Solar & energy in Durban (eThekwini)

Good sun. SSEG program in pilot phase. Battery essential for load shedding.

Avg electricity rate
R2.75/kWh
South Africa average
Peak sun hours
5.0
Annual average
Net metering
poor
eThekwini SSEG (in pilot)
Solar friendliness
★★★★☆
Out of 5

Key facts

  • RegionKwaZulu-Natal
  • CountrySouth Africa
  • CityDurban (eThekwini)
  • Average rateR2.75/kWh
  • Peak rate (TOU)R4.4/kWh
  • Off-peak rate (TOU)R1.6/kWh
  • Peak sun hours5.0 hrs/day
  • Net metering policyeThekwini SSEG (in pilot)
  • NM qualityPoor
  • Solar friendliness rating★★★★/5

Available incentives

  • SARS s12B deduction

Net metering quality

Quality of net metering policy (higher = better for solar economics):

Poor — eThekwini SSEG (in pilot)

What this means

Poor net metering means exports are worth little. Solar + battery is usually the right strategy here.

Example: 900 kWh/month household in Durban (eThekwini)

At 5.0 peak sun hours and a 400W panel, you'd need approximately 17 panels (6.8 kW system) to cover your usage. That produces ~10,673 kWh/year, saving about R29,350/year at the 2.75/kWh local rate.

Run the full calculator

Going solar in Durban (eThekwini)

Durban (eThekwini), in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has 5.0 average peak sun hours per day — excellent for solar. The local electricity rate is R2.75/kWh, below the South Africa average.

Net metering in Durban (eThekwini) is rated poor. eThekwini SSEG (in pilot). This significantly affects solar payback: with excellent net metering, every excess kWh you produce is credited at full retail value; with poor net metering, exports may be worth only 10-30% of retail, making battery storage much more attractive.

Available incentives include: SARS s12B deduction. These can substantially reduce the upfront cost of solar and battery installations. Note: the US federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. State and local incentives still vary by region. South African taxpayers can claim accelerated depreciation under SARS section 12B.

Next steps

Use the Solar Panel Sizing Calculator with 5.0 peak sun hours to find out exactly how many panels you need. Then check the Solar Savings Calculator for a 25-year projection using the local R2.75/kWh rate. If net metering is poor in Durban (eThekwini), also run the Battery ROI Calculator — batteries may be essential rather than optional.