Rent-to-Own vs. Outright Purchase: The Real ROI on Solar as Eskom Tariffs Climb

ย  Looking at your monthly electricity bill in South Africa has become a frustrating task. With NERSA approving yet another average electricity tariff hike of 8.76% for Eskom direct customers (and municipal rates climbing by 9.01%), the cost of relying soly on the grid is officially out of control. The question for South Africanโ€™s is […]

How to Size a Solar System for a Modern SA Home

ย  At Alumo, we donโ€™t believe in “one-size-fits-all” boxes. If you have a large home, your energy needs are as unique as your floor plan. Here is why the site assessment is the most critical hour of your solar journey. ย  The “5kW Myth” vs. The Reality of Modern Living A standard 5kW inverter is […]

Solar Panels vs Generator for Homes: Which Saves You More in 2025?

If youโ€™re a South African homeowner in 2026, chances are youโ€™re asking one very real question: Should I get solar panels or a generator for my home? Both keep the lights on.Both promise โ€œbackup power.โ€But only one actually saves you money long-term. ๐Ÿ’ก Solar Panels for Home: How They Actually Work A solar panel system […]

Is a 25 kW Solar System Worth It for Your Business? Letโ€™s Talk Numbers

Letโ€™s break it down, Alumo-style: practical, smart, and designed to make cents.  How Much Does a 25 kW Solar System Actually Cost? A fully installed 25 kW solar system with batteries in South Africa typically costs between R300 000 +, depending on:   Hereโ€™s a quick cost example, based on Alumoโ€™s commercial packages: Component Description […]

8kW Solar System with Battery: Lets break it down

What Youโ€™ll Actually Pay for an 8kW Solar System with Battery Storage So, youโ€™ve finally had enough of Eskomโ€™s โ€œsurpriseโ€ power cuts and want to take matters into your own handsย  or rather, your own roof ๐Ÿ˜‰. Youโ€™ve Googled โ€œ8kW solar system with batteries costโ€, and here you are. Letโ€™s break it down in plain […]

Eskomโ€™s Winter Outlook: No Load Sheddingโ€ฆ But at What Cost?

Eskom is promising a stable power grid this winter, but itโ€™s coming at a price that many South Africans simply canโ€™t afford. According to Eskomโ€™s latest forecast, load shedding could be avoided through winter 2025, if unplanned outages stay low. But even with fewer blackouts, the real burden is shifting: sky-high electricity tariffs are becoming […]

Upgrading Your Solar System: What You Need to Know (Before You Fry Your Inverter)

So youโ€™ve got a solar system, congrats! Youโ€™re already winning at life. But now youโ€™re wondering:Can I add more panels? Add a battery? How can I save even more on my electricity bill? Letโ€™s break down everything you need to know about adding a battery to your existing solar, adding more solar panels to your […]

Optimizing SOC Settings for Load Shedding

Understanding SOC (State of Charge) Settings and Why They Matter The last-minute announcement of Stage 3 load shedding has probably reached you by now. If you’re experiencing power shortages at night despite having a solar system installed by Alumo Energy, you might find that your battery settings need to be adjusted. Many systems were initially […]

Rent or Buy Solar? Find the Best Option for You

Not sure whether to rent or buy solar? This blog explores the benefits of both options, helping you decide based on your budget, energy needs, and long-term savings. Learn how a solar energy system can lower electricity costs, provide energy independence, and protect against Eskom price hikes. ย  Is It Better to Rent or Buy […]