Cape Town has seen a surge in applications from households looking to capitalize on their excess solar power generation. A total of 432 households have applied to participate in the city’s innovative program, allowing them to sell surplus solar energy back to the municipality in exchange for cash rewards and bill credits.
Following the closure of the first window for residential seller applications in March, Cape Town has emerged as the first metro in South Africa to facilitate the sale of excess solar PV power from small-scale generators. Under this initiative, households have the opportunity to not only offset their municipal bills but also earn additional income by selling their surplus solar energy.
Businesses have been benefiting from this program since June 2023, and now households have the chance to join in on the opportunity to earn cash for their power contributions. The Cash for Power program has already proven to be successful, with over R30.8 million earned by businesses and households since the start of the 2022/23 financial year until April 1, 2024.
Of the 1,537 sellers currently benefiting from the program, 910 are residential and 627 are commercial/industrial. The program’s success has been attributed to key policy changes, including the ability to credit the total municipal bill and offer cash payouts to participants.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed excitement over the growing interest in the program, highlighting the positive impact it has on both the city’s grid and the pockets of Capetonians. He emphasized the city’s commitment to purchasing as much solar power as households and businesses can provide, further contributing to the city’s energy resilience.
Residential power sellers interested in earning cash for their excess solar power are encouraged to apply during the second application window, with dates to be announced soon. The process has been made easier with the launch of a new online portal, simplifying the registration of solar PV systems.
For those interested in participating, the City has provided clear instructions on how to authorize solar PV systems online and apply for the Cash for Power program. With the opportunity to earn cash for their renewable energy contributions, Cape Town residents are embracing sustainability while reaping financial rewards.
