The shift to off-grid living: Why more South Africans are going solar

In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a significant shift in how households and businesses manage their energy needs. The move toward off-grid living-particularly solar energy-has surged, driven by persistent load shedding, rising electricity tariffs, and a growing awareness of environmental sustainability. As of 2025, solar power is no longer seen as a luxury but rather a practical solution for energy security and financial relief.

The Loadshedding Effect

One of the main drivers of the off-grid movement is Eskom's ongoing power supply challenges. Despite government efforts to stabilise the grid, rolling blackouts remain a daily disruption for millions of South Africans. Load shedding has not only affected domestic comfort and productivity but also economic performance, particularly in sectors reliant on stable electricity such as retail, manufacturing, and IT.
The unreliability of the national power supply has forced property owners, sectional title schemes, and even rural communities to seek alternative energy sources. Solar power, backed by battery storage, offers a way to ensure continuity during blackouts-powering essentials like lighting, refrigeration, internet routers, and even geysers.

Rising Electricity Tariffs

Electricity prices have increased significantly in South Africa over the past decade. In 2024 alone, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved a double-digit percentage increase for Eskom customers. For middle-class households and small businesses, this trend has made traditional grid power increasingly unaffordable.

In contrast, the cost of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system has dropped due to advancements in technology, government incentives, and a growing number of local suppliers. Many South Africans have realised that the upfront investment in solar is offset by long-term savings on electricity bills-making the move off-grid a financially savvy decision.

Government and Municipal Support

The South African government has recognised the potential of renewable energy to ease pressure on the national grid. Tax incentives, such as Section 12B of the Income Tax Act, allow homeowners and businesses to deduct the cost of solar installations from their taxable income. Some municipalities-like Cape Town and Ekurhuleni-have introduced feed-in tariffs, which allow residents to sell surplus solar power back into the grid.

Moreover, the City of Cape Town has launched initiatives to streamline the approval process for solar installations in residential and commercial buildings. These policies have not only incentivised adoption but also helped normalise solar energy as a mainstream power option.
Increased Availability and Financing Options

Previously, one of the biggest barriers to going solar was the high upfront cost. However, the landscape has changed. Numerous solar companies now offer rent-to-own models, zero-deposit financing, and monthly repayment plans-making systems accessible to a broader portion of the population. Installations are now quicker, more reliable, and often include monitoring apps that allow users to track their energy usage in real-time.

In rural or underdeveloped areas, NGOs and cooperatives are rolling out community solar systems, helping households that are not connected to the grid benefit from clean, affordable power.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Beyond economics and convenience, many South Africans are choosing solar to reduce their carbon footprint. With global climate change becoming a pressing issue, solar energy presents an eco-friendly alternative to coal-fired electricity, which remains South Africa's primary energy source.
Solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, decreases air pollution, and helps conserve water-a crucial benefit in a water-scarce country.

Challenges Still Remain

While the trend toward off-grid living is growing, it is not without its challenges. Some households still face affordability issues, particularly in informal settlements. In addition, regulatory inconsistencies between municipalities can slow down approvals. There's also the need for skilled technicians and proper system maintenance to ensure long-term success.

The shift to off-grid living-especially through solar power-represents a transformation in how South Africans think about energy. It's a response to national challenges and a proactive step toward energy independence, sustainability, and economic resilience. As technology improves and support systems strengthen, this movement is expected to accelerate, reshaping South Africa's energy landscape one rooftop at a time.