In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a remarkable surge in the solar energy market. With Eskom’s persistent load shedding casting a shadow over households, the choice between acquiring or renting a solar system has become paramount.

Eskom’s latest data spanning from March 2022 to the first quarter of 2023 reveals a staggering 350% increase in electricity generation through Small-scale Embedded Generation (SSEGs), primarily in the form of solar panels.

As of August 2023, installations of solar panels capable of producing 4,481 megawatts have been established, marking a substantial rise of 2,500 megawatts compared to the previous year. Notably, these statistics exclude solar panels from commercial plants developed by private entities supplying the national grid, as highlighted by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan.

Dylan Schnetler, the commercial head for Synapse Ultra at Rubicon, emphasized the significance of understanding the nuances between owning and renting a solar system amidst the interplay of cost-efficiency, uninterrupted power supply, and environmental conscientiousness.

“Opting for a rental agreement grants you usage rights to the solar system for electricity generation within your home. Instead of an upfront purchase, a monthly rental fee is paid to the service provider, who undertakes maintenance and necessary repairs,” Schnetler elucidated.

However, Schnetler advised that with a rental agreement, the absence of equipment ownership grants the service provider the authority to remove the system at the agreement’s termination.

Conversely, ownership of a solar system involves the outright purchase and installation of solar panels and their associated components on one’s property, providing full autonomy. This route necessitates taking charge of all maintenance, cleaning, and repairs.

In the long term, Schnetler advocated for ownership as the wiser choice, citing its potential for sustained financial advantages.

“Over time, the rental model incurs perpetual fiscal drainage, remaining indefinitely unpaid. Conversely, purchasing allows continual benefit accumulation post-payment completion, absent of additional costs,” Schnetler emphasized.

To facilitate informed decision-making tailored to individual circumstances, Schnetler delineated the pros and cons of both options, detailed below.

Buying

Upsides:

• Financial Savings: Ownership facilitates long-term financial savings by self-generating electricity, potentially eliminating or reducing monthly bills. Solar panels boast durability, spanning 25 to 30 years or more.
• Energy Independence: Ownership ensures reduced reliance on traditional energy sources and Eskom’s grid electricity, affording more control over energy production, mitigating vulnerability to outages, and counteracting escalating energy prices.
• Positive Environmental Impact: Solar power aligns with environmental sustainability, fostering a reduction in carbon footprint.
• Long Warranties: Synapse Ultra’s solar solution offers a ten-year warranty, guaranteeing investment safety amidst component malfunctions or breakages.
• Option to Finance: Numerous banks and institutions extend appealing financing options for solar systems, enabling manageable instalments over time while retaining full ownership.
• Increased Property Value: Installation of solar systems augments property value, attracting buyers seeking reduced energy costs, eco-friendly features, and autonomy from Eskom.
• Tax Incentives: National Treasury provides a 25% tax rebate, up to R15,000, for eligible solar panels operational from March 2023 to February 2024, inaccessible for rental systems.
• Customization and Control: Ownership permits customization based on energy needs, allowing selection of size, panel numbers, and configurations for enhanced energy production and savings.

Drawbacks:

• High Upfront Costs: Purchasing entails substantial initial investment covering equipment, installation, and associated expenses.
• Higher Monthly Costs if Financed: Financing through banks may result in higher monthly repayments, subject to interest rate fluctuations.
• Maintenance and Repair Responsibility: After an initial period, service and maintenance costs shift to the owner, despite potential initial free service offers.
• Insurance and Warranty Considerations: Adequate insurance coverage is crucial for protection against damages post-warranty expiration, imposing repair or replacement costs on the owner.
• Limited Flexibility: Solar system installation, once executed, becomes semi-permanent, potentially complicating property sales or relocation negotiations.

Renting

Upsides:

• Lower Upfront Costs: Minimal or no initial costs render renting accessible for financially constrained individuals.
• Inclusive Maintenance and Repairs: Rental agreements typically cover maintenance and repairs, alleviating additional costs.
• Transferability: Rental system adaptability favors renters or those intending to sell their homes, allowing relatively straightforward agreement terminations.
• Performance Guarantees: Rental contracts often assure system performance levels, obligating providers to address any underperformance issues.
• No Long-term Commitment: Flexibility in contract duration permits easy termination at the agreed period’s end, albeit with potential penalties.

Drawbacks:

• Long-term Cost: While lower upfront costs are advantageous, cumulative rental payments may surpass outright system purchase costs in the long run.
• Annual Increases: Expectations of annual rental agreement increases, typically ranging between 5% and 7%, augment long-term financial burdens.
• Limited Control: Reduced control over equipment and maintenance with providers undertaking repairs and upgrades.
• Contractual Obligations: Thorough review of rental terms is essential, including considerations of permanent property access.
• Ineligible for Incentives: Rental systems do not access government incentives or tax benefits, and excess generated power cannot be sold back to the grid.
• No Property Value Increases: Rented systems do not enhance property value, necessitating negotiations with potential buyers for rental agreement transfers during property sales.

In navigating South Africa’s dynamic solar landscape, weighing the intricacies of buying versus renting a solar system is crucial. Each avenue presents its own set of advantages and limitations, compelling individuals to assess their priorities, financial capacities, and long-term commitments before making a definitive choice.