South Africa’s solar market has changed, according to South Africa’s Largest Solar Survey released today, which reveals that rising electricity tariffs and significant financial savings are the leading forces driving solar adoption rather than loadshedding. Solar generation now costs between 30% to 50% less than grid electricity (around R1.20-R1.70/kWh equivalent after installation).
The research, conducted by Jaltech and based on over 2,000 South African solar users and potential adopters, represents the country’s largest solar user survey to date. It reveals that 93% of homeowners and 79% of businesses surveyed with solar systems are already realising measurable savings on their electricity bills.
The findings mark a fundamental shift in how South Africans approach energy investment. While load shedding initially sparked the solar boom, the survey shows adoption momentum remains strong despite the easing of power cuts, with 82% of homeowners and 79% of businesses surveyed who don’t have solar planning to install solar within the next 12 months.
“South Africa’s solar market has matured rapidly,” says Jonty Sacks, partner at Jaltech. “What began as a response to unreliable electricity supply has become a core financial decision. Solar now represents cost stability, resilience and long-term savings for South Africans from day one.”
In the commercial and industrial market, the use of energy management systems (EMS) is rising, helping users optimise performance, monitor savings, and reduce wastage, an indication that South African businesses are becoming more energy savvy, driven by the high cost of power. For 54% of business users surveyed, solar now offsets the majority of their energy consumption.
The survey found that 98% of existing solar users reported satisfaction with their systems, citing reliability, cost reduction, and minimal maintenance as key benefits. 67% of business users plan to expand their installations, while 97% of homeowners said they would recommend solar to others.
Financing solar
While high upfront costs remain the primary barrier for non-adopters, awareness of alternative funding models is improving. Jaltech’s funding approach, where the company finances, installs and operates solar systems while clients pay only for electricity consumed, has enabled the deployment of over R1 billion into the market over the past two years.
The survey captured responses from participants across all nine provinces, with adoption concentrated in major urban centres including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Pretoria. Respondents included homeowners and businesses across diverse sectors, from retail malls and commercial property to agriculture and manufacturing.
Adds Sacks, “Solar is changing how South Africans think about power and sustainability. As solar technology costs continue to decline and financing options expand, Jaltech expects adoption rates to accelerate further.”
Sacks will present a webinar on the key insights from the report at noon on Thursday, 25 November 2025. This session is tailored for solar installers/developers, commercial and industrial energy users, and landlords who are considering solar or want to understand current market trends and the impact of solar adoption.
