Frequently Asked Questions

In South Africa, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required for certain types of commercial, institutional and public-sector buildings that are larger than the minimum floor area thresholds defined in SANS 1544.

Buildings that meet the following criteria must have EPC’s:
  • Buildings of the following occupancy classes
    • A1: Entertainment and public assembly
    • A2 : Theatrical and indoor sport
    • A3 : Places of instruction
    • G1 : Offices
  • Public buildings: Buildings that are owned, operated, or occupied by an organ of state- greater than 1000m²
  • Private buildings: Buildings not owned, operated, or occupied by an organ of state greater than 2000m²
  • Existing buildings: Buildings that have been in operation for 2 years or longer and have not been subjected to a major renovation or change of occupancy within the year before assessment period.

If the building meets the criteria and falls into one of the prescribed categories, the owner must obtain a valid EPC issued by a SANEDI-registered EPC Professional.
SSEG (Small-Scale Embedded Generation) refers to small electricity-generating systems — such as solar PV, small wind turbines, or hybrid systems — that are installed on a property and connected to the municipality’s or Eskom’s electrical grid.
If an SSEG system is grid-tied (even if you export nothing), it usually requires:
  • Municipal or Eskom registration
  • Compliance documentation and inspection reports
  • Metering updates (in some cities)

Registration is a prerequisite if you want to export electric to the grid.
The timeline depends on:
  • Size of the building
  • Availability and quality of utility and floor-area data
  • Access for on-site assessments

Typical timelines:
  • Simple buildings: 1–2 weeks
  • Large or complex buildings: 3–6 weeks
  • SANEDI submission: Usually processed shortly after certification

Providing complete utility data upfront significantly shortens the process.
Grid-tied SSEG applications typically require:
  1. Single-line diagram (SLD)
  2. Inverter specifications and compliance certificates
  3. Solar panel datasheets
  4. Installation details and system layout
  5. SSEG application forms
  6. Proof of property ownership or authority to install
  7. Pr. Eng. sign-off (if applicable)
  8. Final commissioning report and test certificate (e.g. EGI report)

    9. The exact checklist depends on system type, size, and export capability.