The price gap is real
For the exact same 5 kW system (identical panels, inverter, and battery), quotes in South Africa routinely vary by R20,000–R40,000. Our data from 2025/26 shows a spread of 31% between lowest and highest quotes for comparable equipment. Always get at least 3 quotes.
What to compare in a solar quote
| Item | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Panel brand and model | Look up efficiency and warranty for the specific model number |
| Inverter brand and size | Ensure kVA matches your panel capacity (80–100%) |
| Battery brand, model, and kWh | Verify usable vs total capacity; check cycle life |
| Mounting system | Ask if it's SABS-approved and wind-rated for your area |
| COC included? | Must be yes. No COC = no insurance cover = no SARS rebate |
| Warranty terms | Get workmanship warranty in writing (minimum 1 year, ideally 5) |
| Estimated annual yield (kWh) | Ask for this — it lets you calculate your real ROI |
Red flags in a solar quote
- No brand names listed — just "460W panels" or "5 kW hybrid inverter"
- No COC mentioned
- No site inspection — just a price via WhatsApp
- No estimated annual yield in kWh
- Pressure to sign same day
Questions to ask every installer
- What is your SAPVIA registration number? (Verify at sapvia.co.za)
- What is the specific model number of the panels, inverter, and battery?
- What yield (kWh/year) do you estimate from this system at my location?
- What workmanship warranty do you provide and what does it cover?
- Who handles the COC and municipal notification?
FlowLeads sends your quote request to up to 3 SAPVIA-registered installers simultaneously. Get your free comparison quotes now.