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
Should you fix your home loan interest rate?
Market & Opinion
Should you fix your home loan interest rate?
26 Jan 2026
Homeowners and prospective home buyers often consider fixing the interest rate on their home loans, and with inflation concerns, rising living costs, and an upcoming repo rate announcement, this has once again become a key talking point.
read more
Selling your property in January: What you need to do now to get it right
Market & Opinion
Selling your property in January: What you need to do now to get it right
20 Jan 2026
January has a reputation for being a quiet month in the South African property market, but that reputation is misleading. While buyer volumes may be lower than in peak seasons, the buyers who are active in January are often serious, prepared, and ready to move. For sellers, that makes January less about hype and more about execution.
read more
Home loan checklist: Get pre-approved before February
Market & Opinion
Home loan checklist: Get pre-approved before February
13 Jan 2026
For many South Africans, the start of the year marks the time when serious home-buying decisions are made. January and February traditionally mark a period of renewed market activity, with new listings and motivated sellers. If you are planning to buy property in 2026, one of the smartest moves you can make is to get pre-approved for a home loan before February.
read more
Affording a home in 2026 - the real numbers South African buyers need to know
Market & Opinion
Affording a home in 2026 - the real numbers South African buyers need to know
08 Jan 2026
For most South Africans, buying a home in 2026 is no longer just about finding the right property; it’s also about navigating affordability in a high-cost, high-pressure environment. Food prices remain elevated, electricity and municipal charges continue to rise, and while interest rates have eased from their peak, they’re still high enough to shape what buyers can realistically afford.
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