Load shedding has become a daily reality for South Africans, but with the right backup power solution, you can keep your home running smoothly during outages. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best load shedding solution for your needs and budget.
Understanding Your Load Shedding Power Options
There are four main types of backup power solutions available, each with different capabilities and price points:
1. Off-Grid Solar Systems (Complete Independence)
Off-grid systems work completely independently from the municipal grid, using solar panels, batteries, and an inverter to provide all your power needs.
How it works:
- Solar panels charge batteries during the day
- Inverter converts battery DC power to AC for your home
- No connection to Eskom grid
- Completely self-sufficient
Pros:
- Complete energy independence from grid supply
- No electricity bills
- Not affected by grid failures
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Highest upfront investment
- Requires larger battery bank for cloudy days
- Need to carefully manage power usage
- No grid backup if batteries run low
Best for: Remote areas, those wanting complete independence, or properties with unreliable grid access.
Example Off-Grid System from Keiconnect:
- Deye 5kW Off-Grid Inverter
- Esener 5.12kW Lithium Battery
- 6× Jinko 595W Solar Panels
- Accessories
2. Hybrid Solar Systems (Best of Both Worlds)
Hybrid systems combine solar power, batteries, AND grid connection, automatically switching between sources for optimal efficiency and reliability.
How it works:
- Solar panels charge batteries and power home during the day
- Batteries provide backup during load shedding
- Grid power available as backup when needed
- Can sell excess solar power back to grid (where allowed)
- Intelligent switching between all three sources
Pros:
- Maximum flexibility and reliability
- Reduces electricity bills even without load shedding
- Grid backup if solar/batteries insufficient
- Can prioritize solar over grid power
- Best long-term return on investment
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost than off-grid
- More complex installation
- Still dependent on grid availability
Best for: Homeowners wanting to reduce bills while maintaining grid backup, maximum efficiency, and future-proofing.
Example Hybrid System from Keiconnect:
- Solis 5kW Hybrid Inverter
- Esener 5.12kW Lithium Battery
- 6× Jinko 595W Solar Panels
- Grid connection and changeover switch
- Accessories
3. Grid-Tied Solar Systems (Grid Backup Only)
Grid-tied systems use solar panels connected directly to the grid without batteries, reducing your electricity bill but NOT providing backup during load shedding.
How it works:
- Solar panels feed power directly into your home
- Excess power can feed back to grid (where allowed)
- No batteries - system shuts down during load shedding
- Reduces daytime electricity consumption
Pros:
- Lowest cost solar option
- Reduces electricity bills significantly
- Simple installation
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- NO backup power during load shedding
- System shuts down when grid is off (safety requirement)
- Only saves money, doesn't provide backup
Best for: Reducing electricity bills only, not suitable for load shedding backup.
Note: Grid-tied systems are NOT recommended for load shedding protection. Consider hybrid or off-grid instead.
4. UPS Systems (Quick & Affordable for Essentials)
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems provide instant backup power for essential devices like WiFi routers, modems, and security systems.
How it works:
- Plugs into wall socket and charges internal battery
- Devices plug into UPS
- Instant switchover during power cuts (milliseconds)
- Keeps small devices running for hours
Pros:
- Most affordable option (under R3,000)
- Instant setup - plug and play
- Portable and compact
- Perfect for work-from-home setups
- No installation required
Cons:
- Limited runtime (2-8 hours typically)
- Only powers small devices (routers, modems, laptops)
- Cannot power fridges, lights, or large appliances
- Batteries degrade over 2-3 years
Best for: Keeping internet and security systems online, protecting computers, budget-conscious solutions for essential devices only.
Example UPS from Keiconnect:
- Volkano Constant Series Mini UPS 8800mAh
- Powers: WiFi router, fiber modem, security system
- Runtime: 4-8 hours depending on devices
System Comparison Table
| System Type | Grid Connection | Load Shedding Backup | Reduces Bills | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Grid Solar | No | Yes (Full) | Yes (100%) | R60,000 - R150,000+ |
| Hybrid Solar | Yes | Yes (Full) | Yes (60-80%) | R55,000 - R140,000+ |
| Grid-Tied Solar | Yes | No | Yes (50-70%) | R35,000 - R80,000 |
| UPS System | Yes | Limited (small devices) | No | R500 - R3,000 |
How to Size Your Solar Backup System
To determine the right system size, calculate your essential power needs:
- List your essential appliances: Lights, fridge, WiFi router, TV, security system
- Calculate total watts: Add up the wattage of all devices you want to run simultaneously
- Add 30% buffer: Account for startup surges (especially fridges) and inefficiencies
- Determine runtime needed: How many hours of backup do you need?
Example Calculation:
- LED lights (100W) + Fridge (150W running, 600W startup) + WiFi (20W) + TV (100W) + Security (50W) = 420W running, 870W peak
- Add 30% buffer: 870W × 1.3 = 1,131W peak demand
- Recommended inverter: 2kW minimum (allows safety margin)
- For 6 hours runtime: 420W × 6h = 2.5kWh battery capacity minimum
Sample System Configurations with Keiconnect Products
Budget Off-Grid System (R35,000 - R50,000)
Components:
- Esener 1kW Solar Inverter
- Esener 2.56kW Lithium Battery
- 4× Canadian Solar 545W Panels (2,180W total)
- Cables, mounting, and installation
Powers: Lights, WiFi, TV, laptop charging, security system, small fridge
Runtime: 4-6 hours on battery, recharges daily with solar
Best for: Small homes, apartments, essential loads only
Mid-Range Hybrid System (R70,000 - R95,000)
Components:
- Solis 5kW Hybrid Inverter
- Esener 5.12kW Lithium Battery
- 8× Jinko 595W Solar Panels (4,760W total)
- Grid connection, changeover, installation
Powers: Most household appliances except geyser and stove
Runtime: 8-12 hours on battery, grid backup available
Best for: Average 3-4 bedroom homes, families wanting reliability and bill reduction
Premium Off-Grid System (R120,000 - R180,000)
Components:
- Deye 8kW Off-Grid Inverter
- 2× Esener 5.12kW Lithium Batteries (10.24kW total)
- 14× Jinko 595W Solar Panels (8,330W total)
- Complete off-grid setup and installation
Powers: Entire home including geyser (with timer), all appliances
Runtime: 12-24 hours on battery, complete energy independence
Best for: Large homes, complete Grid independence, remote properties
High-Power Hybrid System (R140,000 - R200,000+)
Components:
- Growtech Axpert GT 11kW Inverter
- 2× Esener 5.12kW Lithium Batteries (10.24kW total)
- 16× Jinko 595W Solar Panels (9,520W total)
- Grid connection, advanced monitoring, installation
Powers: Entire large home, multiple appliances simultaneously, geyser
Runtime: 10-15 hours on battery, grid backup, maximum efficiency
Best for: Large homes, high power demands, maximum bill reduction with backup
Budget UPS Solution (Under R3,000)
Components:
- Volkano Constant Series Mini UPS 8800mAh
Powers: WiFi router, fiber modem, security system, laptop
Runtime: 4-8 hours depending on devices
Best for: Work-from-home, keeping internet online, budget solution
Lithium vs Lead-Acid Batteries
Lithium Batteries (Recommended - Available at Keiconnect):
- Esener 1.28kW, 2.56kW, 5.12kW options
- 10-15 year lifespan
- 80-90% depth of discharge (use almost all capacity)
- Lighter and more compact
- Better efficiency (95%+)
- Higher upfront cost but better long-term value
Lead-Acid Batteries:
- Securi-Prod 12V 7.2Ah SLA available
- 3-5 year lifespan
- 50% depth of discharge (need double capacity)
- Heavier and bulkier
- Lower efficiency (80-85%)
- Lower upfront cost but need replacement sooner
Return on Investment (ROI)
A typical 5kW hybrid solar system in South Africa can save you R1,500 - R2,500 per month on electricity bills.
Monthly Savings Breakdown:
- Reduced grid electricity: R1,000 - R1,800
- Avoided generator fuel costs: R500 - R1,000
- Food spoilage prevention: R200 - R400
- Work-from-home productivity: Priceless
Typical ROI Timeline:
- Hybrid systems: 4-6 years
- Off-grid systems: 5-8 years (depending on previous electricity costs)
- UPS systems: Immediate (prevents data loss and keeps you connected)
Choosing the Right Brands - Available at Keiconnect
Inverters:
- Deye (5kW-20kW): Excellent value, reliable off-grid inverters, proven in SA conditions
- Solis (5kW-15kW): Premium hybrid inverters with advanced monitoring and grid-tie capability
- Growtech Axpert GT (3.6kW-11kW): High-power systems for larger homes with advanced features
- Esener (1kW-5.2kW): Budget-friendly complete solutions for small to medium homes
Solar Panels:
- Jinko Tiger Neo 595W: Premium N-Type panels with 23% efficiency
- Ja Solar 600W: High-power bifacial panels for maximum output
- Trina Solar 585W: Reliable N-Type bifacial technology
- Canadian Solar 545W: Proven quality and performance
Batteries:
- Esener Lithium (1.28kW, 2.56kW, 5.12kW): Long-lasting, high-efficiency energy storage
- Securi-Prod SLA: Affordable lead-acid option for budget systems
Installation & Maintenance
Professional installation is essential for safety, warranty coverage, and optimal performance. Expect installation to take 1-3 days depending on system complexity.
Ongoing Maintenance:
- Solar panels: Clean 2-4 times per year (more in dusty areas)
- Batteries: Check connections annually, monitor performance monthly
- Inverter: Firmware updates as needed, check display regularly
- System monitoring: Review energy production and consumption monthly
Which System Should You Choose?
Choose Off-Grid if:
- You want complete independence from Eskom
- You're in a remote area or have unreliable grid
- You want zero electricity bills
- You're willing to manage power usage carefully
Choose Hybrid if:
- You want backup power AND bill reduction
- You want maximum flexibility and reliability
- You want the best long-term ROI
- You want grid backup as safety net
Choose UPS if:
- You only need to keep internet/security online
- You have a very tight budget (under R3,000)
- You work from home and need connectivity
- You want immediate plug-and-play solution
Avoid Grid-Tied if: You need load shedding backup (it provides NO backup power)
Next Steps
- Calculate your essential power needs using the method above
- Determine your budget and timeline
- Decide between off-grid, hybrid, or UPS based on your needs
- Browse Keiconnect's range of inverters, batteries, and solar panels
- Contact us for a personalized system recommendation
- Get professional installation quotes
Ready to beat load shedding? Browse our complete range of Deye, Solis, Esener, and Growtech inverters, Esener lithium batteries, Jinko and Canadian Solar panels, and Volkano UPS systems.
Disclaimer: All pricing and system configurations mentioned in this guide are for illustration purposes only. Actual costs may vary based on installation complexity, location, additional components required, and current market pricing. Please contact Keiconnect for accurate quotes and personalized system recommendations based on your specific needs.