To lease or not lease: Regulatory requirements of rooftop solar projects

The upfront cost of solar rooftop systems can, however, be substantial for consumers and small businesses, making it a barrier for widespread adoption. However, the solar sector has come up with innovative solutions to make it more accessible to consumers. One such solution is offering solar systems on a lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) basis. In a lease arrangement, consumers pay a monthly fee to use the solar system, whilst in a PPA, they agree to purchase the energy generated by the system at a predetermined rate. This allows consumers to access the benefits of solar energy without incurring the upfront cost, and provides a more affordable and accessible solution to the energy crisis in Southern Africa.

In this article, we will explore the regulations that govern the leasing of solar rooftop plants to consumers or small businesses.