Load-shedding. Tariff hikes. Rolling blackouts. If you’re a South African homeowner or renter, those words have probably become part of your daily vocabulary. As electricity prices continue to climb and grid reliability drops, more people are turning to off-grid alternatives for peace of mind and long-term savings. One rising star in the mix? Indoor solar lights.
In this post, we explore why indoor solar lighting is gaining popularity, how it works, the best use cases around the home, and what you need to know before making the switch. Whether you're looking to cut costs, go greener, or simply keep the lights on during Stage 6 blackouts, this guide has you covered.
Why Indoor Solar Lighting Makes Sense
Indoor solar lights use photovoltaic (PV) panels to collect sunlight and store energy in a battery, which can later power LED lights inside your home. They’re simple, effective, and independent of Eskom.
- Zero electricity cost: Once installed, solar lights operate entirely off sunlight.
- Reliable backup: Great for blackouts, especially in rooms where candles or torches aren’t ideal.
- Eco-conscious: Solar lighting reduces your reliance on fossil-fuel-based power generation.
Indoor solar lighting isn't just for rural homes or off-grid cabins anymore. With stylish, compact kits now available in South Africa, even city dwellers in Cape Town or Joburg are starting to integrate them into their everyday lives.
Best Places to Use Indoor Solar Lights
Most indoor solar light kits come with a separate panel and multiple LED bulbs or fittings, allowing you to light up more than one room at a time. Here are some ideal placements:
- Kitchen: Keep essential meal prep areas lit during outages.
- Bedroom: Use soft solar light to replace candles or torches.
- Study/Home Office: Maintain productivity even when the grid fails.
- Bathrooms: Add reliable lighting in spaces where candles aren’t safe.
They’re also excellent for storage rooms, garages, stairwells, and enclosed patios — anywhere that’s hard to wire or regularly affected by outages.
What to Look for When Buying Indoor Solar Lights
Not all solar light kits are created equal. Here’s what to evaluate before purchasing:
1. Battery Capacity
Check the mAh (milliamp-hour) or Wh (watt-hour) capacity. Bigger batteries mean longer lighting times, especially important during winter or long power cuts.
2. Number of Lights
Some kits come with one bulb; others include multiple fittings and USB ports for charging phones or other small devices.
3. Brightness Levels
Look for lumen ratings. For general ambient light, 150–300 lumens is sufficient. Task lighting (like reading or cooking) may require more.
4. Charging Time
Check how long the panel takes to charge the battery fully. Bonus if the system allows dual charging via USB as backup.
5. Portability
If you're renting or want to take it on camping trips, look for compact systems that are easy to move or install without drilling.
Case Study: A Cape Town Family's Switch to Solar Indoors
The Mabuza family from Plumstead installed a 4-bulb indoor solar kit from Future Light just before winter 2024. With increasing Stage 4 and Stage 6 outages, they wanted something safer than candles and more reliable than torches for their kids’ homework and dinner prep.
"It was a game-changer," says Thabiso Mabuza. "We charge it during the day on our balcony and use the lights in our kitchen, passage and bedrooms every night. We even used it during a braai in the garage last month."
They’ve since bought a second kit for their mother’s home in the Eastern Cape.
Pros and Cons of Indoor Solar Lighting
✔️ Pros:
- No electricity bills
- Easy to install
- Ideal for backup lighting
- Eco-friendly and quiet
- Often includes USB charging ports
❌ Cons:
- Reliant on adequate sun exposure
- Battery will need to be replaced every 2 years or so
Can solar lights really work indoors?
Yes, indoor solar light kits use panels placed outside to charge a battery, which then powers LED lights inside. They’re ideal for areas affected by load-shedding or high electricity costs.
Do I need direct sun for indoor solar lights to work?
Direct sunlight improves charging efficiency, but many panels can still generate power under cloudy conditions. South Africa’s climate generally provides sufficient sunlight for most of the year.
How long do indoor solar lights last?
Most LED solar kits provide 6–12 hours of light when fully charged. Battery lifespan typically ranges from 2–5 years depending on usage and storage conditions.
Can I install solar lights if I’m renting?
Yes, many kits are portable and don’t require permanent installation. They’re perfect for tenants who want reliable backup lighting without modifying property structure.
Are solar light kits safe for children’s rooms?
Absolutely. Indoor solar lights are low-voltage, don’t emit heat like candles, and often feature enclosed LED bulbs. They’re a safe, practical choice for bedrooms and nurseries during blackouts.
