a transcription of a radio interview with Director Carel Venter
(Planning and Economic Development) and Morné Olivier (Senior Manager:
Electrical Services), which was broadcast in October 2023 and has been updated,
where applicable.
BUILDING CONTROL
Q: Must plans be submitted for solar installations?
A: Yes, plans must be submitted for solar panels, regardless of when they were erected or installed.
Q: Is there a deadline for the submission of solar panel installations, and how long does the approval process take?
A: Homeowners who have already installed or intend installing solar panel installations are encouraged to submit the building plan application at their earliest convenience. The municipality is " fast tracking" solar applications, but the average approval period is about 30 days after payment reflects in the municipal account.
Q: Is a structural engineers appointment required by the municipality?
A: It depends on the type of installation. For a standard, flush-mounted roof installation, the municipality does not request the appointment of an engineer for the submission of an application. However, it remains the responsibility of the owner to ensure the existing roof structure will be able to accommodate any additional weight caused by the solar panel installation.
Q: What processes are involved in making a submission to install solar panels?
A: It is important to understand there are two processes for submission of solar panels. One is a Small-Scale Embedded Generation ( SSEG) application, which is submitted with the municipality's electricity department. The second process is the submission of plans with the building control department. These processes can be run concurrently.
Q: What is required for a solar panel submission?
A: A minor works application form; a power of attorney form should someone else submit the plans on behalf of the owner; and lastly two sets of planning showing:
- A drawing title containing the description of work erf number and suburb, name of registered owner(s), and signature of the owner(s) or representative.
- A site plan indicating the erf boundaries, prescribed building lines; outline of existing structure(s) on the site and position of proposed solar panels and associated systems indicated in red.
- The height of the panels above the roof, which is limited to 1m.
- If panels are mounted to a structure, details of this structure must be provided.
Please note, if the owner of the property is a trust or company, the relevant documentation must be provided as stated on application forms.
Q: Are there any additional requirements that homeowners should take into account of?
A: If your property is in homeowners association, or body corporate, their approval must first be obtained with a stamp of approval as endorsement of the plans. Furthermore, if the property is within Mossel Bay heritage area, o a heritage listed building, the application must be approved by the local Heritage committee and possibly Heritage Western Cape.
Q: What will all this cost?
A: The submission of solar panel applications cost R585.
Q: What happens after the plans are submitted?
A: After the plans have been submitted, and paid, they are reviewed by all relevant departments for approval or outstanding comments. Should there be unfavourable comments from any department, a letter of outstanding comment will be sent to the applicant to do the necessary corrections. Once everything is in order, and all departments recommend the application for approval, the application will be sent for final approval.
Q: After a plan has been approved, is it the end of the process?
A: After plans have been approved, the owner must contact the relevant building inspector for their area for the completion of the application. The building inspector will guide the owner through what is required at this final stage of the application.
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
From an electrical services perspective, the three most important things to remember when opting for renewable energy solutions, are the following:
1. Before installation, ensure that your solar PV system is authorised by the municipality.
2. Make sure your installer uses an approved inverter that has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it's not a safety risk to the grid, electrical staff, and the people inside the building.
3. For your protection, solar PV system must have an electrical Certificate of Compliance issued on completion.
The following steps describe the application process.
Step 1:
- Complete the SSEG application form and submit it at admin@mosselbay.gov.za. Please ensure that the Single Line Diagram (SLF) and municipal account of the client is attached.
- Make sure that the inverter that will be installed appears on the list of inverters approved by NRS 097-2-1.
- If the inverter is not NRS 097-2-1 approved, a Ziehl relay must be installed in order to ensure safe automatic disconnection from the municipal grid when conditions require it.
- If the SSEG installation will include photo volcanic panels, contact Shaun Westerberg from the Building Control Department to obtain a minor building application at (044 606 5246) or swesterberg@mosselbay.gov.za. Assistance will be offered offered regarding building requirements and the cost involved.
Step 2:
- Once the above-mentioned conditions are met and the application has been processed and approved by the Mossel Bay Municipality, a letter of approval will be sent to the applicant. Once the letter of approval has been received, he SSEG installation can commence.
- Upon completion of the installation, a new Certificate of Compliance and a commissioning report can be submitted at admin@mosselbay.gov.za.
The commissioning report mentioned must be completed and signed off by one of the following persons:
- A PV green card holder (SAPVIA) - up to 30KW installation.
- P4 qualification (AREP)- up to 30KW installation.
- ECSA registered engineer- any size of installation.
- ECSA registered technologist- any size of installation.
Please note: The installer can also complete the documents on behalf of the property owner. It is important to remember that equipment should not be purchased prior to obtaining written approval from the municipality, since approval of the application is not guaranteed. The Mossel Bay municipality will not be held liable for any equipment costs incurred where approval has been denied.
CONTACT US.
Should members of the public require any additional information, please contact the Building Control Department (044 606 5073) and the Infrastructure Services Department ( 044 606 6076)
The following documents are applicable:
- Approved PV inverter list.
- Mossel Bay Policy For Embedded Generation.
- Mossel Bay SSED Application form.
- Mossel Bay SSEG Commissioning Report.
