Buy / finance your own system
- You purchase the solar system
- The equipment is your asset
- Your finance balance reduces as you repay it
- Once the finance is settled, there is no solar rental payment
- You have greater control over future upgrades
Own vs rent
Own your solar. Know what you're paying for.
A low monthly solar payment can sound attractive — but the monthly payment is only part of the story.
Before signing a long-term solar contract, understand the total cost, who owns the equipment, what happens if you sell your home, and what it will cost to eventually own the system.
No pressure. No confusing contracts. Just an honest assessment of what your home actually needs.
The question most people forget to ask
At the end of all my payments, who owns the solar system?
Fixed solar package / subscription
The provider may own the equipment during the contract.
Depending on the agreement, you may need to:
- Continue renting
- Renew the agreement
- Pay a buyout amount
- Transfer the agreement
- Have the equipment removed
Never assume you will own the system simply because you have been paying for it.
"After my final contracted monthly payment, does the complete solar system automatically become my property for R0?"
Indicative pricing
What does a solar system cost?
For homes with an average electricity bill of approximately R3 000 to R10 000 per month, a properly designed solar system will typically cost around R80 000 to R188 000. This is an indicative range only — the final price depends on the property and its energy requirements.
Electricity usage
Roof type
Available roof space
Backup requirements
Your home is different. Your solar system should be too.
Total cost
R2 500 per month sounds affordable. But what does it cost in total?
R2 500 × 120 months
R300 000
total
Illustrative example only.
A monthly payment can look attractive until you calculate the complete contractual cost.
When comparing solar options, don't ask only:
"Can I afford the monthly payment?"
Also ask:
"How much will I have paid in total when this contract ends?"
Side by side
Buying vs a fixed solar package
Contract terms differ between providers, so always check your own agreement.
Ownership
Buy / finance your solar
You normally own the system you purchase, subject to your finance agreement.
Fixed solar package
The provider commonly owns the equipment during the contract. End-of-contract ownership depends on the agreement.
What you're paying for
Buy / finance your solar
Finance used to purchase your solar asset.
Fixed solar package
Use of the solar system and potentially included services or maintenance.
After the finance / contract
Buy / finance your solar
Once your finance is settled, the system remains yours.
Fixed solar package
You may need to buy the system, renew, transfer or end the agreement depending on the contract.
Upgrades
Buy / finance your solar
Greater freedom to expand or modify your system, subject to technical requirements.
Fixed solar package
Changes may require provider approval because the equipment may belong to them.
Selling your home
Buy / finance your solar
The solar system is generally part of your property or assets, subject to any outstanding finance.
Fixed solar package
The agreement may need to be transferred, settled or otherwise dealt with when the property is sold.
Maintenance
Buy / finance your solar
You are responsible for maintenance after applicable installer or manufacturer warranties.
Fixed solar package
Maintenance may be included depending on the provider and agreement.
Main thing to check
Buy / finance your solar
Interest rate, finance term and total repayment.
Fixed solar package
Contract term, escalation, cancellation terms, total payments and ownership or buyout conditions.
Don't compare monthly payment vs monthly payment.
Compare total cost vs total cost.
Your checklist
Before signing any solar contract, ask for these 6 numbers
Cash price
What would this exact solar system cost if purchased today?
Monthly payment
What is the starting monthly payment?
Contract term
How many months or years are you committed for?
Annual escalation
Does the monthly payment increase every year, and by how much?
Early settlement / cancellation
What will it cost to leave the agreement early?
Ownership price
Exactly how much must you pay for the complete system to become yours?
These six numbers make it much easier to compare solar offers properly.
Selling your property
Planning to sell? Read the solar contract first.
If a third party owns equipment installed on your property, selling your home can potentially become more complicated.
Depending on the agreement, you may need to:
- Transfer the contract to the new homeowner
- Settle the remaining agreement
- Pay an early termination amount
- Arrange removal of the equipment
- Meet other transfer or ownership conditions
Your buyer may want the house — but not your solar contract.
Always understand the transfer and settlement conditions before signing.
Looking ahead
Your electricity needs won't stay the same forever.
EV
Electric vehicle
Aircon
Additional air conditioning
Geyser
Additional geyser
Pool
Pool pump
Workshop
Workshop / home business
Battery
More backup capacity
Five years from now, your household may consume significantly more electricity.
If you own your system, you generally have greater control over expanding it, subject to the technical design.
If a provider owns the equipment, modifications may require their permission.
The full picture
Solar payment ≠ your total energy cost
Solar contract payment
+
Remaining municipal / Eskom bill
+
Applicable fixed charges
Your real monthly energy cost
A low advertised solar payment does not automatically mean your electricity costs disappear. The system needs to be properly sized around your actual consumption.
Inverter capacity
Usable battery capacity
Solar panel / PV capacity
Daytime consumption
Night-time consumption
Essential backup loads
Staying balanced
Are fixed solar plans always bad?
No.
A fixed solar package may suit someone who prefers:
- Little or no upfront capital expenditure
- Maintenance included
- Predictable monthly payments
- Less responsibility for equipment maintenance
- No particular interest in owning the equipment
The important thing is understanding exactly what you're agreeing to.
A fixed package should be evaluated as a service or rental arrangement according to its actual contract terms — not automatically treated as equivalent to purchasing a solar system.
Private finance
Want to own the system without paying cash upfront?
Consider financing your own solar system.
A personal loan or other suitable finance option can allow a homeowner to purchase their own solar system while spreading the cost over time.
The important distinction is that the finance is being used to purchase an asset rather than simply paying for access to equipment owned by somebody else.
Still compare
- Interest rate
- Loan term
- Monthly repayment
- Total repayment
- Fees
- Affordability
PRO SOLAR INSTALLER does not provide finance or instalment plans and cannot approve any application. We make no representation that finance will be approved or that a personal loan will be cheaper than any other option. Speak to your own financial service provider.
Before you sign a 5, 10 or 15-year solar contract — get a second opinion.
Send us your electricity bill and a few details about your property. We'll help you understand what size solar system you actually need and give you an honest installation price so you can compare your options properly.
No obligation. No confusing sales pitch. Just straightforward solar advice.