Frequently asked questions: Solar systems

What is a home solar system?

A basic home solar system is made up of solar panels and an inverter that captures sunlight and converts it into electricity for use in your home. The addition of batteries enables households to store some of their solar power for use during loadshedding or outside of sunshine hours.

How does it work?

Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture sunlight and convert it into direct current or DC electricity. An inverter then converts the DC electricity into alternating current or AC electricity that can be used in your home. Excess electricity generated by your system can be stored in a battery system or sold back to the grid once your municipality or utility allows.

How much does a home solar system cost?

The cost of a home solar system can vary depending on factors such as the size of the system, the location of your home, and the type of panels used. On average, a home solar system can cost anywhere between R75 000 to R300 000.

Are there payment options available?

There are a variety of ways to pay for your solar system including cash, personal loan, solar loan and with your home loan.  You can also get in touch with LookSee’s Solar Concierge Team for help on finding the best option for your budget.

What are the benefits of getting a solar solution for your home?

While protection from loadshedding is one of the biggest drivers for households, the savings on your monthly electricity bills should not be underestimated. In fact, these savings will help you to pay off your solar system and ensure that rising electricity prices will have a limited impact on your budget.

Government is also introducing incentives for household solar, including a tax rebate for solar panels brought into use for the first time between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024. Work is also underway to allow households to sell their excess electricity back to the grid.

Finally, solar power is a far more environmentally-friendly source of electricity and is essential to helping South Africa reduce its carbon footprint, combat air pollution and address climate change.

Will a solar system work during loadshedding and power outages?

If you have batteries attached to your solar system, your home will be able to use this stored electricity during power interruptions. How long your batteries last will depend on how much electricity is stored and how many appliances are drawing electricity during the outage.

How long does a solar system last?

Your solar system will be made up of various components that have different lifespans. Typically, your solar panels can last for around 25 years with regular maintenance and servicing. Your inverter, on the other hand, has an average lifespan of between 10 and 15 years if properly fitted and connected.

Batteries have the shortest lifespan in your system, and you will need to speak to your solar partner about the selected technology and the number of discharge cycles it can expect to deliver for a more accurate view.

How do I choose the right size system for my home?

The size of your solar system depends on factors such as your electricity usage, the size of your home, and the amount of sunlight your location receives.

LookSee’s Home Power Analysis can help you work out the best sized system for your home and budget.

Can I install a home solar system myself?

While it is possible to install a home solar system yourself, it is strongly recommended to hire a professional solar installer to ensure the system is installed correctly and safely. All solar systems that are wired into the main electrical board of a home are required by law to have an Electrical Certificate of Compliance issued.

What maintenance does a home solar system require in South Africa?

A home solar system requires regular cleaning of the panels to ensure they operate efficiently. The rest of your system should be checked and serviced by a specialist on an annual basis to confirm they are in good working order.

Is home solar a good investment?

A home solar installation is a great investment that can pay for itself in as little as 5 years. Not only does it protect your home from power interruptions and rising electricity prices, but it could also make your home more attractive to future buyers.