Solar Brand Comparisons

Almost every solar comparison online is written against the manufacturer's own datasheet, which is where the numbers are most flattering and least comparable. Two batteries quoting "10 kWh" can differ by a third in usable energy once depth of discharge is applied, and two inverters quoting the same kW can behave completely differently under a surge load. So the first thing to check on any comparison, ours included, is whether it is comparing the same quantity.

For batteries, the number that matters is usable kWh multiplied by warranted cycles at a stated depth of discharge. That gives you total warranted energy, and dividing the price by it gives you a real cost per unit delivered over the battery's life. A cheaper battery with half the warranted cycles is not cheaper. For inverters, compare continuous rating, surge rating, and whether the unit is genuinely hybrid or a grid-tied unit with a changeover bolted on.

Then check the thing no datasheet shows: how many local installers actually fit the brand. Warranty support in South Africa varies far more between brands than the specifications do, and a ten-year warranty is only worth what the local distributor is around to honour. Our brand support map counts how many installers carry each brand and where they are.

Finally, treat the winner of any comparison as conditional. Almost none of these pairings has a brand that is better outright; they have a brand that is better for a particular budget, load profile and tolerance for risk. Where that is the case, we say which is which rather than crowning one.