To get the best result from your solar system, you need solar batteries to store the energy generated by your solar panels. Without batteries, you’ll only enjoy free electricity while the sun is shining and would rely on Eskom during the night – and be off during loadshedding, regardless of how many solar panels you have or the size of your inverter.
Solar batteries are charged either by your own solar power or by Eskom (grid-tied system). The balance between the number of solar panels and batteries is crucial. The minimum required battery storage for your household needs will keep you powered during loadshedding, but you’ll need to recharge often (either when the sun is shining again or with Eskom power).
Adding more batteries come at a cost, but you can store more energy to carry you for longer periods (and during times of less sunshine), as well as enable you to use more of your appliances while on battery power.