Power cuts in Cape Town are less predictable than a load shedding schedule, and a solar battery system keeps your lights, fridge, internet and security running while the grid is off. Thermo Group designs, supplies and installs solar panels, hybrid inverters and batteries for homes and businesses across Cape Town, and services systems that other installers fitted. Call 021 203 5337 or 082 302 0683, we are open 24/7.
Solar battery and backup power options for Cape Town
Solar panels only (grid-tied)
Lowers your bill during the day, but switches off when the grid goes down. Good if your main aim is saving money and you rarely lose power.
Hybrid system with a battery
A hybrid inverter works with panels and a battery. It keeps the circuits you choose running during a power cut and uses stored solar power in the evening.
Battery backup without panels
An inverter and battery that charge from the grid and run your essentials during an outage. Simpler and quicker to install, but it does not cut your bill the way panels do.
Adding a battery to an existing system
We check your inverter, panel array and distribution board and tell you whether the system can take a battery or needs an inverter change.
How we size a backup system
- You tell us what must stay on: lights, fridge, router, TV, gate motor, alarm, pool pump, office equipment.
- We check your electricity bill, your distribution board and where the equipment connects.
- We separate the essential circuits from heavy loads such as geysers, stoves and air conditioners.
- We recommend the inverter size, battery capacity and number of panels, then quote.
Approval, certificate and paperwork
In the City of Cape Town supply area you need City authorisation before installing solar PV or a battery, and the installation is signed off by a professional and covered by an electrical certificate of compliance before it is switched on. If you are supplied by Eskom, Eskom’s rules apply. Read more on the solar certificate of compliance page.
Servicing and repairs
A battery system needs checking like any other electrical installation. We offer solar repairs and fault finding, inverter and battery checks, and solar panel cleaning.
If you also want a generator or surge protection, see generator changeover switches and surge protection.
Also see solar installations, commercial solar for businesses and converting your geyser to solar.
Get a battery backup quote
Send us a recent electricity bill and tell us what you want to keep running during a power cut. Request a solar quote, or call 021 203 5337 or 082 302 0683. Free quotes for planned work. Terms and conditions apply.
Solar battery and backup power questions
Do I need a battery with my solar panels?
No. Panels with a grid-tied inverter cut your electricity bill during the day but switch off when the grid goes down. A battery with a hybrid inverter stores power so you keep lights, fridge and Wi-Fi running during a power cut and use stored power in the evening.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Often yes, but it depends on the inverter. A hybrid inverter can take a battery directly. A grid-tied inverter may need to be replaced or paired with a battery inverter. We inspect the system first and tell you what is needed.
How long will a battery run my house?
It depends on the battery capacity and what you connect. A fridge, lights, TV and router can run for many hours, while a geyser, stove or air conditioner drains a battery quickly. We size the system around the circuits you want backed up.
Can a battery run my geyser or stove?
These are heavy loads. Most home backup systems leave them off the backed-up circuits, or use a solar geyser or a geyser controller instead. We design the system around your priorities.
Do I need City of Cape Town approval for a solar battery system?
Yes. The City requires authorisation before you install solar PV or a battery in its supply area, and the installation needs a professional sign-off, an electrical certificate of compliance and the City’s approval before it is switched on. In Eskom-supplied areas Eskom’s requirements apply. We handle the paperwork for the systems we install.
Can you service a battery or inverter someone else installed?
Yes. We inspect and service systems from any installer and any brand, including checking settings, connections and error codes, and we can quote for repairs or upgrades.
How much does a battery backup system cost?
It depends on the inverter size, battery capacity, the circuits you want backed up and the installation. Send us a recent electricity bill and tell us what you want to keep running, and we will quote. Free quotes for planned work. Terms and conditions apply.