Inverters, batteries and solar
Backup power and solar in Johannesburg
When the power goes off, the fridge, Wi-Fi and lights stay on. We size the inverter and batteries to what you run, then wire it into your board.
Start with what you need to keep running
The right backup system depends on what you want working when the grid goes down, not on the biggest inverter you can afford. Most homes want the fridge, lights, Wi-Fi, TV and a few plugs. Geysers, stoves, ovens and pool pumps draw far more power, and backing them up makes the system much bigger and more expensive, so we usually leave them off.
Two numbers decide the size. The inverter has to handle everything you switch on at once. The batteries decide how many hours it lasts. We work both out from the appliances you actually run.
What the job involves
- We look at your board and your loads. We check the DB board, note which circuits you want backed up, and see where the inverter and batteries can go.
- You get a quote. It lists the inverter, the batteries, any solar panels and the labour, before anything is bought.
- We wire it in. The backed-up circuits move to their own section of the board, so the inverter only carries what you chose.
- We test it. We switch off the mains and check that everything on backup keeps running.
Solar panels are optional
An inverter and batteries work without panels. They charge from the grid while it is on and take over when it goes off. Panels let the sun charge the batteries and cut your electricity bill. You can start with backup only and add panels later, as long as the inverter you choose can take them.
How long will it last?
Pick your appliances or type in your own estimate, then slide the battery, inverter and solar panels. The chart shows what happens over a full day with the grid off.
What it costs
Every job starts with the R250 call-out fee, plus travel at the AA rate per kilometre from Northcliff. Labour is R300 an hour on weekdays between 07:00 and 17:00, and R450 an hour after hours, on weekends and on public holidays. Materials are quoted separately.
Jobs of R2,000 or more need a 50% deposit before we buy materials. Our terms have the details.
Questions people ask
Can I run my geyser on backup?
You can, but it needs a much larger inverter and battery bank, which costs a lot more. Most people leave the geyser on the grid and put it on a timer.
Does my system need to be registered with the City?
If your system connects to the municipal supply, the City of Johannesburg expects it to be registered, and that needs a Certificate of Compliance. ACCR doesn't issue CoCs, so we tell you up front what your setup needs and who has to sign it off.
How long will the batteries last?
That depends on the battery size and how much you run off it. When we quote, we tell you roughly how many hours your chosen appliances will run.
Tell us what you need
Phone or WhatsApp CJ, day or night. Photos of the board or the problem help us quote faster.