National · Eskom Direct

Solar Costs and Savings in Eskom Direct

Eskom Direct customers should match scenarios to their actual Homelight or other residential schedule. Yield varies strongly by province — we default to a mid-country assumption here.

For Eskom Direct customers: avoidable energy charge about R4.2838/kWh ex VAT (R4.9264/kWh incl. VAT on your bill) (Homeflex 4). Fixed charges of about R481 ex VAT (R554 incl. VAT)/month typically remain payable with solar.

Energy rate (ex VAT)

R4.2838/kWh

Fixed charge (typical)

R481 ex VAT

Local yield assumption

1700 kWh/kWp

Calculate my roof ROI Already have solar? Add your system

Fixed charges vs avoidable energy charges

Eskom tariffs differ by schedule and incline blocks. Use your bill's variable energy rate for decisions; the figure here is only for national scenario illustration.

Rooftop solar reduces variable energy purchases. It does not eliminate fixed service or demand charges.

Export / SSEG

Embedded generation / NRS rules and municipal hand-offs can apply. Verify before assuming export.

Example savings scenarios

Local rates (savings at incl. VAT bill rates) and 1700 kWh/kWp. Installed costs: grid-tied R19/W and hybrid+battery R26/W all-in guide (2026 SA market).
Household	Matched system	Grid-tied installed	Hybrid + battery installed	Grid saving / payback	Hybrid saving / payback
Small home (~350 kWh/month)	3.0 kW · ~5 kWh battery	R50 160–R63 840	R68 640–R87 360	R18 843 / 3.0 yrs	R22 109 / 3.5 yrs
Typical home (~600 kWh/month)	3.0 kW · ~5 kWh battery	R50 160–R63 840	R68 640–R87 360	R18 843 / 3.0 yrs	R22 109 / 3.5 yrs
Large home (~900 kWh/month)	5.0 kW · ~10 kWh battery	R83 600–R106 400	R114 400–R145 600	R31 405 / 3.0 yrs	R36 849 / 3.5 yrs

Grid-tied examples assume ~75% self-consumption; hybrid examples assume ~88% with battery storage. Savings use avoidable variable energy at incl. VAT bill rates and exclude fixed charges. Installed prices are all-in planning guides — not installer quotes. Live bill simulation in the personalised report uses current tariff data when available.

Towns & cities on this supplier

System sizes used in examples

Local caveats

National indicative page — replace with your provincial yield and exact Eskom schedule in the personalised report.

Supplier / municipality site

Frequently asked questions

Does solar eliminate my Eskom Direct fixed charges?

No. Fixed service or demand charges typically remain payable. Solar mainly offsets variable energy charges.

How accurate are the Eskom Direct savings examples?

They are indicative planning scenarios using a stated energy rate and yield assumption. Your bill, tariff and roof geometry will differ — use the personalised report for a closer estimate.

Next step

Get a personalised estimate for your roof using satellite data, your usage and local tariff where available.

Calculate my roof ROI Already have solar? Add your system to the research map