The Challenge
The van der Merwe family's 4-bedroom home in Sandton faced Stage 4–6 loadshedding schedules that disrupted work-from-home routines, spoiled refrigerated food, and forced expensive generator rentals. Monthly Eskom bills averaged R3,200, with time-of-use tariffs penalizing evening consumption.
The household needed a solution that could sustain critical loads during loadshedding, leverage rooftop solar potential, and deliver predictable energy costs without the noise and maintenance burden of a diesel generator.
The WOWTIGER Solution
A WOWTIGER certified installer designed a 10 kW / 20 kWh APOLO Series system with 12 kWp rooftop solar. The turnkey package includes:
- Seamless loadshedding bypass — battery takes over in under 20 ms, imperceptible to computers and appliances
- Time-of-use optimization — charges from solar during the day, discharges during 6–9 PM peak tariff window
- Mobile app control via TigerCloud — real-time energy flow, historical usage, and battery health monitoring
- Future-proof scalability — system accepts up to 10 kWh expansion modules as family needs grow
We haven't noticed a loadshedding event in eight months — the system just handles it. Our Eskom bill dropped by more than half, and we're using clean energy. Best home investment we've made.
— Pieter van der Merwe, HomeownerMeasurable Impact
Since commissioning in January 2025, the household has recorded:
85% grid independence
Solar + battery supplies 85% of monthly consumption (avg. 850 kWh). Eskom bills fell from R3,200 to R480/month. Annual savings: R32,640.
Zero loadshedding disruption
The 20 kWh battery sustains critical loads (WiFi, refrigeration, home office, lighting) through Stage 6 loadshedding blocks. No generator rentals needed since installation.
3.2-year payback
Total installed cost of R105,000 (including panels, battery, installation) will be recovered through utility savings by mid-2028. System is warrantied for 10 years / 6,000 cycles.
Technical Highlights
The APOLO Series hybrid inverter integrates MPPT solar charge controller, grid-tie, and backup functionality in a single wall-mount unit. LiFePO₄ battery modules are IP65-rated for garage installation. The system is SABS-approved and interfaces with prepaid meters. Installation completed in 2 days with City of Johannesburg building compliance certificate issued.