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Load Shedding Solutions 2026

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Complete guide to beating load shedding. Compare solar, inverters, batteries, and generators to find your perfect backup power solution.

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Quick answer: start with an inverter + battery for essentials, or go solar for long‑term savings. Load shedding is here to stay for now, but you don't have to suffer in the dark. Multiple backup power solutions exist at every budget level, from R2,000 trolleys to R150,000+ full solar systems.

Solution Comparison

solutionInverter Trolley
costR2,000-R8,000
powersTV, lights, WiFi
runtime2-4 hours
prosCheap, portable
solutionUPS System
costR3,000-R15,000
powersPC, router, lights
runtime1-4 hours
prosInstant switchover
solutionInverter + Battery
costR15,000-R50,000
powersEssentials + more
runtime4-8 hours
prosExpandable
solutionFull Solar System
costR80,000-R200,000
powersWhole house
runtimeAll day + night
prosEnergy independent
solutionGenerator
costR5,000-R50,000
powersEverything
runtimeUnlimited (with fuel)
prosHigh power

Solutions by Budget

What you can get at each price point:

  • R2,000-R5,000: Basic inverter trolley for TV, lights, phone charging
  • R5,000-R15,000: UPS or trolley with larger battery, powers WiFi router too
  • R15,000-R30,000: 3kW inverter + 100Ah battery, powers essentials for 4+ hours
  • R30,000-R60,000: 5kW hybrid inverter + 5kWh lithium battery, serious backup
  • R60,000-R100,000: 5kW solar system with battery, starts reducing Eskom bills
  • R100,000+: Full solar independence with substantial battery storage

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Our Recommendation

For most South African homes, a 5kW hybrid solar system with 5-10kWh battery storage (R80,000-R120,000) offers the best long-term value. It provides full backup during load shedding AND reduces your electricity bill by 60-80%, paying for itself in 4-6 years. If budget is tight, start with an inverter trolley and upgrade over time.

For most South African homes, a 5kW hybrid solar system with 5-10kWh battery storage (R80,000-R120,000) offers the best long-term value. It provides full backup during load shedding AND reduces your electricity bill by 60-80%, paying for itself in 4-6 years. If budget is tight, start with an inverter trolley and upgrade over time.

Price Disclaimer: Prices shown were verified on . Prices may change without notice. We earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases.

All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Shipping costs may apply depending on your location.

Related Pages

5kW Solar SystemsBattery PricesInverter Prices

Load Shedding Solutions FAQs

For long-term value, a solar system with battery storage is best - it provides backup AND reduces electricity bills. For budget options, an inverter trolley (R3,000-R6,000) keeps essentials running. Most families find a 5kW solar system with 5kWh battery is the sweet spot.
Yes. A solar system provides backup during outages AND generates free electricity daily. At R2.50+/kWh Eskom rates, a R100,000 system pays for itself in 4-6 years. After that, you have 20+ years of free power. It's both backup and investment.
Load shedding is controlled, rotating power outages implemented by Eskom when electricity demand exceeds supply. Different areas are switched off in stages (1-8) for 2-4 hours at a time according to published schedules.
Use the EskomSePush app (most popular), your municipality's website, or Eskom's loadshedding page. Enter your suburb or block number to see your specific schedule.

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