The South African residential energy storage market is evolving rapidly, driven by the growing demand for solar energy solutions, reliable battery storage, and energy independence. According to the latest Jaltech 2024 report, which surveyed 288 solar installers and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) companies, key trends are shaping the market. Here’s what you need to know about South Africa’s top solar brands, battery storage preferences, and industry best practices.
Top PV (including inverters) Brands in South Africa
When selecting photovoltaic (PV) systems, South African installers favor a few key brands. According to the survey:
- JA Solar leads the market with 24% of respondents choosing it as their top brand.
- Canadian Solar follows closely, securing over 20% of the market share.
- Other notable mentions include Jinko Solar , Sunsynk, Longi , Trina Solar, and ARTsolar.
Preferred Energy Storage Battery Brands
Solar battery storage is crucial for ensuring stable energy supply, particularly in regions affected by load shedding. Survey data highlights the most trusted brands in the South African residential energy storage market:
- Freedom Won leads as the top solar battery choice.
- Sunsynk follows closely, gaining strong traction.
- Other widely used brands include Hubble, Dyness, Volta, Deye, Huawei, Solar MD, Blue Nova, CATL, Pylontech, Shoto, and S-Volt.
- Notably, 8% of installers do not have a strong preference, indicating flexibility in solar energy storage solutions.
Operations & Maintenance (O&M): A Standard Offering
With 88% of solar companies offering Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services, this has become an industry standard. The primary reasons for providing solar O&M services include:
- Enhancing customer satisfaction and support (15%)
- Generating an important revenue stream (45%)
- A key factor in closing sales (45%)
Common O&M Services
The most frequently provided solar maintenance services include:
- Corrective maintenance (repairs of faulty components)
- Preventive maintenance (cleaning and servicing)
- Engineering services
- Remote monitoring and performance analysis
- Emergency repairs and replacements
- Energy output management and system inspections
- Reporting system health status
Conclusion
The South African residential solar and battery storage market is growing rapidly, with strong solar panel brand preferences and a high adoption of O&M services. As more homeowners turn to solar power to mitigate energy disruptions, the demand for reliable PV panels, battery storage solutions, and solar maintenance services will continue to rise.
For solar companies, EPC contractors, and battery providers, this market presents a significant opportunity to expand offerings, establish local partnerships, and enhance after-sales service.
What are your thoughts on South Africa’s energy storage landscape? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Sources:
- JALTECH’S SOUTH AFRICAN SOLAR INDUSTRY SURVEY REPORT
