There have been 81 days of loadshedding in 2022 to date, and with no signs of the energy crisis set to end anytime soon, many households are struggling under the pressure.

Preparation is key for South African households and small businesses that hope to evade the darkness. “When faced with challenging circumstances, South Africans have two options to combat loadshedding: you can stock up on candles, LED lights and power banks, or you can invest in long-term solutions to power your home,” says Jeanne du Plessis, Head of Communications at Kandua.com, an online platform that connects those in need of home services with affordable, vetted home service providers.

"While going completely off-grid or investing in a generator isn’t a realistic option for every household, there are alternative power solutions available that can be installed quickly to help your household retain some semblance of normality during ongoing bouts of loadshedding,” she adds. 

Depending on your budget, du Plessis highlights three options that can be installed (and scaled) over time:

Be prepared: Three ways to beat the blackout blues

Inverter and battery backup system

This system consists of an inverter and a battery pack, which recharges when there is electricity and uses this stored power once load shedding begins. “The system is designed to switch on automatically when the power goes out and can be installed in a number of locations in a home or office to keep smaller appliances such as lamps, WiFi routers and computers running. This is especially useful for those needing to work from home,” says du Plessis.

A standalone and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) device has a inverter and some power storage built in and is often used to power electronics during an outage. 

“The key factor that affects the cost is the type and storage capacity of your batteries, which affects how much you can connect to the system and for how long, as well as the lifetime of the equipment,” she adds  

The cost of a UPS ranges between R2999 and R6100 (not including an electrician’s call-out fee for installation) depending on the voltage needed.

Solar power

Solar power enables homeowners to reduce their dependence on the power grid. 

“Depending on your energy needs and whether you want a system that is completely off grid (or one that’s still grid-tied), you can install a full or partial solar system to power your lights, Wi-Fi and appliances,” du Plessis explains. “This may require a significant financial investment upfront and will need to be installed by a Pro, but will benefit your household immensely in the long run.”

More advanced solar solutions also have battery storage integrated so that you still have power when your load shedding slot is at night. Solutions start at R83 000 for a 80-210m2 home and go up to R200 000 + depending on the size of the home.

Gas solutions

If budget doesn’t allow for solar, consider gas options instead. “Switch out your electric stove, geyser or fireplace for gas-powered alternatives, so you can cook, have a hot shower and your morning ‘cuppa’. Your local hardware store stocks a wide range of gas lighting solutions, too,” du Plessis adds.

You can get a simple gas cooker for under R200, whereas the prices for gas geysers, stoves or fireplaces vary widely, depending both on the appliance and the nuances of the installation. 

“Some gas appliances need electricity for the spark to get them going, so make sure you choose wisely,” cautions du Plessis. 

Specialist know-how is key

In understanding which of these options is best for you, it’s helpful to consult a reputable home service provider. Not only will they have the product know-how and experience to guide your selection, they are able to advise you on a number of concerns – from installation and maintenance, to use optimisation. 

The question is, how does one find a credible and reliable contractor, fast? And how does one know that the fees being quoted for these solutions, are fair and transparent?

This is where an online home services platform plays a powerful role - saving time in the search for a specialist, and enabling the user to source multiple quotes in minutes, as well as review service providers. 

“Kandua.com connects you to multiple vetted, reviewed and top-rated service providers in your area. They can provide you with quotes, so you can compare pricing and select a service provider who best meets your requirements and your budget, ” explains du Plessis. 

“Our pros can help more South Africans access alternative power solutions easily – to minimise the disruptions of loadshedding on your business and home,” she concludes.