How Much Solar Do You Need to Cover Your Home?
Enter your monthly bill or upload your rates statements. We'll size the panels, battery and inverter you'd need to offset your electricity usage, using real South African municipal tariffs and provincial sun-hour data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle in South Africa?
Charging costs depend on your electricity tariff and the EV's battery size. Home charging typically costs R2.50–R4.00 per kWh, meaning a full charge for a 60 kWh battery costs around R150–R240. Public DC fast charging is more expensive, usually R5–R8 per kWh.
Is it cheaper to drive an EV or a petrol car in South Africa?
In almost all cases, yes — EVs are significantly cheaper per kilometre. A typical petrol car costs R1.50–R2.00/km in fuel, while an EV costs R0.30–R0.60/km on home electricity. That's a saving of up to 70%.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
Charging time varies by charger type and battery size. A home wall box (7 kW) typically takes 6–10 hours for a full charge — ideal overnight. Public DC fast chargers (50–150 kW) can charge to 80% in 30–60 minutes.
Where can I find EV charging stations in South Africa?
South Africa's charging network is growing rapidly, with stations from GridCars, Audi Charge, BMW ChargeNow, and others across major cities and national routes.
Which electric vehicles are available in South Africa?
Popular EVs in South Africa include the BYD Dolphin, BYD Atto 3, Volvo EX30, BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz EQA, and Mini Cooper SE, among others. Prices start from under R600,000.
Can I charge an EV with solar panels?
Yes! Many South African EV owners charge their vehicles using rooftop solar, reducing costs to near zero. A typical home solar system (5–10 kW) can comfortably charge an EV during the day.