🔆 1️⃣ Project Overview
We recently completed an 8kW hybrid solar installation for a Pretoria East (Woodhill) homeowner who wanted to reduce Eskom reliance and improve household energy efficiency.
This family needed a long-term power solution that keeps essentials running during load-shedding while cutting monthly electricity bills.
Our team designed and installed a fully optimised 8kW hybrid solar system tailored to their daily usage and lifestyle.
Project Summary:
- Client Type: Homeowner
- Location: Pretoria East, Woodhill
- System Size: 8kW Inverter, 10kWh Battery Backup, 8kWp PV
- Client Goal: Reduce costs, gain energy independence, and secure reliable backup during power outages.
⚙️ 2️⃣ Equipment Used
This system was carefully engineered using high-quality, proven components:
- Inverter: Sunsynk 8kW Single Phase Hybrid Inverter
- Panels: 14 × 550W JA Solar Panels
- Battery: 2 × Sunsynk 5kWh Lithium Batteries
- Mounting: Roof-integrated aluminum frame system
- Additional Upgrades: Geyser timers and a contactor-based load management setup to isolate high-demand loads during power outages, preserving battery backup.
We also upgraded the home’s lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, and installed timers on geysers and pool pumps to move consumption to daytime solar hours — saving more without expanding the battery bank.
🏗️ 3️⃣ Installation & Challenges
The project was completed over three days by our skilled installation team.
The roof design required a staggered panel layout to achieve optimal exposure, which meant custom string configurations and extended wiring work.
Due to limited north-facing roof space, we implemented an east–west panel orientation — flattening the solar curve for longer production hours from early morning through late afternoon.
Our team carefully tuned inverter settings to maximise generation efficiency throughout the day.
⚡ 4️⃣ System Optimisation
Once installation was complete, we ran detailed performance tests through the Sunsynk monitoring app and optimised the system for maximum output.
Key adjustments included:
- Fine-tuning panel orientation and tilt to reduce shading losses.
- Customising inverter settings for dynamic load prioritisation.
- Scheduling geyser and pool pump timers to run during solar peak hours.
- Retrofitting LED lighting, reducing daily lighting energy use by 60%.
- Installing a contactor system to automatically cut non-essential loads during outages, preserving stored energy for essentials.
These steps significantly improved efficiency and reduced overall grid consumption.
📊 5️⃣ Performance Graph
Caption:
Grid consumption – Yellow | House load – Red | Solar production – Green | Battery charge/discharge – Blue
Typical daily pattern shows geyser and pool loads shifted to daytime solar hours, reducing grid dependency and evening battery draw.
We maintain 50% battery reserve for backup, ensuring uninterrupted supply during outages while maximising daytime solar usage for cost savings.
💰 6️⃣ Results & Savings
The system now produces approximately 25kWh per day, meeting most of the household’s energy demand.
Together with load shifting and LED upgrades, the homeowner is saving R2 700 – R3 300 per month, achieving a projected ROI in under 3.5 years.
Battery backup provides up to 12 hours of autonomy during load-shedding.
🏡 7️⃣ Final Thoughts
Another successful Cherry Pepper Solar project — clean energy independence achieved, system fully optimised, and another satisfied homeowner.
Every project we complete is designed not only to generate power but to maximise long-term savings, reliability, and sustainability.
Our team handles everything — from system design and installation to optimisation and support — ensuring every client understands and benefits fully from their investment.