South Africa is expected to record a rise in rooftop solar uptake as 82% of households without systems plan to install solar within the next 12 months, according to findings from South Africa’s Largest Solar Survey.
The report, released by investment firm Jaltech, indicates that cost has become the main driver of adoption, marking a shift from previous years when load shedding was the primary motivator.
Jaltech said the data shows rising electricity tariffs, and the search for long-term cost relief is now shaping consumer decisions.
According to the survey, many households report that grid electricity has become increasingly expensive, while solar offers a more predictable alternative.
Solar power is estimated to cost 30% to 50% less than grid electricity after installation, translating to savings of about R1.20 to R1.70 per kilowatt-hour.
About 93% of respondents with solar systems said they have seen reductions in their monthly electricity bills.
“South Africa’s solar market has matured rapidly. What began as a response to unreliable supply has become a financial decision for many households,” Jonty Sacks, a partner at Jaltech said.
The report notes that solar adoption remains strong even as power outages have eased in parts of the country.
Electricity tariffs have continued to rise, leaving households focused on controlling long-term energy costs.
Commercial uptake increases
In addition, the survey shows similar trends in the commercial sector. About 79% of companies without solar say they plan to install systems within the next year.
More than half of businesses with existing installations report that solar now supplies most of their energy needs.
The report shows increased use of energy management systems that help companies track consumption and improve efficiency.
Commercial property owners, farmers, manufacturers, and retailers were identified as among the most active adopters, driven largely by rising operational costs and the need to avoid disruptions.
Recent market activity reflects the shift toward cost-driven solar adoption. South Africa’s fastest-growing solar-as-a-service provider, Wetility partnered with Jaltech in a R500 million deal to expand solar and battery installations across the country.
The funds will add over 16 MW of capacity to the national distributed energy footprint, support more than one million homes and businesseS.
Cost becomes main driver of solar adoption
South Africans are increasingly turning to solar power to manage rising electricity costs, marking a shift from earlier years when load-shedding drove adoption.
The survey found that roughly two-thirds of respondents had already installed solar systems, while 82% of households and 79% of businesses without systems plan to adopt solar in the near term.
According to the firm, the survey results reflect a broader shift toward energy self-sufficiency in a country that has long faced power challenges and rapidly rising electricity costs.
Sacks described the trend as a “long-term investment decision shaped by cost,” noting that South African households and businesses are increasingly prioritizing financial stability overreacting to power outages.
Outlook
Jaltech and Enlit Africa plan to brief solar installers, energy users, and developers on Nov. 25 to present the survey results and discuss industry trends.
According to data, the demand for rooftop solar is likely to remain high over the next year, although installation capacity differs by region. Financing options have expanded, but upfront costs continue to be a barrier for some households.
The report projects that solar will play an increasingly significant role in South Africa’s energy mix as households and businesses seek more predictable electricity expenses.
