Do I need batteries for my solar system at home?

Author
MyProperty
South Africa's #1 independent property portal

It depends on your energy needs and goals. A solar panel system without battery storage will generate electricity during the day, and any excess energy may be sent back to the grid. In the evening or when there is no sunlight, you will need to rely on grid electricity to power your home.

If you're interested in becoming more energy-independent and reducing your reliance on the grid, then adding battery storage to your solar panel system can be a good option. With battery storage, any excess energy generated during the day can be stored for use in the evening or when there is no sunlight, allowing you to use more of the electricity you generate and further reduce your dependence on the grid. Battery storage can also provide backup power during power outages and load-shedding.

However, it's important to note that adding battery storage to a solar panel system can increase the initial installation cost. The cost of batteries and their installation can be significant, and it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the added cost before making a decision. Additionally, not all solar panel systems are compatible with battery storage, so it's important to consult with a professional solar installer to determine if your system is suitable for battery storage.

Property questions?
Get quick answers about buying, selling, renting, and more from our AI powered real estate bot
General Property News
Can renovations boost your property's value?
Market & Opinion
Can renovations boost your property's value?
02 Dec 2025
In real estate, one principle remains timeless: a great location will always outperform great finishes. Renovations can transform a home’s comfort and appeal, but they can’t shift a property closer to top schools, thriving business hubs, popular lifestyle estates, or the ocean. And in South Africa’s complex market, where service delivery, safety, and lifestyle demand vary sharply from street to street, location has become the biggest driver of long-term value.
read more
Thinking of selling your home privately? What South African sellers should know
Market & Opinion
Thinking of selling your home privately? What South African sellers should know
25 Nov 2025
With the rising cost of living and tighter bank lending conditions, many homeowners are looking for ways to cut costs when selling, including the idea of avoiding estate agent commission by selling privately. While this may seem like a way to keep more money in your pocket, the risks in today’s market are far higher than most people realise. A private sale can quickly become expensive, stressful, and legally risky if you’re not fully prepared.
read more
What you need to know about buying a retirement property in South Africa
Market & Opinion
What you need to know about buying a retirement property in South Africa
12 Nov 2025
When the time comes to settle into your golden years, choosing the right retirement property matters just as much as the decades of living before it. Whether you’re helping ageing parents, planning ahead for yourself, or looking for an investment option with lifestyle benefits, retirement-living choices in South Africa offer both promise and pitfalls.
read more
South Africans remain confident in property despite the economic challenges
Market & Opinion
South Africans remain confident in property despite the economic challenges
07 Nov 2025
South Africans continue to see property as one of the most stable and rewarding investments, even amid economic uncertainty. The Absa Homeowner Sentiment Index (HSI) for Q3 2025 shows that overall confidence in the property market remains high at 85%, only slightly down from 86% in the previous quarter.
read more
Real Estate Tools
Get pre-qualified
Make offers with confidence knowing what you can afford. Then shop for the best home loan
Bond Calculator
Calculate the estimated repayments on a home loan and savings with extra payments