{"id":7200,"date":"2026-09-16T11:19:10","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T09:19:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=191818"},"modified":"2026-09-16T11:19:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-16T09:19:10","slug":"dont-let-others-experience-put-you-off-battery-storage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/dont-let-others-experience-put-you-off-battery-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Let Others Experience Put You Off Battery Storage"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87_1 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/dont-let-others-experience-put-you-off-battery-storage\/#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Or, you could just go for the \u2018Hippy Option\u2019<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>One of the YouTube Channels that I watch on a semi-regular basis is \u2018Undecided with Matt Ferrell\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>In his latest video, \u201cThe Hidden Problem With Home Batteries\u201d, Matt details how he actually loses money on his home battery setup in a 1 for 1 net metering situation in the state of Massachusetts.<\/p>\n<p>Matt is a bit of an uber nerd when it comes to making decisions \u2013 not only does he over research but he continues to do so by monitoring and reporting back on his purchases, in detail and well after the date of purchase.<\/p>\n<p>In some ways he extolls the <a href=\"https:\/\/basystems.co.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BA Systems Energy Management<\/a> mantra of; \u201cIf you can measure it, you can manage it!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>BUT, the bottom line when watching such videos from another part of the world is that every country, province, metropolitan area and utility supplier has different ways that they handle charges for electricity and grid connection charges.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_quick_take_away_for_South_Africa_is_somewhere_in_the_following\"><\/span><strong>The quick take away for South Africa is somewhere in the following:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<blockquote readability=\"8\">\n<p>Financial efficiency may shift positively if utilities transition away from 1:1 net metering or introduce Time-of-Use (TOU) rate structures. Under TOU rates, storing cheap daytime energy to discharge during expensive peak hours makes batteries considerably more financially viable.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In fact Matt estimates that a TOU tariff may impact him directly as follows: From minus $200 per year to between $170 and $800 plus in savings per year. Again \u2013 efficient management of use is the key.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"As_a_consumer_in_South_Africa_there_are_three_main_areas_to_consider\"><\/span><strong>As a consumer in South Africa there are three main areas to consider:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Does my supplier offer Net Metering?<\/li>\n<li>What is the proportion (1:1 2:1 etc)?<\/li>\n<li>What are the Time of Use Tariffs for each portion?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Of course the real reason why South African consumers install home batteries is really an emotional response to an Eskom failure \u2013 loadshedding provided the impetus.<\/p>\n<p>Now, if Eskom was superbly efficient with a 100% uptime then we could forget about that emotional response and just use Grid Tie Solar \u2013 what <a href=\"https:\/\/straton.co.za\/solar\">Straton Solar call their \u2018Hippy Option\u2019<\/a> \u2013 without batteries which is a far cheaper option in a 1:1 environment.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Models_Distinctions_Across_Major_SA_Metros\"><\/span><strong>Key Models &amp; Distinctions Across Major SA Metros<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Cash Payouts vs. Bill Offsets:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Cape Town (Cash for Power): Cape Town offers a true cash payout option for commercial and residential customers who generate a net surplus, paying out funds directly once accumulated credits pass a minimum threshold.<\/p>\n<p>All Other Metros: Operates strictly on a bill-credit system. Excess power fed into the grid offsets the electricity portion of your municipal account for that billing cycle, but you cannot request cash refunds.<\/p>\n<p>The \u2018payback\u2019 amounts vary between the Metros and one can expect a \u2018payback\u2019 amount of around 30% of what you pay for a kW\/h as a consumer \u2013 again dependant upon a number of factors such as whether you are on an IBT Tariff or not.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mandatory Fixed Monthly Charges:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To prevent solar users from avoiding infrastructure maintenance costs, most metros (including Joburg City Power and Cape Town) require SSEG participants to pay a fixed monthly network access fee or capacity charge.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Net Consumer Requirement:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Under NERSA guidelines, residential customers in almost all South African municipalities must remain net consumers (importing more kilowatt-hours from the grid annually than they export) unless they obtain a specific independent power producer (IPP) generation license.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Non-Export \/ Zero-Export Alternative:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you do not wish to pay bi-directional smart meter fees or fixed SSEG network charges, most metros allow you to install a reverse-flow blocking device (export limiter). This lets you use solar for your own home consumption without feeding back into the municipality grid or changing your standard residential tariff.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Video_Summary\"><\/span><strong>Video Summary:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Here is a summary of the salient points from the video \u201cThe Hidden Problem With Home Batteries\u201d by Matt Ferrell (Undecided with Matt Ferrell):<\/p>\n<p><strong>Financial &amp; Return on Investment (ROI) Realities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Negative Financial ROI: Despite installing $22,385 worth of batteries (net cost after federal tax credits and state incentives), the system costs about $27\/year in electricity to run and does not generate direct savings under standard 1:1 net metering.<\/p>\n<p>Roundtrip Efficiency Losses: Storing self-generated solar energy in a home battery loses ~16% of that energy as heat. Under flat-rate, 1:1 net metering policies, exporting power to the grid is effectively 100% efficient, making the grid a better \u201cbattery\u201d financially.<\/p>\n<p>High Stored Energy Costs: Factoring in equipment depreciation and charging opportunity costs, power drawn from the home battery costs approximately $0.68\/kWh, compared to paying $0.32\/kWh directly from the grid.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Revenue Streams (Utility Battery Demand Response)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Income: The only significant monetary return comes from utility programs (e.g., Connected Solutions) that \u201crent\u201d the battery to discharge power during summer peak demand hours.<\/p>\n<p>Variable Payouts: Annual earnings ranged between ~$1,500 and $1,880. However, payments are tied to peak power delivery rate (kW) rather than total capacity (kWh), meaning payouts fluctuate based on how utilities manage discharge times.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Degredation vs. Time-Based Wear<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Aging Out Before Wearing Out: Due to lower winter generation and lower discharge cycles, the battery completes roughly 230 cycles per year. Because it is rated for 6,000 cycles or 15 years, the unit will reach its calendar shelf life long before reaching its maximum cycle limits.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Resilience vs. Financial Motivation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Resilience, Not Independence: The speaker makes a clear distinction between leaving the grid (independence) and keeping seamless power during grid failures (resilience).<\/p>\n<p>Peace of Mind: The primary non-financial benefit is seamless backup during grid outages\u2014allowing critical home loads (HVAC, refrigeration, lights) to stay powered without interruption or manual intervention.<\/p>\n<p>Environmental Impact: Discharging stored energy during peak hours replaces reliance on dirty \u201cpeaker\u201d fossil-fuel plants.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Images\"><\/span><strong>Images:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_191819-2\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-191819-2\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/straton.co.za\/solar\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-191819 size-full lazyload\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" alt width=\"1024\" height=\"559\" src=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SA-Net-Metering-Infographic-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SA-Net-Metering-Infographic-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SA-Net-Metering-Infographic-625x341.jpg 625w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SA-Net-Metering-Infographic-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SA-Net-Metering-Infographic-768x419.jpg 768w\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-191819-2\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">SA Net Metering Infographic. Photo: Straton Solar\/Gemini<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Video\"><\/span><strong>Video:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p align=\"center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YrO9TArSK6o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YrO9TArSK6o<\/a><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><em>Don\u2019t Let Others Experience Put You Off Battery Storage<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Links\"><\/span><strong>Links:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/Don't Let Others Experience Put You Off Battery Storage\/2\/\">Boilerplate and Editor\u2019s Notes<\/a><\/strong>.<br \/><strong>More Info on <a href=\"https:\/\/straton.co.za\/solar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Don\u2019t Let Others Experience Put You Off Battery Storage<\/a> here:<\/strong><br \/><strong>X<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MyPE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/twitter.com\/MyPE<\/a><br \/><strong>LinkedIn<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/straton-electrical\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/straton-electrical\/<\/a><br \/><strong>Facebook<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/StratonElectrical\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/StratonElectrical\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/save-with-myprs-monthly-flat-fee\/\">CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Genesis Simple Share error: This location ( after ) has already been used. --><strong><\/p>\n<h3>Track Your Press Release HERE:<\/h3>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"mypr-visibility-box\" readability=\"4.2608695652174\">\n<h4>Check Online Visibility<\/h4>\n<p>Verify where this release is currently indexed:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"entry-pagination pagination\">Pages: <span class=\"post-page-numbers current\" aria-current=\"page\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>1<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/dont-let-others-experience-put-you-off-battery-storage\/2\/\" class=\"post-page-numbers\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>2<\/a><\/div>\n<p><em><strong>A MyPR Featured Press Release: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/dont-let-others-experience-put-you-off-battery-storage\/\" target=\"_blank\">CLICK HERE<\/a> to read the original.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Or, you could just go for the \u2018Hippy Option\u2019 One of the YouTube Channels that I watch on a semi-regular basis is \u2018Undecided with Matt Ferrell\u2019. In his latest video, \u201cThe Hidden Problem With Home Batteries\u201d, Matt details how he actually loses money on his home battery setup in a 1 for &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7030,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","autoblue_enabled":true,"autoblue_custom_message":"","autoblue_shares":[{"did":"did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic","date":"2026-09-16T10:23:57+00:00","uri":"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mvmwceqj5r24","response":"{\"uri\":\"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mvmwceqj5r24\",\"cid\":\"bafyreihkpqcqenz5waprez4377ymrqc5jc2npm2lw5xrnjts3kf2hixiay\",\"commit\":{\"cid\":\"bafyreigmbcwtxezx6nnccsvbmuf5sqpcaj4lylxtwh662st4cgwtvqf5wu\",\"rev\":\"3mvmwceqqxr24\"},\"validationStatus\":\"valid\"}"}],"autoblue_post_url":"","autoblue_publish_document":false,"republication-tracker-tool-hide-widget":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28,3],"tags":[38,34],"class_list":["type-post","category-featured","category-news","tag-featured","tag-mypr","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7200","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7200"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7200\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7200"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7200"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}