Can a Solar System Power a House During Load Shedding? Everything You Need to Know
Load shedding continues to challenge households across South Africa, making solar power not just a luxury — but a necessity. But how effective are solar systems at powering an entire home during blackouts? Can you truly go off-grid or reduce your reliance on Eskom? This article explains what size solar system you need, how it works during load shedding, and how to ensure seamless backup power when you need it most.
🔍 Quick Answer:
Yes, a well-designed solar system with a battery backup can power your home during load shedding. A typical home needs a 3kW to 8kW solar system with 5–15kWh battery storage to cover essentials like lights, Wi-Fi, fridge, and plugs . The system stores solar energy during the day and uses it at night or during Eskom outages.
1. How Solar Power Works During Load Shedding
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Solar Panels | Capture sunlight and generate DC power |
| Inverter | Converts DC into usable AC electricity |
| Battery Backup | Stores excess solar energy for later use |
| Automatic Changeover Switch | Seamlessly switches power during an outage |
✅ When the grid goes down, your battery automatically kicks in, supplying power to selected circuits.
2. How Much Power Do You Need to Run a House?
Here’s a breakdown of typical household appliance usage during load shedding:
| Appliance | Wattage | Daily Runtime | kWh/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Lights (8–10 bulbs) | 100–150W | 5 hours | 0.5–0.75 |
| Wi-Fi Router | 15W | 10 hours | 0.15 |
| TV | 100W | 4 hours | 0.4 |
| Fridge/Freezer | 150W | 24 hrs (intermittent) | 1.2–1.5 |
| Laptop/Phone Charging | 100W | 3 hours | 0.3 |
👉 Total Daily Load: ~3–5 kWh for essential circuits
A 5kWh–10kWh battery can handle 1–2 full load shedding cycles per day.
3. Recommended Solar System Sizes
| System Size | Usage Type | Daily Output (kWh) | Battery Needed | Cost Estimate (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | Essentials only | 12–15 kWh | 5–7.5 kWh | R75,000 – R110,000 |
| 5kW | Mid-size home | 20–25 kWh | 10–12 kWh | R110,000 – R160,000 |
| 8kW+ | Full home, heavy loads | 30–40+ kWh | 15–20+ kWh | R180,000 – R250,000+ |
🛑 Tip: Avoid powering high-consumption appliances (geyser, oven, heaters) during load shedding unless you have a high-capacity battery bank.
4. Grid-Tied vs Hybrid vs Off-Grid Systems
| System Type | Can It Work During Load Shedding? | Requires Battery? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grid-Tied | ❌ No (shuts down when grid is off) | No | Bill savings only |
| Hybrid | ✅ Yes | Yes | Load shedding + savings |
| Off-Grid | ✅ Yes | Yes | Remote, zero Eskom access |
✅ For most South African homes, a hybrid system with battery backup is ideal.
5. Solar Battery Options
| Battery Type | Lifespan (Cycles) | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-Ion (LiFePO4) | 6,000+ | Higher | Most efficient & compact |
| Lead-Acid (AGM/Gel) | 1,500–2,500 | Lower | Budget-friendly, lower lifespan |
| Saltwater / Flow | 5,000+ | High | Eco-friendly, less common |
💡 Lithium batteries offer faster charging, deeper discharges, and longer life — ideal for repeated load shedding cycles.
6. FAQs About Solar Power & Load Shedding
Q: Can solar panels work at night during load shedding?
No, but stored energy in your battery will supply your home when the sun isn’t shining.
Q: Will I save on my electricity bill with solar?
Yes. A grid-tied or hybrid system reduces your monthly Eskom bill by using solar during the day, especially if net metering is available.
Q: Can I install solar myself?
DIY installation is risky and could void warranties or insurance. Use a registered installer (SANS-compliant) for best results and legal compliance.
Q: How long will my battery last during load shedding?
A 10kWh battery running a 2kW essential load will last around 5 hours. More batteries = longer power duration.
🏁 Conclusion
Solar systems can absolutely power your home during load shedding — if properly sized and equipped with a battery. By installing a hybrid solar system, you gain energy independence, protect your appliances, and significantly cut your energy bills. The key is working with the right installer and sizing the system based on your real usage.
Tired of being left in the dark?
👉 Explore hybrid solar kits, inverters, and battery packages at Africa Power Equipment and protect your home from load shedding — once and for all.