Solar Panel Prices South Africa 2026: Makro, Cashbuild and Full System Costs
By Maxwell Grant · Updated: 2 November 2026 · 12 min read
Solar panel prices in South Africa start at R1,799 for a 450W panel in Makro’s online listing, and a fully installed 5kW system with a 10kWh battery costs R75,000 to R120,000. Cashbuild, despite the searches, lists no home panels online. Here are the prices, the price per watt and the payback sums.
Short answer
Solar panel prices in South Africa run from R1,799 for a 450W panel at Makro to R3,577 for a 595W panel, or R4.00 to R6.17 per watt. A 5kW home system with a 10kWh battery costs R75,000 to R120,000 installed. Cashbuild lists no home panels online, and the individual solar tax rebate has expired.
Prices, tariffs and stock change, so check the linked source before you decide.
How much do solar panels cost in South Africa?
A single rigid panel costs R1,799 to R3,577 at Makro, and a complete installed system costs R45,000 to R180,000 depending on size and battery. The panel is only part of the bill, because the inverter, battery, mounting and installation make up the rest.
Use this guide to check solar panel prices at Makro, see what Cashbuild really stocks, compare the price per watt and test a quote against the system prices below. Ranges come from the named retailers and price guides in our sources.
Solar panel prices at Makro South Africa
Makro’s online listing shows 450W panels from R1,799 and a 595W panel at R3,577 on 2 November 2026. Makro blocks automated page reads, so we took these prices from its listing as returned by search. Confirm each one on Makro’s solar panel page before you buy.
| Panel | Wattage | Price | Rand per watt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taurus 450W-144M monocrystalline | 450W | R1,799 | R4.00 |
| JA Solar SFJA460W | 460W | R1,999 | R4.35 |
| Canadian Solar CS6L-450MS | 450W | R2,485 | R5.52 |
| URECO 450W | 450W | R2,590 | R5.76 |
| Haitai HTM455MH3-72 | 455W | R2,808 | R6.17 |
| JA Solar 595W | 595W | R3,577 | R6.01 |
Makro shows crossed-out “was” prices on some panels. Compare the current price per watt, not the discount. Earlier in 2026 this page listed a Makro 450W at R3,525 and a 330W at R2,325. Neither appeared in the latest listing we could read.
Solar panel prices at Cashbuild: does Cashbuild sell solar panels?
Not online, as at 2 November 2026. Cashbuild’s online Solar category listed 9 products, and every one was a light or an emergency lamp, priced from R62.95 to R544.95. We removed the Cashbuild panel prices (R899 for 100W, R2,999 for 450W and R3,499 for 550W) that this page carried earlier, because we could not confirm them on Cashbuild’s own site.
Cashbuild’s Alternative Energy Solutions range does list inverters, lithium batteries, UPS units and petrol generators. Check the Cashbuild solar category, its Online Only marketplace and your local branch, since stock is store-specific. For compatible products, see our home inverter prices and solar battery prices.
1000W solar panel prices at Makro and Cashbuild
Neither Makro nor Cashbuild sells a single 1000W panel, because no standard residential panel is that large. You reach about 1000W by combining panels, and at Makro’s listed prices that costs R5,397 to R7,154 for the panels alone.
| Option | Panel cost |
|---|---|
| 3 × Taurus 450W (1,350W) | R5,397 |
| 3 × JA Solar 460W (1,380W) | R5,997 |
| 2 × JA Solar 595W (1,190W) | R7,154 |
Add an inverter, mounting, cabling and a Certificate of Compliance. A 1kW setup suits small loads only, and most homes need 3kW or more to cut a bill. Jump to the system prices.
Makro vs Cashbuild vs Builders Warehouse: which is cheaper?
For a rigid home panel, Makro is the only one of the three with a verified listing today. Cashbuild lists no home panels online, and we did not recheck Builders Warehouse in this update.
| Retailer | Rigid home panels? | Price seen |
|---|---|---|
| Makro | Yes, 450W to 595W | R1,799 to R3,577 |
| Cashbuild | None in the online Solar category | Lights only, R62.95 to R544.95 |
| Builders Warehouse | Not rechecked | An 80W panel at R2,899 was listed earlier this year |
Takealot and Leroy Merlin also stock panels, and one price guide puts a single panel at R1,200 to R2,900 across the big retailers. Specialist suppliers usually quote lower prices per watt on 10 or more panels.
Solar panel price per watt in South Africa
Price per watt is the fairest way to compare panels: divide the price by the wattage. Makro’s listing works out at R4.00 to R6.17 per watt, against R3.00 to R4.50 for Tier 1 panels in a 2026 market guide.
| Source | Rand per watt | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Makro online listing | R4.00 to R6.17 | Calculated from the table above |
| Tier 1 panels (market guide) | R3.00 to R4.50 | 450W: R1,350 to R2,050 |
| Budget Tier 2 (market guide) | R2.50 to R3.50 | 450W: R1,125 to R1,575 |
The market guide also lists 550W panels at R1,650 to R2,500 and 585W to 600W panels at R1,800 to R2,700. Retail adds margin, so for 10 or more panels, ask installers to quote the panel brand and price per watt separately.
Portable, flexible and folding solar panels for camping
Portable, flexible and folding panels cost about R21 to R32 per watt, which is three to eight times the cost of a rigid rooftop panel at Makro. You pay for light weight and waterproofing, so they suit camping and portable power stations, not a roof.
| Panel | Price | Rand per watt |
|---|---|---|
| EcoFlow lightweight 110W | R3,399 | R30.90 |
| EcoFlow lightweight 160W | R3,999 | R24.99 |
| EcoFlow lightweight 220W | R5,799 | R26.36 |
| EcoFlow lightweight 400W | R8,299 | R20.75 |
| Makro portable flexible 200W (earlier listing) | R6,450 | R32.25 |
EcoFlow prices are from its South African store. The Makro 200W price is from this page’s earlier listing and was not in the latest results we could read.
If you only need power for camping or short outages, a power station plus one portable panel costs far less than a rooftop system. See our guide to portable power stations in South Africa, compare EcoFlow’s portable power station prices, or look at EcoFlow’s portable solar panels.
Solar panels South Africa cost: complete system prices
A 5kW system with a 10kWh battery costs R75,000 to R120,000 installed, and a 3kW system with a battery costs R45,000 to R70,000. A complete system includes panels, inverter, battery, mounting, cabling and a Certificate of Compliance.
| System | Typical installed price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3kW with battery | R45,000 to R70,000 | Small home or flat, 7 panels of 450W |
| 5kW, no battery | R75,000 to R100,000 | Up to R130,000 in one guide. No load shedding backup |
| 5kW with 10kWh battery | R75,000 to R120,000 | One installer kit: R74,500 to R90,500 |
| 5kW premium brands | R145,000 to R180,000 | Smaller 5.1kWh battery in that guide |
| 10kW | Up to about R180,000 | Upper end of one 2026 installation guide |
These are installer and price-guide ranges, not quotes, and several guides come from companies that sell systems. Get at least three quotes from registered installers, and insist the Certificate of Compliance is in the price.
Solar panels alone will not protect you from load shedding. Grid-tied systems shut down when the grid fails. You need a hybrid inverter and a battery bank, and our load shedding solutions guide covers the options. If you want to leave the grid, read about off-grid solar systems.
Solar panels in Johannesburg and Gauteng: what do they save?
A 5kW system in Johannesburg can generate about 825 kWh a month, worth up to R2,756 at City Power’s lowest block rate. The sum is 5kW × 5.5 peak sun hours × 30 days = 825 kWh, then 825 × R3.34 = R2,756.
That is a ceiling, because you do not use every kWh when you are out. Price guides quote real savings of R1,500 to R1,810 a month for a 5kW system. City Power’s residential rates run from about R3.34 to R4.37 per kWh including VAT after its 8.63% increase on 1 July 2026. Ask City Power what registration it requires before you install, and read our electricity cost guide for the wider tariff picture.
How many solar panels do you need for your home?
A 5kW system needs 12 panels of 450W or 9 panels of 595W. Divide the system size in watts by the panel wattage and round up.
| System | 450W panels | Cost at R1,799 each | 595W panels | Cost at R3,577 each |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3kW | 7 panels | R12,593 | 6 panels | R21,462 |
| 5kW | 12 panels | R21,588 | 9 panels | R32,193 |
| 10kW | 23 panels | R41,377 | 17 panels | R60,809 |
Panel cost only. The inverter, battery, mounting, cabling and labour come on top.
Is there a solar tax rebate in South Africa in 2026?
Not for individuals. The 25% rebate on new solar panels, capped at R15,000, applied to panels installed between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024. It has not been extended, and we found no replacement.
The enhanced 125% deduction for businesses under section 12B applied to projects operational by 28 February 2025. This page previously described the rebate as current, and we corrected it. Ask a registered SARS tax practitioner what applies to you, and check SARS’s solar rebate FAQ.
What is the payback period for solar panels in South Africa?
Expect about 4.4 to 5.3 years for a typical 5kW system with a battery. The sum below uses stated assumptions, so replace them with your own bill.
- Installed cost (assumed): R95,000, near the middle of R75,000 to R120,000
- Monthly saving (assumed): R1,500, the low end of the quoted R1,500 to R1,810
- Annual saving: R1,500 × 12 = R18,000
- Payback with no tariff increase: R95,000 ÷ R18,000 = 5.3 years
- At R1,800 a month: R95,000 ÷ R21,600 = 4.4 years
- If tariffs rise 8.76% a year, as Eskom’s 2026/27 increase did: about 4.5 years
Eskom’s increase took effect on 1 April 2026 and municipal tariffs rose 9.01% on 1 July 2026. Earlier versions of this page assumed 12% to 15% yearly rises, which no longer matches the approved increases. Financing a system adds interest, so payback is longer if you borrow. Our solar buying guide explains what to ask installers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Panel Prices in South Africa
How much do solar panels cost in South Africa?
A single rigid panel costs from R1,799 for 450W to R3,577 for 595W in Makro’s online listing, which is R4.00 to R6.17 per watt. A complete 5kW home system with a 10kWh battery costs R75,000 to R120,000 installed, according to the installer and price guides listed in our sources. See our solar buying guide before you collect quotes.
What are solar panel prices at Makro in South Africa?
Makro’s online listing shows 450W panels from R1,799 (Taurus) to R2,808 (Haitai 455W), and a 595W JA Solar panel at R3,577. Makro blocks automated price checks, so confirm each price on makro.co.za before you buy. Earlier this year we listed a Makro 450W at R3,525, which did not appear in the latest listing we could read.
Does Cashbuild sell solar panels?
Not online, as at 2 November 2026. Cashbuild’s online Solar category listed 9 products, all lights or emergency lamps from R62.95 to R544.95. Cashbuild’s alternative energy range does list inverters, lithium batteries, UPS units and generators. Check its Online Only marketplace and your local branch for panels.
What does a 1000W solar panel cost at Makro or Cashbuild?
Neither retailer sells a single 1000W panel, because no standard residential panel is that large. At Makro, three Taurus 450W panels (1,350W) cost R5,397 and two JA Solar 595W panels (1,190W) cost R7,154. Those prices cover the panels only, without an inverter, mounting or installation.
How much does a 3kW solar system cost in South Africa?
A 3kW solar system with a battery costs R45,000 to R70,000 installed, according to two 2026 price guides. It suits a small home or flat and needs 7 panels of 450W. Prices rise with battery size, inverter brand and roof type, so get at least three quotes.
How much does a 5kW solar system cost in South Africa?
A 5kW system with a 10kWh battery costs R75,000 to R120,000 installed. One installer lists its own kit at R74,500 to R90,500, while premium brands run to R180,000 in a different price guide. Without a battery, a 5kW system costs about R75,000 to R100,000, but it will not run during load shedding.
What is the solar panel price per watt in South Africa?
Makro’s listing works out at R4.00 to R6.17 per watt. Wider market guides put Tier 1 panels at R3.00 to R4.50 per watt and budget Tier 2 panels at R2.50 to R3.50. Divide the panel price by its wattage to compare any two panels fairly.
Is there a solar tax rebate in South Africa in 2026?
Not for individuals. The 25% rebate (maximum R15,000) applied to panels installed between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024. The enhanced 125% business deduction under section 12B ended on 28 February 2025. Ask a registered SARS tax practitioner whether any other allowance applies to you.
What is the payback period for solar panels in South Africa?
About 4.4 to 5.3 years for a typical 5kW system with a battery, on our assumptions. A R95,000 system saving R1,500 a month repays in 5.3 years with no tariff increases, and in about 4.5 years if tariffs rise 8.76% a year. Your own bill and usage decide the real figure.
Do solar panels work during load shedding?
Not without a battery and a hybrid inverter, because grid-tied systems switch off when the grid fails. A hybrid inverter and battery keep lights, Wi-Fi and a fridge running. For a cheaper stop-gap, see our guide to portable power stations for load shedding.
How many solar panels do I need for a 5kW system?
A 5kW system needs 12 panels of 450W or 9 panels of 595W. At Makro’s listed prices, 12 Taurus 450W panels cost R21,588 and 9 JA Solar 595W panels cost R32,193, before inverter, battery and installation.
How much do solar panels cost in Johannesburg?
Panel prices are the same nationwide, but Johannesburg homes save more per kWh because City Power charges about R3.34 to R4.37 per kWh including VAT. A 5kW system can generate about 825 kWh a month at 5.5 peak sun hours a day. Ask City Power about registering your system before installation.
What are the cheapest solar panels in South Africa?
The cheapest 450W panel in Makro’s listing is R1,799, or R4.00 per watt. Budget Tier 2 panels are quoted at R1,125 to R1,575 for 450W in one price guide. Check the product warranty and the installer’s Certificate of Compliance before you choose on price alone.
How much do portable and folding solar panels cost?
EcoFlow’s lightweight portable panels cost R3,399 for 110W up to R8,299 for 400W, which is about R21 to R31 per watt. That is three to eight times the cost per watt of Makro’s rigid panels. Portable panels suit camping and power stations, not a rooftop system.
Which solar panel brands are best in South Africa?
Canadian Solar, JA Solar, Longi, Jinko and Trina are the Tier 1 brands installers most often quote, and Makro’s listing includes Canadian Solar and JA Solar models. Tier 1 status is reviewed regularly, so ask your installer for the panel datasheet and warranty terms.
What should you do next?
Collect three installer quotes that list the panel brand, wattage, inverter, battery and Certificate of Compliance separately. Then test each quote against the price per watt and payback sums above. Start with our solar buying guide, and if a full system is out of reach this year, compare portable power station prices and sizes.
Affiliate disclosure
Alternative Energy Sources is an affiliate of EcoFlow South Africa. If you click an EcoFlow link on this page and buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We do not currently earn commission on the retailers, installers or other brands mentioned. This site is not owned by EcoFlow, an installer or Eskom.
Prices are approximate, come from the sources listed below and were checked on 2 November 2026. They change without notice and vary by store, region and stock, so verify them with the retailer. System cost ranges are industry averages, so get at least three quotes from registered installers. Tax information is guidance only and is not tax advice.
Sources and further reading
- Government utility: Eskom 2026/27 tariff increase
- Government utility: Eskom tariff booklet, 2026/27
- Tax authority: SARS, how does the solar rebate work?
- Industry body: SAPVIA, renewable energy tax incentive deadlines
- Retailer: Cashbuild online Solar category and Makro solar panels
- Price guides: EnergyBee, solar panel prices 2026, EnergyBee, 5kW system price, Solar Smart Advisor, system costs and SolarQuote SA, system costs
- Tariff report: City Power residential tariffs, July 2026 (gauteng.net)
- Solar yield: OurPower solar savings calculator (5.5 peak sun hours)
- Manufacturer store: EcoFlow South Africa
Compiled by Maxwell Grant for Alternative Energy Sources. Last updated 2 November 2026.