Essential Guide to Home Backup Power
With frequent load-shedding in South Africa, reliable home backup power is essential. Whether you're looking for power inverters for sale, exploring solar inverters, or searching for the cheapest home inverters, this comprehensive guide compares the best home inverters available in 2026.
From affordable Growatt inverters to premium Victron MultiPlus systems and budget-friendly Mecer inverters, we've analyzed prices from top retailers including inverter prices at Makro. Discover the perfect load-shedding solutions for your home, whether you need a compact 3kW unit or a powerful 5kva inverter for whole-home protection.
Updated 2 February 2026.Top Inverter Brands Compared
1 Growatt Inverters
Growatt inverters have become immensely popular in solar power South Africa setups due to their affordability and efficiency. Perfect for homeowners seeking reliable off-grid inverters without breaking the bank.
- Growatt 3.5kW SPF3500ES: R7,000 - R8,000 (ideal entry-level solar inverters)
- Growatt 5kW Hybrid 48V: R6,750 (excellent value 5kva inverter)
- Growatt 10kW Hybrid: R17,999 (for larger homes and businesses)
2 Victron MultiPlus
The Victron MultiPlus is a high-quality Dutch brand trusted worldwide for premium home backup power. While pricier, it's the gold standard for inverter installation in demanding off-grid systems.
- Victron MultiPlus-II 48/5000/70-50: R8,180 - R20,000+
- Superior build quality and advanced monitoring features
- Ideal for integrated solar and battery systems
- Excellent for off-grid inverters requiring maximum reliability
3 Mecer Inverters
Mecer inverters are among the cheapest home inverters available, often rebranded RCT Axpert models. Check inverter prices at Makro for special deals on these budget-friendly units.
- Mecer 3kVA/3kW: R6,790 (great entry point)
- Mecer 5kVA options: Under R10,000
- Reliable performance for basic load-shedding solutions
- Widely available at major retailers
Other Notable Brands
Luxpower Hybrid 5kW
R18,200 - R19,180 • Premium hybrid functionality
Sunsynk & Deye
Competitive pricing • Growing market share
2025 Inverter Price Comparison
| Brand/Model | Capacity | Price Range (ZAR) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growatt SPF3500ES | 3.5kW | R7,000 - R8,000 | Solar inverters |
| Victron MultiPlus-II | 5kW | R8,180 - R20,000 | Home backup power |
| Mecer/RCT Axpert | 3kVA | R6,790 | Cheapest home inverters |
| Luxpower Hybrid | 5kW | R18,200 - R19,180 | Load-shedding solutions |
Where to Buy: Retailer Comparison
Compare prices and selection across South Africa's major retailers.
Makro
BRANDS
Mecer, Growatt, Ellies
PRICE RANGE
R4,500 - R15,000
BEST FOR:
Budget buyers seeking deals on Mecer and mid-range inverters
Game
BRANDS
Mecer, Ellies, generic
PRICE RANGE
R3,900 - R12,500
BEST FOR:
First-time buyers or basic backup power needs
Builders Warehouse
BRANDS
Mecer, Growatt, selected premium
PRICE RANGE
R5,500 - R18,000
BEST FOR:
DIY enthusiasts and contractors
Geewiz (Online)
BRANDS
Growatt, Victron, Sunsynk, Deye
PRICE RANGE
R7,000 - R35,000
BEST FOR:
Premium brands and complete solar solutions
What Can a 5kVA Inverter Run?
Understanding your 5kVA (5000W) inverter capacity. Here's what you can power simultaneously and how long your battery will last.
⚡ 5kVA Inverter Capacity Explained
Maximum Continuous Power Output
A 5kVA inverter can deliver up to 5000 watts continuously. However, it's recommended to use only 80% of capacity (4000W) for optimal performance and longevity.
Quick Formula:
(Battery capacity in Wh) ÷ (Load in watts)
Example: 10kWh battery ÷ 2000W load = 5 hours runtime
Appliance Power Consumption Guide
| Appliance | Power Draw | Estimated Runtime* | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Lights (10 bulbs) | 100W | All day | ✓ Suitable |
| WiFi Router | 10-20W | All day | ✓ Suitable |
| Laptop + Charger | 65-100W | 8-12 hours | ✓ Suitable |
| LED TV (43") | 60-100W | 6-10 hours | ✓ Suitable |
| Ceiling Fan | 75W | 8-12 hours | ✓ Suitable |
| Fridge (small) | 150-200W | 4-6 hours cycling | ✓ Suitable |
| Microwave | 1000W | 15-20 min total | ✓ Suitable |
| Washing Machine | 500W | 1-2 loads | ✓ Suitable |
| Kettle (2200W) | 2200W | Not recommended | ⚠ High Load |
| Air Conditioner | 2000-3000W | Not recommended | ⚠ High Load |
* Runtime based on 10kWh battery capacity (typical for 5kVA systems). Actual runtime varies by battery size.
✓ Typical 5kVA Load Combination
- • 10 LED lights (100W)
- • 1 WiFi router (20W)
- • 2 Laptops (130W)
- • 1 TV (100W)
- • 2 Ceiling fans (150W)
- • 1 Small fridge (150W cycling)
Total: ~650W continuous
This load allows comfortable operation with plenty of capacity for spikes. Expected runtime: 12-15 hours on 10kWh battery.
✗ Avoid These Appliances
- • Kettles (2200W) - Drains battery quickly
- • Geysers (3000-4000W) - Exceeds capacity
- • Air conditioners (2000W+) - Not economical
- • Electric ovens (2400W+) - Too power-hungry
- • Tumble dryers (2000W+) - Use gas alternative
- • Pool pumps (1500W+) - Run on solar direct
High-wattage heating appliances drain batteries in minutes. Use gas alternatives or schedule for solar generation hours.
Battery Size Recommendations for 5kVA Inverters
Basic Backup
2-4 hours of essential loads during load-shedding. Lights, WiFi, laptops, TV.
Recommended (Most Popular)
8-12 hours backup for typical home loads. Covers evening usage comfortably.
Extended/Off-Grid
24+ hours backup or partial off-grid capability with solar panels.