A: A backup system mainly keeps your essential items running during power outages, such as lights, Wi-Fi, fridge, TV and laptop charging. A full solar system includes solar panels that generate power during the day, helping reduce your monthly electricity bill and your reliance on the grid.

A: Yes. Many homeowners start with an inverter and battery backup system, then add solar panels and extra battery storage later. This is a practical way to build your system in stages instead of paying for a large installation upfront.

A: Not always. If your main concern is load shedding or power failures, you can start with an inverter and lithium battery backup system. Solar panels can be added later when you are ready to reduce your electricity usage from the grid.

A: The correct system size depends on what you want to power, your average electricity usage, the size of your home or business, and whether you want backup only or monthly savings as well. A site inspection helps us recommend the correct inverter, battery and solar panel setup.

A: A typical quote may include the inverter, lithium battery, solar panels where required, mounting equipment, electrical protection, cabling, labour, setup, testing and compliance work. The final quote will depend on your property and the system you choose.

A: Every property is different. Pricing can be affected by roof type, DB board condition, cable routes, battery size, inverter brand, number of panels, structural requirements and whether additional electrical work is needed before installation.

A: Yes. We can recommend staged solar options based on your budget. You can begin with essential backup power and upgrade over time as your electricity needs grow.

A: Yes, for many Gauteng homes and businesses, solar is a long-term investment that helps reduce electricity costs, protects against power interruptions and adds practical value to the property. Your exact saving depends on your usage, system size and how much daytime power you can shift to solar.

A: Usually not completely. Solar can reduce your usage from the grid, but you may still pay fixed service fees, municipal charges or Eskom-related charges depending on your electricity provider and tariff structure. The goal is to reduce your monthly usage and protect your property from power failures.

A: Yes, but the system must be correctly sized. A whole-home system usually requires a larger inverter, enough battery storage and enough solar panels to support your daily electricity demand.

A: Solar can power some heavy appliances when the system is designed for it. Items like pool pumps, washing machines, aircons, kettles, geysers and ovens use more power and need to be planned carefully. We usually recommend running heavy loads during strong daytime sun where possible.

A: It depends on the size of your system and how your geyser is connected. In many homes, it may be more cost-effective to use a gas or dedicated solar water heating solution instead of placing too much load on the inverter and battery system.

A: Backup time depends on the battery size and what you are powering. A smaller essential-load setup may last several hours when used carefully, while larger battery banks can provide longer backup for bigger homes or businesses.

A: Yes. Solar and inverter installations involve electrical installation work, so the applicable electrical work must be inspected, tested and covered by a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by an appropriately registered person. A CoC helps confirm that the electrical installation complies with the relevant South African safety requirements.

A: Not every electrician can issue a CoC. It must be issued by a person who is appropriately registered with the Department of Employment and Labour for the work concerned. For Eskom SSEG installations, Eskom’s current requirements specify an Installation Electrician or Master Installation Electrician for the relevant SSEG compliance sign-off.

The term “solar CoC” is commonly used, but it is essentially the electrical Certificate of Compliance covering the applicable solar and electrical installation work.

A: Yes. Gauteng House & Garden works with an affiliated solar installation partner led by a qualified electrical technician with a Wireman’s License and PV GreenCard installer certification.

A: A site inspection allows us to check your DB board, roof space, wiring, load requirements, battery location, inverter position and safety requirements. This helps prevent underquoting, poor system design and unnecessary surprises during installation.

A: Smaller backup systems can often be completed faster, while larger hybrid or commercial systems may take longer depending on the roof layout, electrical work and system size. We will confirm the expected timeframe after the site assessment.

A: A professional installation should not damage your roof. The mounting system must be installed correctly, sealed properly and positioned safely to protect both the panels and the structure of your property.

A: Most roofs can support solar panels, but the roof type, angle, available space, shade and structural condition must be checked first. If your roof is not ideal, we can advise on the best alternative layout.

A: For a typical residential SSEG registration, Eskom currently lists three key compliance documents: a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC), an NRS 097-2-1 type-test certificate for the inverter, and an Embedded Generation Installation (EGI) test report completed by the appropriately registered person. Eskom

Requirements can differ depending on the size and type of system.

A: If Eskom supplies your property directly and your solar system operates in parallel with the Eskom grid, Eskom currently requires the SSEG system to be registered, even if you do not export electricity back to the grid.

If your electricity is supplied by City Power or another municipality, you need to follow that electricity provider’s SSEG requirements instead. A genuinely off-grid system that is completely independent of Eskom’s network is treated differently.

A: You can still take steps to get your installation checked. Start by gathering any documents you have, including your existing CoC, inverter information, installation invoices and equipment certificates.

An appropriately registered electrical professional can inspect and test the existing installation, identify missing or non-compliant work, and advise what needs to be corrected and what can lawfully be certified. A CoC should only be issued once the required inspection and testing have been completed and the applicable installation is compliant. Department of Labour

Gauteng House & Garden can assist with assessing your existing installation and help coordinate the appropriate solar and electrical specialists to advise you on the way forward.

A: No. 30 September 2026 is the end date of Eskom’s current registration and connection fee waiver for qualifying Eskom customer solar systems up to 50 kVA. It is not stated by Eskom as an automatic switch-off date for every household that has not registered. Eskom

However, the requirement to register applicable grid-connected systems remains, and Eskom states that it may act where an installation presents a safety risk. Homeowners should therefore focus on making sure their installation is safe, correctly documented and registered with the correct electricity provider where required. Eskom

For the latest requirements, see Eskom’s official SSEG information page.

A: This depends on dust, trees, pollution and weather conditions. In many Gauteng areas, panels may need cleaning a few times a year to maintain performance, especially after dry and dusty periods.

A: Warranties depend on the inverter, battery and solar panel brands used. We recommend quality components with strong local support and manufacturer warranties, and we will explain the warranty details on your quote.

A: We assess the fault, check the installation and assist with the correct repair or warranty process where applicable. Using reputable brands with local support makes after-sales service much easier.

A: Yes. Businesses that use a lot of electricity during the day can benefit strongly from solar because panels generate power during working hours. This can reduce grid usage and improve monthly cost control.

A: Yes. We can assist with solar and backup solutions for complexes, estates and body corporate environments. These projects usually require a site assessment, load calculation and approval from the relevant decision-makers.

A: We assist clients across Gauteng, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand, Sandton, Fourways, Randburg, East Rand, West Rand, Centurion, the Vaal and surrounding areas.

A: Finding a reliable solar installer can be stressful. Gauteng House & Garden helps connect you with trusted, vetted professionals who understand solar design, electrical safety, compliance and quality workmanship.

A: Simply send us your details, property location and what you want to power. We will arrange the next step, assess your requirements and recommend a solar solution that fits your home, business and budget.

Whether you want backup power for load shedding, a staged solar upgrade, or a full hybrid solar system, Gauteng House & Garden can help you find the right solar solution for your property.