Load shedding has become a fact of life for South Africans. Whether it’s Stage 2 or Stage 6, the impact on homes, businesses, and daily routines is real and costly. Solar power has emerged as the most practical long-term solution — but is it the right choice for you? This guide breaks down exactly what solar can and can’t do during load shedding, and what it will cost.
What Happens to Your Solar System During Load Shedding?
This is the most common question we get:
will my solar system keep working when the power goes out? The answer depends on the type of system you have:
Grid-tied only (no battery) — Shuts down automatically during load shedding. This is a safety requirement — without batteries, a grid-tied inverter cannot operate when the grid is down.
Hybrid with battery backup — Continues to run during load shedding. Your inverter automatically switches to battery and solar power within milliseconds — most appliances won’t even notice the switch. For load shedding protection, you need a
hybrid inverter with battery storage.
How Long Will My Battery Last During Load Shedding?
Battery backup duration depends on two factors: battery capacity and how much power your appliances are drawing. Here’s a practical guide for a typical South African home during a 2.5-hour load shedding slot:
| Battery Size |
Essential Appliances Only |
Normal Usage |
| 1 × Pylontech US5000 (4.8kWh) |
4–5 hours |
1.5–2 hours |
| 2 × Pylontech US5000 (9.6kWh) |
8–10 hours |
3–4 hours |
| 3 × Pylontech US5000 (14.4kWh) |
12–15 hours |
5–6 hours |
Essential appliances: lights, TV, router, phone charging, fridge. Normal usage includes additional items like a kettle, microwave, or washing machine. For most South African households experiencing 2–4 hour load shedding slots,
1–2 Pylontech batteries is sufficient.
What’s the Best Coverage Type for Load Shedding?
When getting a solar quote, you’ll typically be asked what type of coverage you need. Here’s what each option means in practice:
Load Shedding Only — The most cost-effective option. Your system is sized to cover load shedding outages only. During normal grid operation, you use a combination of solar and grid power. Best payback period: 5–9 years.
Day Use + Backup — A medium-sized battery bank covers your daytime usage from solar and provides backup during load shedding. Higher upfront cost but greater energy independence.
24/7 Full Coverage — Designed to run your home entirely from solar and batteries, with the grid as a last resort. Highest cost, best for those wanting maximum independence from Eskom. For most South Africans,
Load Shedding Only offers the best balance of cost and protection.
How Much Does a Load Shedding Solar Solution Cost?
Based on current 2026 pricing, here’s what a load shedding focused solar system costs:
| Home Size |
Monthly Usage |
Recommended System |
Cost |
Payback |
| Small home/flat |
Under 300 kWh |
3kW + 6 panels + 1 battery |
R77,200 |
8.9 years |
| Average home |
300–600 kWh |
5kW + 9 panels + 2 batteries |
R120,550 |
7.0 years |
| Large home |
600–900 kWh |
8kW + 15 panels + 3 batteries |
R173,250 |
6.3 years |
| Very large home |
900–1200 kWh |
10kW + 18 panels + 4 batteries |
R216,600 |
5.8 years |
*Payback calculated with 12% annual electricity price escalation. Load Shedding Only coverage. Gauteng pricing.
Can Solar Completely Replace Eskom?
For most South African homes, a solar system with battery backup can significantly reduce — but not completely eliminate — reliance on Eskom. During daylight hours with good sun, your solar panels will cover most or all of your usage. At night, you’ll draw from batteries first, then grid if batteries run low. A
24/7 Full Coverage system aims for complete independence, but requires a much larger battery bank — which significantly increases cost and payback period. For most households, a
hybrid approach works best: solar covers 60–80% of your electricity needs, with grid as backup for cloudy days and high-usage nights.
Is Solar Worth It Just for Load Shedding?
Yes — even if load shedding were to end tomorrow, solar would still make financial sense. Here’s why:
Electricity prices keep rising — South African electricity tariffs have increased by an average of 12–15% per year for the past decade. Solar locks in your energy cost for 20–25 years.
System longevity — Solar panels carry a 25-year performance warranty. Your inverter and batteries will likely need replacing once in that period, but the panels keep producing.
Property value — A solar installation adds to your property value and is increasingly attractive to buyers.
Business continuity — For businesses, the cost of lost productivity during load shedding often exceeds the cost of a solar system within 2–3 years.
Get a Free Load Shedding Solution Quote
Want to know exactly what a load shedding solar solution would cost for your home — and how quickly it would pay for itself? Use our free solar calculator to get an instant personalised quote based on your actual electricity usage and location.
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