The Calculations

Rooftop solar installations done by individuals from 1st March 2023 will qualify for a 25% rebate on the cost of new or unused solar panels – up to a maximum rebate of R15,000.

You’ll need to spend at least R60,000 on panels alone in order to claim the max of R15,000.

Importantly this excludes the cost of the inverter and batteries to complete the solar system.

While the idea of the incentive may be appealing, the tax benefit is minimal.

How will you receive the tax rebate?

There are two ways to claim the rebate:

1. If you are employed, you must include this in your income tax return for the year ending 28 February 2024 (from 1 July 2024).
2. If you are a provisional taxpayer, you will need to deduct this in your provision tax returns (February and August 2023) and in the final income tax return for the year (tax seasons opens July 2024).

It’s important to note that you must pay income tax to receive the income tax rebate.

T&C’s

• SARS will be verifying the info from solar installers.
• Only new and unused solar panels will qualify, and they can be installed as part of a new installation or as an addition to your existing solar system.
• Solar panels must have a minimum capacity of 275W per panel.
• The solar panels must be installed at a primary residence that is mainly used for domestic purposes.
• Installation must be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Compliance (COC) to ensure safety compliance.
• Solar panels must be part of a system connected to the residence.
• Solar panel costs will be eligible for rebates from 1 March 2023.