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This is the most important question as it will determine the size of the inverter and battery system that you need. For most people, a 5kva inverter with 5kwh of battery is a good place to start. It covers all of your basics as well as your fridge and even your microwave and/or kettle if they’re around 2,000w each. An insider tip is that renting a 5kva inverter is often the same price as 3kva because of volume discounts that the suppliers get.

While 5kva is great for many, every situation is unique. If you want to dig into this a bit more, keep reading and follow the 3 step process to determine what’s best for you.

1. Think about the types of things you’d like to have access to during loadshedding. It could be lights, computers, wifi or even an aircon.
2. Compare your list to our tables below.
3. Select the best option for your needs. 

<2kVA / <2kWh battery = Group 1 items minus the fridge

~3kVA / ~3kWh battery = All group 1 items including fridge

~5kVA / ~5kWh battery = All group 1 items and 1-2 from group 2.

~7kVA / ~7kWh battery = All group 1 items and up to 3 from group 2 or 3.

>8kVA / >8kWh battery = Even more from groups 2 & 3

With only the basics on, these setups should last about 6 hours of loadshedding, and longer if you have solar and it’s during the day. If you'd like to power your devices for longer, you can always add an additional battery. If none of these feel right for you, click below to have our partners call you back and discuss larger options.

This table is just a general guide and should be used to get a rough idea for capacity. The actual power usage will vary depending on the specific power needs of your devices and how you use them. To pick the right inverter size, consider the total power used by all devices at the same time even if it isn’t loadshedding. Anything plugged into the inverter will be limited by the inverter’s size, not just when you are on battery power.  That means if you accidentally plug a drill or a hair dryer into a small inverter, the system might trip and you could be left in the dark until you get it going again.

Pro Tip: If money’s really tight a small solution might work for you. With a 3kva inverter you can power the lights and some plugs in your house, so you can watch TV, use the internet and have lights at night. If you desperately need it, you can even plug in a 2000w kettle or microwave for a few minutes (though we recommend you only plug them in when you need them and don’t leave them in all the time with a 3kVA .)

Final Note: When considering inverter brands it’s important to know if they enable a scalable system. If you get a smaller one today, many will allow you to connect them with another one in the future as your needs change. Make sure you stay future ready.

"KVA" refers to kilovolt-ampere. It tells you approximately how much power a system can handle at once. Every kVA equals 1000 watts. For instance, a 2 KVA inverter can handle 2000 watts at a time (e.g. eight 250-watt appliances at the same time.)

"KWh" refers to kilowatt-hour. It tells you how much energy a battery can store. Every KWh equals 1000 watt-hours. A 2 KWh battery means it can hold 2000 watt-hours (e.g. it could keep one 250-watt appliance running for about 8 hours.)

To answer this you actually need to answer two questions:

1. Do you have access to your roof? 

If yes, go on. If no, then it’s easy, you can’t have solar. If you don’t know then ask your landlord or body corporate if you have access.

2. Is electricity bill savings a priority for you or do you just want to solve your loadshedding problem?  

Many people assume they need a full solar panel solution but that’s not always true. If you just want to stop having to deal with loadshedding, an inverter with a backup battery is likely enough. This setup is cheaper and best if you live in a place where you can’t use the roof like some apartments or rental homes.

Solar panels are helpful if loadshedding gets worse or if there's a total grid blackout as they’ll offer another way to keep your batteries charged. They can give you more power and help you save money on electricity bills. They can even double the amount of backup power hours you get from your system if power fails during the day and cut your charging time in half. However, they cost more up front and you need access to your roof.

Bonus question:

3. Is your system upgradable?

Good news! You can start with a solar-ready inverter and backup battery and add solar panels later when you have the money. If you're unsure but need a solution now, we recommend starting with just an inverter and backup battery to get started.

Choose what's best for your situation and budget.

The main things to consider are your budget and timeline.

Cash: Buying the system in cash up front is the most expensive right now but least expensive over a 20 year period. With the recent tax breaks on solar panels and the increasing Eskom price hikes you are almost guaranteed to save money in the long-term. You’ll own the system but you’ll have to pay for maintenance and repairs yourself once your warranties expire.

Credit / Lease-to-own: Buying a system on credit can be a good option if you can’t pay the full amount upfront but you still want to own it. You’ll pay more over time vs. cash up front because of the interest rate. Don’t forget the maintenance and repair costs once your warranties run out. The biggest question here is how to get the lowest interest rate - it’s likely through the supplier as a lease-to-own option or taking a home equity loan (i.e. adding it to your mortgage). One nuance to be aware of: with a lease-to-own option you don’t get the additional tax breaks as you only own the system at the end. You do get them if you buy on credit. 

Renting / Subscribing: Renting or subscribing to a solar system is the most flexible choice if you only need it for a few years (they typically have a 2-5 year minimum period) or if you don’t want to worry about maintenance as the provider should handle that. It’s got the lowest upfront cost and provides the most flexibility but you never own the system. There will be extra costs for moving it and/or exiting the contract early so read the details carefully. 

Pro Tip: Different providers and different payment options often come with different benefits like warranties, maintenance, upgrades etc. Be sure to ask your provider what services are included with your system and how they differ if you buy or rent it. 

Final Note: If you're really struggling  and aren't sure if you can afford a big expense or long-term commitment right now, we typically recommend going with the subscription or credit / lease-to-own. It gives you a solution immediately and you won't spend all your savings. It's better to have some money saved for a rainy day, just in case.

1. Trustworthiness: We only choose suppliers that have been vetted and are credible.
2. Competitive pricing: Price is important, and as South Africans, we understand that. Look for a supplier that offers competitive pricing.
3. Scalability: Ensure that the supplier's products are scalable to meet your needs now and in the future.
4. Maintenance and repairs: Find out if maintenance is included in your solar panel system. In case of any repairs, ensure that the supplier has a reliable and efficient repair process.
5. Warranty: Consider the warranty offered by the supplier.
6. System components: Check what is included in your system.
7. Quality: Quality is important when it comes to solar panels. Choose a supplier that offers quality products.
8. Safety: Ensure that the system is safe.
9. Payment options: Check if the supplier offers monthly payment plans or cash-only options.