Energy4 min

Cheapest Ways to Survive Load Shedding

You don't need to spend R100,000 on solar panels to survive load shedding. Here are budget-friendly solutions ranked from cheapest to most expensive, so you can choose what works for your pocket.

Key Takeaways

A gas stove (R300-R800) solves your cooking problem immediately
A power bank (R500-R2,000) keeps your phone and Wi-Fi router alive
A small UPS (R2,000-R5,000) can run your Wi-Fi and TV for 2-4 hours
An inverter trolley (R5,000-R15,000) powers essentials for 4-8 hours
Full solar is the long-term solution but costs R80,000-R200,000

Under R500: Basic Survival

These are the absolute basics that everyone should have, even if you can't afford anything else.

LED rechargeable lights (R50-R150 each) — much safer than candles
A flask for hot water (R100) — fill before power goes off
A manual can opener (R30) — when the electric one won't work
Rechargeable batteries for remotes and torches (R150)

R500 - R2,000: Stay Connected

The next priority is keeping your phone charged and having light. These solutions are affordable and make a big difference.

Power bank 20,000mAh (R500-R1,000) — charges phone 4-5 times
Gas stove (single burner) (R300-R800) — cook without electricity
Solar garden lights (R200-R500) — charge during the day, use at night
Car phone charger (R100) — use your car to charge in emergencies

R2,000 - R10,000: Keep Working

If you work from home, you need your Wi-Fi router and laptop to stay on. These solutions keep you productive during outages.

Mini UPS for router (R2,000-R3,000) — keeps Wi-Fi on for 4-8 hours
Laptop power bank (R2,000-R4,000) — extra 6-8 hours of laptop use
Small inverter + battery (R5,000-R10,000) — powers TV, lights, and router

R10,000+: Full Backup

If you want to barely notice load shedding, you'll need a proper backup system. These are more expensive but give you full independence.

Inverter trolley system (R10,000-R20,000) — powers most of your house for 4-8 hours
Full inverter + lithium battery (R30,000-R60,000) — automatic switchover, powers everything
Solar panels + battery (R80,000-R200,000) — never pay for electricity again

Ready to see your own numbers?

Use the Load Shedding Cost Calculator