Solar System Size Calculator — South Africa 2026
Enter your monthly electricity usage and get an instant solar system recommendation for your South African home.
Find this on your Eskom or municipal bill — look for "kWh consumed" or "units used"
✅ Minimal shading — great for solar
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many solar panels do I need for my home in South Africa?
A typical 3-bedroom SA home using 500–900 kWh/month needs 10–15 solar panels (550W each), which is a 5–8 kW system. Use the calculator above with your exact monthly usage for a personalised recommendation.
How much does a solar system cost in South Africa in 2026?
Grid-tied systems cost R14,000–R20,000 per kW fully installed. A 5 kW system costs R75,000–R100,000. Adding a 10 kWh LiFePO4 battery adds R35,000–55,000. A full 5 kW + 10 kWh system typically costs R135,000–R165,000.
What is the current Eskom tariff in South Africa?
As of 1 April 2026, Eskom's residential tariff is 271c/kWh (R2.71/kWh), an 8.76% increase. Municipal rates are typically higher, ranging from R3.00–R4.94/kWh depending on the municipality.
How long does a solar system take to pay for itself?
Most South African solar systems pay for themselves in 4–6 years, then generate free electricity for 20+ more years. With Eskom tariffs rising 8-12% annually, the payback period is getting shorter every year.
Do solar panels work during load shedding?
Solar panels alone do not work during load shedding because they need a battery to store energy. A grid-tied system without battery storage will shut down during power outages for safety reasons. You need a hybrid or off-grid system with battery storage for load shedding backup.