Solar panels generate electricity even on cloudy days or during periods of low sunlight, though at a reduced efficiency. At night, they do not produce electricity. Instead, power comes from stored energy in batteries charged during daylight hours.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels function by converting solar energy into direct current (DC) electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This electricity can either be stored in batteries for later use or, if equipped with a solar inverter, converted from DC to alternating current (AC), allowing it to power typical household AC appliances, such as standard televisions, fans, and refrigerators.

By harnessing solar energy, a sustainable and emission-free power source, we reduce our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels, thereby protecting the environment. This shift improves air and water quality, fostering a healthier environment.

Solar panels can overheat in extreme temperatures, impacting their performance. However, proper installation and ventilation can help mitigate this risk.

Solar panels generally have a 25 to 30-year lifespan, although they can last longer with proper maintenance. Over time, solar panels naturally degrade, losing approximately 0.5% to 1% of their efficiency each year. Replacement may be required if panels degrade significantly or sustain irreparable damage.

Yes, all our systems, from basic solar systems, such as the Home 500X and Home 200X, to powerful rooftop solar systems, such as the PowerHub range, continue to operate during power outages. Our PowerHub range, along with all other powerful rooftop solar systems, are designed as hybrid systems. This means they can draw power from both solar energy and the electrical grid. In the event of a grid outage, they automatically switch to using solar energy and stored battery energy, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply.

Sun King’s solar products can be found in over 40 countries around the globe, across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

Incorporated in 2009, Sun King has been in operation for 15 years.

Sun King is on a mission to power access to brighter lives. Sun King designs, distributes, installs, and finances solar home energy products for the 1.8 billion people currently living without reliable energy access.

Bills are typically based on electricity consumption and charged per kilowatt hour (kWh). Pre-paid electricity tariffs allow users to purchase electricity credits in advance, enabling them to use power until these credits are depleted. Post-paid electricity is billed based on actual consumption of electricity, with meter readings taken to calculate charges at the end of each billing cycle. If you are on a pre-paid tariff, please monitor your usage by checking your total electricity purchase slips for the month. If you are on a post-paid agreement, please check your electronic or mailed electricity bills.

For those on a pre-paid electricity plan, installing a Sun King powerful rooftop solar system, such as our PowerHub range, could greatly reduce or potentially eliminate your electricity bills. If you’re under a post-paid plan, while a connection fee to your electricity provider remains mandatory, you can still expect a significant reduction in your overall electricity bills.

Sun King’s approach starts with a detailed analysis of your energy requirements. We examine your monthly electricity consumption and pinpoint periods of highest usage. This step ensures we can identify the appropriate size and capacity for the inverter, solar panels, and batteries, guaranteeing that the system meets your energy needs efficiently. To aid in selecting the right solar inverter system, Sun King employs a selection tool that analyses your electricity bill data. A Sun King representative may visit to check that your house can accommodate a solar system and check your electrical system. Should you choose to proceed, Sun King’s Solar Advisors will review this data to confirm the recommended system and configuration aligns well with your needs.

Basic Solar Systems, such as the Home 200X and Home 500X, offer a budget-friendly option for powering specific requirements, including lighting, mobile phone charging, and the operation of direct current (DC)-compatible devices such as fans and televisions. However, Basic Solar Systems are not capable of powering appliances that require alternating current (AC), such as standard computers and televisions.

Conversely, a powerful rooftop solar system – such as our PowerHub range – includes a hybrid solar inverter, which transforms DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC electricity. This conversion makes it possible to power all standard household and business AC appliances, providing an alternative to reliance on the conventional electrical grid. The powerful rooftop system offers a viable alternative to the conventional electrical grid, delivering the same type of AC energy and ensuring compatibility with all standard AC-powered devices. Additionally, hybrid solar inverters can draw power from both solar energy and the electrical grid, ensuring a reliable power supply.

Sun King’s range of powerful rooftop solar systems, such as our PowerHub systems, include solar inverters. A solar inverter plays a crucial role in a solar energy system, acting as a bridge between the solar panels, the battery, and the household’s electrical infrastructure. It converts direct current (DC) electricity, generated by solar panels, into alternating current (AC) electricity. This AC electricity is compatible with the conventional electrical grid and can power standard household appliances, ranging from standard televisions to other devices requiring up to 2-3.3 kW of power. Additionally, hybrid solar inverters can draw power from both solar energy and the electrical grid, ensuring a reliable power supply.

A typical powerful rooftop solar system consists of three primary components: solar panels, an inverter, and a battery. The process begins with solar panels, which harness sunlight and convert it into electrical energy. The panel-generated DC energy is then transformed into AC electricity by the inverter, making it suitable for everyday household use. Lastly, the Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery stores not only solar-generated energy but also energy from the grid, ensuring that appliances can be powered continuously, even when the sun isn’t shining or the battery is depleted.

Each powerful rooftop solar system is carefully designed to meet the needs of different households and businesses. We offer custom packages for people whose needs aren’t met by our standard bundles, and each system can be expanded post-purchase.

Yes. To operate independently of the grid, a system must include battery storage to hold surplus energy when sunlight is unavailable. Sun King provides off-grid solutions equipped with battery storage, catering to areas lacking stable access to the grid.

Under typical household usage conditions, the system houses a maximum of 3.3kW of power. It provides a continuous power supply day and night. For more information, see the PowerHub 3300 product page.

Each PowerHub system is carefully designed to meet the needs of different households and businesses. We offer custom packages for people whose needs aren’t met by our standard bundles. Many systems can be expanded post-purchase to include additional solar inverters, batteries, or solar panels. Please contact us for more details.

The durability of a powerful rooftop solar system is influenced by its quality, how it’s used, and the maintenance it receives. For cash buyers, Sun King provides a three-year warranty for powerful rooftop solar systems, with the battery expected to last at least five years under normal working conditions. For rental customers, Sun King provides maintenance and, per our terms and conditions, will replace parts in line with the rental agreement. Through regular maintenance and prompt repairs, the lifespan of the solar inverter system can be extended. It’s expected that for the first five years, the battery will operate at peak efficiency. Beyond this period, its efficiency will begin to decline. However, with normal usage and adequate maintenance, the overall system is anticipated to have a lifespan of 10 years

If you reside in a windy area, rest assured that Sun King’s installations are designed to withstand such conditions. Our systems are installed by trained and qualified professionals who use proper installation techniques and secure mounting systems. This ensures that the panels remain stable and secure, even in high winds. Additionally, wind can benefit the system by cooling the panels, which can potentially increase their efficiency. Sun King prioritises the resilience and performance of your solar installation in all weather conditions.

Solar panels can generate electricity even in indirect sunlight. While bright sunlight optimises performance, panels still produce power on cloudy days.

A suitable roof should have adequate space, strong structure, minimal shading, and a favourable orientation towards the sun. This also depends on the kind of solar solution you’re looking to buy. Sun King can assess your roof’s suitability during a consultation.

For larger solar panels like the ones used to power inverter systems, if your roof is in good condition, the panels can typically be installed without replacing it. In some cases, roof repairs or reinforcement may be necessary to support the weight of solar panels.

Basic solar systems, such as Home 200X and Home 500X, come with smaller panels which are less likely to require specific types of roofs or a certain level of robustness.

Solar installations in apartment buildings are possible, often through shared or community solar arrangements. Consultation with building management and local regulations is essential.

Installing solar panels in a rented building may require permission from the landlord. Portable or removable solar solutions like Sun King’s may be good options for renters.

Yes, Sun King conducts thorough site visits to assess various factors such as roof orientation, shading, structural integrity, and the power requirements of the appliances to be powered. Additionally, we check the building’s Certificate of Compliance (COC) to review the existing electrical wiring and installation specifications and history. This ensures a safe, tailored installation for maximum efficiency and performance.

Preparation requirements can vary. The Sun King team will arrange a call with you before their visit. In most cases, you only need to agree on a date and time for the delivery and installation. All necessary details will be explained during the call prior to the team’s visit.

Before installation, the products will be delivered to your building or home. On installation day, Sun King’s technicians will mount panels, connect the inverter, and integrate the system. They conduct tests and provide guidance on system operation, payment, and maintenance. Once the product is installed, Sun King will update the building’s Certificate of Compliance (COC).

With Sun King, the cost of installation is free, eliminating the need for you to undertake the installation yourself or seek out a third-party installer. We dispatch trained and certified professionals for the installation of your powerful rooftop solar system, underscoring our commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. DIY installations pose safety risks and could potentially invalidate your warranty and Certificate of Compliance (COC). Our team of experienced professionals ensures a safe and efficient installation process.

Customers can either lease or buy Sun King solar products. However, not all products are available to lease.

Our PowerHub range of powerful rooftop solar systems are available via a convenient, easy-to-manage lease agreeement. Customers begin by paying a connection fee, which covers the installation of the solar system on their property. After installation, a monthly fee is charged, which will increase by 6.5% annually. These agreements do not have a fixed end date and will continue indefinitely unless cancelled by the customer. Customers on lease agreements can choose to purchase their solar system outright. After three years of renting the product, the minimum lease period, customers can decide to buy the solar system outright or continue renting indefinitely.

For our basic solar systems, such as Home 500X and Home 200X, that provide lighting and phone charging services, customers can choose to purchase the systems on finance, via our EasyBuy service, over one or two years. Financing terms are similarly determined by credit assessments, system size, and contract length.

Learn more about our financing options here.

Our PowerHub range of powerful rooftop solar systems are available via a convenient, easy-to-manage lease agreement. Customers begin by paying a connection fee, which covers the installation of the solar system on their property. After installation, a monthly fee is charged, which will increase by 6.5% annually. These lease agreements have a minimum term of three years and will continue indefinitely unless cancelled by the customer. Customers on lease agreements can decide to purchase their system outright. After three years of leasing the product, customers can pay the balance of what they would have paid for the solar system and installation outright to own the product. Once the customer has paid for the system they stop making lease payments.

To qualify for lease, employed individuals need to provide their national ID, three months of bank statements, and three months of pay slips. Self-employed individuals need to submit national ID, three months of bank statements, and six months of payslips. Additionally, eligibility for financing requires the submission of other documents, including credit history and evidence of ownership or leasing of the property where the solar inverter system will be installed. The finance team at Sun King will assist you throughout the application process, detailing any specific documents or information needed to proceed.

After a minimum of three years of service, lease customers have the option to decommission the system if they no longer need it. The cost to decommission varies based on how long the system has been in use:

• From 36 to 47 months, the decommissioning fee is equivalent to 12 months of lease payments.
• From 48 to 59 months, the fee is six months of lease payments.
• From 60 months onwards, the fee is three months of lease payments.

Once the system is decommissioned or deactivated, all monthly payments cease. Once the lease agreement has been cancelled, Sun King will retrieve the equipment from the registered building.

If you wish to cancel your contract with Sun King, you should contact the support team here or phone our toll free number: 080 122 9090.

If you move to a new location, you should contact Sun King to discuss your options regarding your powerful rooftop solar system. Depending on the terms of your contract and the feasibility of relocating the system, Sun King may be able to assist you, for a fee, in uninstalling the device from the original property and transferring the system to your new address.

For rental customers, if the solar system breaks down or performs below expectations as agreed in the contract, Sun King will provide repairs at no extra cost. However, Sun King is not responsible for repairing the product or covering costs in cases of accidental or intentional damage caused by the customer.

If you wish to return your product or register an issue with Sun King, you should contact the support team here or phone 0801229090.

Customers will be responsible for repair costs in cases of accidental or intentional damage caused by themselves.

At present, in South Africa, the only products available to purchase via EasyBuy finance are basic solar system products: the Home 200X and the Home 500X. Sun King’s Powerful Rooftop Solar Systems, such as our PowerHub range, are not available to purchase via EasyBuy finance.

Our EasyBuy service enables customers to spread the cost of specific products over time. Customers leave a small deposit and pay the remainder of the product’s cost off via small, manageable instalments over a period of one to two years. After completing the payment plan, customers own the product.

Eligibility for financing requires submission of certain documents, including national ID. The finance team at Sun King will assist you throughout the application process, detailing any specific documents or information needed to proceed.

If you wish to cancel your contract with Sun King, you should contact the support team here or phone our toll free number: 080 122 9090.

If payments are delayed, the EasyBuy technology disables the system until the next payment is made. If successive payments are not made, then Sun King can repossess the equipment.

If you’ve made a payment but your product is not working, you must contact Sun King’s support team immediately to report the issue. Please call us on our tollfree number, 0801229090, or contact us here.

For any questions or concerns after your Sun King solar system installation, you can reach our support team by filling in this form or contacting our support team on 0801229090. Sun King’s call centre is open 8 am to 7 pm every weekday, 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, and 1 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. Sun King runs a reduced service during national or public holidays.

All Sun King systems come with a detailed user manual explaining their components, operation, and monitoring features. Our support team is always happy to answer your questions and provide additional information.

Regular maintenance is essential for maximising the performance and lifespan of solar systems. Key recommendations include visual inspections for damage, temperature monitoring, performance tracking, and scheduling professional inspections with Sun King every year.

For rental customers and those who purchased their powerful rooftop solar system upfront, and who are still under warranty, Sun King provides annual check ups on the system. Sun King proactively reaches out to customers to schedule the system’s annual maintenance. If you have any questions about your annual service, please contact us here.

If you’re not satisfied with the service, contact Sun King’s customer service team here. They will address your concerns and work to resolve any issues promptly.

To make complaints, reach out to Sun King’s customer support team via phone, 0801229090, or through this form. They will investigate your concerns and ensure a satisfactory resolution. You can also report your grievances here.

Sun King provides annual maintenance for rental customers and customers who purchased the product but are still under warranty. As part of this service, Sun King cleans customers’ panels. Customers should avoid putting themselves in danger by climbing onto roofs or equivalent spaces to clean the panels without proper safety equipment and know-how. It’s recommended to clean your solar panels periodically to maintain efficiency.

If your products stop working and you are still under warranty or renting Sun King system, contact Sun King’s support team immediately here. They will assist you in troubleshooting the issue and arrange for repairs or replacements as necessary.

Yes, you can still receive technical support from Sun King even if your warranty has expired. Additional fees may apply for service and repairs outside the warranty period, but Sun King’s support team will assist you with any technical issues you encounter.