Which solar inverter is best for load-shedding?

Sunsynk and Deye hybrid inverters are the most popular choice in South Africa for their reliability, app control and fast switch-over during load-shedding. We also stock Growatt, Victron and others. Contact B&B for help choosing the best inverter for your budget.

How many solar panels do I need to power my house?

A typical home uses between 6 and 16 panels of 550W to 620W, depending on your daytime usage and roof space. We help you match panel count to your inverter and battery so the system performs well all year round.

How long do lithium solar batteries last?

Quality LiFePO4 batteries such as Pylontech, Freedom Won and Hubble typically last 8 to 15 years, rated for 6,000 or more cycles. They hold value far better than lead-acid and come with strong manufacturer warranties.

Can solar power run my whole house off-grid?

Yes. With enough panels, a large-enough inverter and sufficient battery storage you can run a home fully off-grid. We design off-grid systems for households, farms and estates across every province in South Africa.

Will solar keep my power on during Stage 6 load-shedding?

A hybrid inverter with batteries switches over in milliseconds, so your lights, WiFi, fridge and essentials stay on through any stage of load-shedding. We size the battery bank to cover the longest outages in your area.

How much can I save on my Eskom bill with solar?

Many households cut 50 to 90 percent off their monthly electricity spend, and some get close to zero. Savings depend on system size and usage. Ask B&B for a savings estimate based on your current Eskom bill.

Do you deliver solar equipment to my city?

Yes. We deliver nationwide, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, East London, Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Mbombela and Kimberley, plus everywhere in between. Orders over R10,000 ship free with code BBSPS26.

How long does delivery take across South Africa?

Most orders reach the major metros within a few working days, with outlying areas taking a little longer. We confirm timing for your specific address when you order or request a quote.

Do you offer free delivery?

Yes. Orders over R10,000 qualify for free delivery anywhere in South Africa when you use code BBSPS26 at checkout.

Do you install solar systems or only supply the equipment?

We supply genuine, warrantied solar equipment nationwide and can advise on installation. Tell us your location on the quote form and we will point you in the right direction for a professional install.

What warranty do your solar products carry?

All products are genuine and covered by their manufacturer warranties, typically 1 to 5 years on inverters, 5 to 10 years on lithium batteries, and up to 25 to 30 years of performance warranty on panels.

Can I add more batteries to my system later?

Yes. Modular batteries like Pylontech and Sunsynk let you start small and expand as your budget grows. We help you choose a battery and inverter that scale with your needs.

What is the difference between a hybrid and an off-grid inverter?

A hybrid inverter works with solar, batteries and the grid, and can feed excess power where allowed. An off-grid inverter runs independently of Eskom. Most South African homes choose hybrid for flexibility and backup.

How long before a solar system pays for itself?

Payback is commonly 3 to 6 years, after which your solar power is essentially free while Eskom tariffs keep rising. Larger daytime users usually see the fastest return.

Do I need municipal approval to install solar in South Africa?

Grid-tied and hybrid systems that connect to the municipal supply generally require SSEG registration with your local municipality. Requirements differ by city, so check with your municipality or ask us for guidance.

Can I sell excess solar power back to the grid?

Several municipalities now allow registered feed-in, and a hybrid inverter supports it. Rules and tariffs vary by area, so confirm the current feed-in programme with your local municipality.

What is the difference between kW and kWh?

kW is power, or how much your system can deliver at once. kWh is energy, or how much it can store and use over time. You need enough kW to run your appliances and enough kWh of battery to last through outages.

Which lithium battery is best, Pylontech, Freedom Won or Hubble?

All three are trusted in South Africa. Pylontech offers great value and easy expansion, Freedom Won is a premium local brand with strong support, and Hubble is a popular local choice. We help you match the battery to your inverter.

How many batteries do I need for backup?

Add up the appliances you want to run and the hours of backup you need. As a guide, 5kWh covers essentials for a few hours, while 10 to 15kWh comfortably backs up a family home. We will calculate it for you.

Are your solar panels Tier 1?

Yes. We stock Bloomberg Tier 1 panels from JA Solar, Canadian Solar and Jinko, the brands that dominate South African installations, with long performance warranties.

What panel wattage is best for a home?

Modern homes usually use 550W to 620W panels for the best value per watt and efficient use of roof space. We recommend the right wattage and quantity for your system.

Do solar geysers really save money?

Yes. Water heating is one of the biggest electricity costs in a home, and a solar geyser or heat pump can cut it dramatically. We supply solar geysers, collectors and heat pumps to suit any household.

Solar geyser or heat pump, which is better?

A solar geyser uses free sunshine and is ideal in sunny regions, while a heat pump works day or night and in all weather. The best choice depends on your climate and hot water demand. Ask us and we will advise.

Can solar power run a pool pump or borehole pump?

Yes. We supply solar-powered and solar-ready pumps for pools, boreholes and irrigation, helping farms and homes save on running costs across South Africa.

Will solar work on cloudy days and in winter?

Panels still generate on overcast days, just at reduced output. A well-sized system with battery storage keeps you powered through cloudy spells and shorter winter days.

How can I pay for my order?

We accept EFT and standard online payment methods. For large orders, business accounts or bulk pricing, contact B&B and we will send a formal quote with banking details.

Do you offer trade or installer pricing?

Yes. Installers, electricians and resellers can contact us for trade pricing and bulk supply on inverters, batteries, panels and complete kits nationwide.

Can you help me choose the right system?

Absolutely. Sizing solar can be confusing, so our team helps you pick the right inverter, battery and panels free of charge. Share your needs on the Get a Quote page and we will do the rest.

Do you supply businesses and farms?

Yes. We supply commercial and agricultural solar for offices, shops, factories, farms and estates, from backup systems to large off-grid installations. Contact us for a tailored commercial quote.

Is my roof suitable for solar panels?

Most tile, IBR and corrugated roofs are suitable, and ground mounting is an option too. Roof direction and shading affect output. Send us a photo or details and we will advise on the best layout.

What maintenance do solar systems need?

Solar systems need very little maintenance, mainly occasional panel cleaning and routine checks. Quality equipment from B&B is built to run reliably for years with minimal attention.

Solar Power FAQs — B&B Solar Power Solutions SA

Q: How much does a solar system cost in South Africa?

Prices vary with your needs. A small backup starts around R25,000, a popular 5kW hybrid system with lithium storage runs roughly R60,000 to R110,000, and larger whole-home or off-grid setups cost more. B&B Solar Power Solutions SA gives free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your home or business anywhere in South Africa.

Q: What size solar system do I need for my home?

It depends on what you want to run and for how long. Most South African families choose a 5kW or 8kW hybrid inverter with 5 to 15kWh of lithium storage. Send us your appliance list or a recent Eskom bill and we will size the right system for you.

Answers to the questions South Africans ask most about solar power, lithium batteries, inverters, solar geysers and nationwide delivery. Can’t find your answer? Contact us or request a free quote.

Do you deliver solar products across South Africa?

Yes. We deliver nationwide to all nine provinces, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), East London, Bloemfontein, Polokwane and Mbombela. Orders over R10,000 qualify for free delivery with code BBSPS26.

How much does a solar system cost in South Africa?

It depends on how much you want to power. A basic essentials backup starts from around R30,000, a typical 5kW whole-home hybrid system runs roughly R60,000 to R120,000, and larger 8-12kW homes or businesses cost more. Request a free quote and we will size it to your budget.

What size solar system do I need for my home?

It depends on what you want to run during load-shedding and for how long. A 5kW hybrid inverter with around 5kWh of battery suits most South African homes. Tell us your appliances and monthly bill and our team will size it for you free of charge.

What is a hybrid inverter and do I need one?

A hybrid inverter manages power from your panels, batteries and the grid at the same time, charging batteries, running your home and drawing from Eskom only when needed. It is the most popular choice for load-shedding backup and future off-grid expansion.

Which solar inverter brand is best?

Sunsynk and Deye are the most popular hybrid inverters in South Africa for their reliability, app control and local support, while Victron and Growatt are also trusted choices. We stock all of them, and the best one depends on your system size and budget.

How many solar panels do I need?

As a rough guide, every 1kW of panels needs about two 550W panels, so a 5kW system typically uses 8 to 12 panels depending on your roof and usage. We calculate the exact number when we quote your system.

What is the difference between lithium and lead-acid batteries?

Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries last far longer (10+ years and thousands of cycles), can be discharged deeper, charge faster and need no maintenance. Lead-acid is cheaper upfront but wears out sooner. For solar backup we recommend lithium such as Pylontech, Hubble or Freedom Won.

How long do solar batteries last?

Quality lithium batteries like the Pylontech US5000 or Freedom Won typically last 10 to 15 years, are rated for thousands of charge cycles, and usually carry a 5 to 10 year warranty.

Will solar power work during load-shedding?

Yes, that is exactly what a hybrid or off-grid system with batteries is designed for. When the grid goes down, your inverter switches to battery power seamlessly to keep your lights, WiFi, fridge and essentials running.

Can I go completely off-grid?

Yes. With enough panels, battery storage and a suitably sized inverter you can run fully off-grid. It costs more than a backup system because you need extra capacity for cloudy days. We will design an off-grid package for your location and usage.

Do you supply solar geysers and heat pumps?

Yes. We stock solar water-heating kits, evacuated-tube and flat-plate collectors, and heat pumps that can cut your water-heating electricity use by up to 60 to 70 percent, a major part of the average South African household bill.

How much can I save on my electricity bill with solar?

Savings depend on system size and usage, but many households cut their Eskom bill by 50 to 90 percent and businesses reduce demand charges significantly. With rising tariffs, most systems pay for themselves within a few years.

Do you offer installation or only supply?

We supply and deliver across South Africa and can advise on installation. When you request a quote, let us know if you need delivery only or delivery plus installation and we will assist.

Are your products genuine and under warranty?

Absolutely. We supply only authentic, manufacturer-warrantied products, never grey imports. Warranties typically range from 1 to 10 years depending on the item.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery time depends on your location and stock availability. Major centres like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are usually quickest. We confirm the expected timeframe on your order and keep you updated.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept EFT and major payment methods. For quotes, trade accounts or bulk orders, contact us and we will provide banking details and an invoice.

Can you help me choose the right products?

Yes, that is what we are here for. Our team helps you size and match inverters, batteries and panels so you do not overspend or under-size. Send us your needs via the quote form or WhatsApp.

Do you sell to businesses and installers?

Yes. We supply homeowners, businesses, farms and installers across South Africa and offer competitive pricing on bulk and trade orders. Ask us about trade pricing.

What is the difference between grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid systems?

Grid-tied systems feed solar into your home but shut off during outages; hybrid systems add batteries so you keep power during load-shedding; off-grid systems run entirely on solar and batteries with no Eskom connection. Hybrid is the most popular for South African homes.

How many kWh does my household use per day?

Most South African homes use between 10 and 30 kWh per day. Your municipal bill shows your usage. Share it with us and we will design a system that covers the portion you want backed up or offset.

Can I add more batteries or panels later?

Yes. If you buy a hybrid inverter sized with room to grow, you can expand battery capacity and add panels later. We recommend a setup that lets you scale as your budget allows.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days or in winter?

Yes, though output is lower. Panels still generate on overcast days, and a well-sized battery bridges low-production periods. We factor your region's sunlight, from the sunny Northern Cape to coastal KwaZulu-Natal, into the design.

What happens if my system produces more power than I use?

Excess solar first charges your batteries. With a grid-tied or hybrid system, surplus can offset daytime consumption and some municipalities offer feed-in options. Off-grid systems simply stop harvesting once batteries are full.

Which solar panels are best for South Africa?

Tier-1 brands like JA Solar, Canadian Solar and Jinko dominate South African installations for their efficiency, durability and 25-year warranties. 550W-class panels offer the best value per watt for most homes.

Do you deliver to farms and rural areas?

Yes. We deliver to rural and farm addresses across all provinces. Off-grid solar and solar water pumps are especially popular with farmers, so ask us for a tailored rural package.

What is a solar water pump and can it run without electricity?

A solar water pump runs directly off solar panels or batteries to move water for homes, irrigation and livestock, ideal for boreholes and farms with no reliable grid. It works without paying for Eskom power.

How do I maintain my solar system?

Lithium batteries and modern inverters are largely maintenance-free. Keep panels clean and unshaded and check the inverter app occasionally. We are available for support and replacement parts across South Africa.

Is solar worth it with rising electricity prices?

Yes. With Eskom tariffs climbing well above inflation, solar increasingly pays for itself faster while protecting you from future hikes and load-shedding. It also adds value to your property.

Can solar power run a geyser, stove or air conditioner?

High-demand appliances need a correctly sized inverter and battery, or a dedicated solution like a solar geyser or solar air conditioner. We advise the most cost-effective way to power your heavy loads.

Do you offer solar solutions for load-shedding backup only?

Yes. If you just want to keep essentials on during outages, a smaller inverter-and-battery backup is affordable and quick to deploy. We will size a cost-effective backup for your must-have appliances.

How do I get a quote from B&B Solar Power Solutions SA?

Fill in our Get a Quote form with your location, needs and budget, or WhatsApp us on +27 71 065 8119. We respond with a tailored, no-obligation quote and expert advice.

Where are you based and which areas do you serve?

We are a South African supplier based in the Eastern Cape (East London) and we deliver nationwide across Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Northern Cape.

Solar Power FAQs — B&B Solar Power Solutions SA

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