SSEG or small scale embedded generator is the term used for any power plant, should it be a stand-by generator for back-up use or a solar system with inverter and batteries for back-up. Municipal council and Eskom require by law that any SSEG connected to the grid supply must be registered with them. This is to ensure the installation is done correctly and safe and according to code. The system must have an anti-islanding function that will ensure that no power can flow back into the national grid while there is a power failure or during load shedding. This would include any system connected to the national grid in any way even if it is just for back-up power.

The extraction below is from Bitou council:

• Customers found to have illegally connected an SSEG installation to the municipal electrical network (either before or after their electricity meter) shall be instructed to have the installation disconnected from the municipal electrical network. Should the customer fail to have the SSEG disconnected from the municipal electrical network, the Municipality shall disconnect the electricity supply to the property.
• The municipality encourages customers installing solar PV SSEG to use industry accredited installers under a third party quality assurance such as PV Green Card: A SAPVIA (South African Photovoltaic Association) endorsed programme to ensure the quality and safety of PV installations. pvgreencard.co.za.

The further benefit of registering your SSEG with your utility supplier and PV green card is that your insurance will cover all equipment and the installation in the event of natural disasters, equipment failure and surge damage from the grid supply.

The registration also then gives the option to reverse feed into the grid should the rates given by utility supplier be viable and you have the correct hybrid or grid-tied inverter installed. You can then save daily by feeding into the grid and using that power at night when solar is not available.

For the resale of any property it is mandatory to have a COC or PV green card registration for the solar system installed, similar to an electrical and gas COC.