Private Rooftop Solar – After years of power insecurity, rising tariffs, and rolling blackouts, South Africans appear to be taking electricity matters into their own hands. By mid-2025, privately installed rooftop solar systems across the country have collectively reached an installed capacity of 4.4GW — a figure that signals a significant shift in the nation’s energy landscape. The surge in private solar adoption follows more than a decade of chronic loadshedding by Eskom, South Africa’s beleaguered state-owned power utility. With frequent Stage 4 to Stage 6 power cuts in recent years, citizens and businesses alike have sought ways to become energy independent. Rooftop solar has emerged as a front-runner solution, driven by falling installation costs, rising electricity tariffs, and government incentives. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) recently confirmed that private installations are now supplying nearly 10% of South Africa’s peak energy demand during daylight hours. This milestone raises questions: Are South Africans finally escaping Eskom’s grip? Can rooftop solar truly offer a sustainable solution? And what does this mean for the future of the national grid? Let’s explore how rooftop solar is reshaping South Africa’s power dynamics.
The Rise of Rooftop Solar in South Africa
Private rooftop solar has seen exponential growth, especially since 2022. Lower costs and higher grid instability have made solar a necessity rather than a luxury.
- In 2022, rooftop solar capacity was just under 1.2GW
- By the end of 2023, this figure had doubled to 2.5GW
- In 2024, installations accelerated further, hitting 3.6GW
- As of July 2025, capacity stands at 4.4GW
Key Drivers Behind the Surge
- Escalating electricity prices from Eskom (more than 18% increase YoY)
- Tax incentives for solar installations (Section 12B and new 2023 tax breaks)
- Frequent and unpredictable loadshedding (average of 200+ days/year)
- Business continuity needs for SMEs and corporations
- Greater availability of affordable solar panels and lithium-ion batteries
Table: Growth of Private Rooftop Solar Capacity in South Africa (2020-2025)
| Year | Installed Capacity (GW) | Year-on-Year Growth (%) | Average Cost/kWp (ZAR) | Loadshedding Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0.6 | – | 22,000 | 180 |
| 2021 | 0.9 | +50% | 20,000 | 220 |
| 2022 | 1.2 | +33% | 18,000 | 250 |
| 2023 | 2.5 | +108% | 16,500 | 280 |
| 2024 | 3.6 | +44% | 14,000 | 210 |
| 2025 (H1) | 4.4 | +22% (half-year) | 13,000 | 95 (H1 only) |
How Solar is Empowering Households and Small Businesses
More households and small businesses are becoming “prosumers” — both consumers and producers of electricity.
- Over 480,000 residential solar systems are now installed nationwide
- Small-to-medium businesses (SMEs) make up 36% of total rooftop solar capacity
- More than 70% of new home builds in urban areas now include solar infrastructure
Residential Solar Uptake Trends
The residential sector has embraced solar as a means to cut costs and improve quality of life.
Top Benefits for Households
- Energy independence from Eskom
- Lower monthly electricity bills (savings of R1,500–R4,000/month)
- Increased property value (solar homes sell 4–8% higher)
- Reduced impact from loadshedding and blackouts
- Long-term return on investment (ROI in 4–6 years)
Table: Comparison – Eskom Users vs. Solar Homeowners (2025)
| Factor | Eskom User | Solar Homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Electricity Bill | R3,800 avg | R900 avg (grid backup) |
| Loadshedding Disruption | High | Minimal |
| Power Source Reliability | Medium to Low | High |
| Carbon Footprint | High | Low |
| Return on Energy Investment | None | 4-6 years ROI |
The Role of Battery Storage in Solar Independence
Batteries are now a standard component of solar systems, enabling nighttime usage and complete off-grid potential.
- Over 60% of new installations in 2025 include battery storage
- Lithium-ion prices have dropped by 35% since 2021
- Backup times range from 4 to 24 hours, depending on battery size
Popular Battery Brands and Their Market Share in South Africa (2025)
Table: Top 7 Solar Battery Brands and Features
| Brand | Market Share (%) | Avg Price (ZAR) | Backup Hours | Warranty | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunsynk | 27 | 45,000 | 6–12 | 10 yrs | Smart inverter control |
| Tesla Powerwall | 16 | 125,000 | 12–24 | 10 yrs | Remote monitoring |
| Deye | 13 | 38,000 | 5–10 | 7 yrs | Compact design |
| BlueNova | 10 | 52,000 | 6–12 | 10 yrs | Locally manufactured |
| Freedom Won | 9 | 60,000 | 8–16 | 10 yrs | Modular storage |
| BYD | 8 | 50,000 | 10–20 | 8 yrs | Commercial-grade tech |
| Pylontech | 6 | 35,000 | 4–8 | 5 yrs | Value for money |
Eskom’s Response to the Solar Boom
As solar grows, Eskom faces reduced demand and potential revenue losses. The utility is adopting various strategies to remain relevant.
Policy and Infrastructure Adjustments
- Introducing net metering pilot programs in select municipalities
- Lobbying for fixed network charges on solar users
- Scaling back some generation infrastructure investments
- Expanding smart meter rollouts to monitor consumption patterns
Regulatory Support and Incentives for Solar Expansion
Government incentives have played a pivotal role in expanding access to solar.
Key Incentive Mechanisms (2023–2025)
- Section 12B of the Income Tax Act – allows businesses to deduct full solar installation costs in year one
- Residential Tax Rebate (2023) – 25% rebate on solar panel costs up to R15,000
- Municipal Feed-in Tariffs – available in Cape Town, Joburg, Tshwane, and eThekwini
- Import duty reductions on solar panels and inverters
- National Treasury-backed loan guarantees for solar loans (from selected banks)
Impact of Tax Rebate Program (2023–2024)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Rebate Claims Processed | 146,000+ |
| Average Rebate Value Claimed | R12,800 |
| Total Treasury Payout | R1.8 billion+ |
| Most Claimed in Province | Gauteng |
Challenges Facing Widespread Solar Adoption
Despite its growth, rooftop solar adoption is not without hurdles — especially for lower-income groups.
Core Challenges in Solar Accessibility
- High upfront costs (even after rebates)
- Limited roof space in high-density areas
- Grid feedback regulations vary by municipality
- Battery affordability still lags panel cost drops
- Installation quality and safety concerns in informal markets
Addressing Equity in Energy Access
Energy equity will require coordinated government and private sector efforts.
- Expand government-backed solar finance schemes
- Develop rental/communal solar for shared housing
- Promote micro-grid solutions in rural areas
- Train and certify solar installers to ensure safety
What the Future Holds – 2030 and Beyond
By 2030, South Africa may see more than 10GW in private rooftop solar, fundamentally reshaping its energy market.
- Eskom may become a backup supplier rather than primary source
- Households will likely produce and trade energy peer-to-peer
- Solar installation could become a default in all new builds
Table: Rooftop Solar Projections 2025–2030
| Year | Estimated Capacity (GW) | % of National Demand | Residential Installations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4.4 | ~10% | 480,000+ |
| 2026 | 5.6 | ~12% | 600,000+ |
| 2027 | 6.8 | ~14% | 750,000+ |
| 2028 | 8.0 | ~17% | 900,000+ |
| 2029 | 9.1 | ~19% | 1 million+ |
| 2030 | 10.3 | ~21% | 1.2 million+ |
Rooftop Solar Helpdesk – DMRE South Africa
For queries on private rooftop solar installations, rebates, or compliance:
Department: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
Solar Helpline: 0860 843 384
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.energy.gov.za
Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:30 (SAST)
Address: 192 Visagie Street, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is rooftop solar legal in all parts of South Africa?
Yes, rooftop solar is legal nationwide, but grid feedback policies vary by municipality.
Q2: Can I sell extra solar energy back to the grid?
In many areas like Cape Town and Joburg, net metering allows selling surplus energy at a set rate.
Q3: How much does a complete home solar setup cost in 2025?
A typical 5kW system with batteries costs between R90,000 to R160,000.
Q4: Do I still need Eskom if I have solar?
Most users retain Eskom as a backup for cloudy days or at night unless they have extensive battery storage.
Q5: Are solar panels effective during winter?
Yes, though production may dip slightly due to shorter days and cloud cover. Batteries help bridge the gap.
Q6: What maintenance is required for rooftop solar?
Minimal — typically an annual cleaning and system check.
Q7: Are there financing options for low-income households?
Yes, some banks and municipalities offer low-interest solar loans or lease-to-own models.