Solar vs Generator vs Inverter Trolley: Best Backup for Load Shedding

When load shedding hits, South Africans reach for one of three solutions: a solar and battery system, a petrol or diesel generator, or a portable inverter trolley. Each keeps the lights on, but they differ hugely in cost, convenience and what they cost to run. Here is how to choose.

Inverter trolley

A portable inverter trolley is a battery and inverter on wheels that you charge from a wall socket and plug appliances into during an outage.

• Cheapest entry point, often R5,000 to R20,000.
• No installation needed, just plug and go.
• Limited capacity, so it runs lights, Wi-Fi and a TV but not heavy appliances, and it has to be recharged from the grid between outages.

It is a good stop-gap for renters or tight budgets, but it does not reduce your electricity bill.

Petrol or diesel generator

A generator burns fuel to produce electricity on demand and can run heavy loads.

• Handles big appliances and even a whole home with a large enough unit.
• Lower upfront cost than a full solar system.
• Noisy, produces fumes, must be run outdoors, and the running cost is high because you are constantly buying fuel. It also does nothing for your bill.

Generators suit occasional, heavy-duty backup rather than daily load shedding.

Solar with battery storage

A solar and battery system charges from the sun during the day and powers your home silently during outages.

• Switches over automatically, so you may not even notice the grid is down.
• Silent, clean and requires no fuel.
• Reduces your electricity bill every single day, not just during load shedding.
• Highest upfront cost, though financing options spread it out.

Which one is right for you?

• Small budget or renting? An inverter trolley gets you through the basics.
• Need heavy backup occasionally and do not mind fuel costs? A generator.
• Want a permanent, silent solution that also slashes your bill? A solar and battery system is the clear long-term winner.

To size a solar backup for your home, try our system size calculator and read about choosing the right inverter. When you are ready, get free quotes from verified installers.