What Size Inverter Do I Need for My House in Still Bay?

Living in Still Bay comes with peace, beauty, and… load shedding. Like many towns in the Garden Route, Still Bay faces power outages that can last hours—disrupting daily life, damaging appliances, and stressing homeowners.

The good news? Installing an inverter system at your home can restore power stability. But the big question is: What size inverter do I need for my house in Still Bay?

Let’s break this down in a way that makes sense—whether you’re completely new to solar backup systems or just fine-tuning your setup.

✅ What Does an Inverter Do?

An inverter converts DC power (from batteries or solar panels) into AC power, which is what your household appliances use.

There are two common types of inverter systems in Still Bay homes:

1. Backup inverter systems (used during load shedding, with batteries only)
2. Hybrid solar inverter systems (connected to solar panels and batteries)

Regardless of the setup, the size of your inverter determines what you can power and how well your system performs.

🔢 Step 1: Calculate Your Load

Before you choose an inverter, list the appliances you want to run during a power cut.

Here’s a simple example of what a Still Bay household might need during load shedding:

Always add a 25–30% buffer for inverter inefficiency and surge power (some devices like fridges use more power at startup).

Adjusted total: ±600 watts

📐 Step 2: Choose Your Inverter Size

Inverter sizes are typically measured in kilowatts (kW). You’ll see models like:

• 1kW – For basic loads like lights, Wi-Fi, and charging phones
• 3kW – Enough for lights, TV, fridge, laptop, router
• 5kW – Can power most of a small to medium house
• 8kW+ – Needed for high-usage homes with kettles, microwaves, washing machines, etc.

🌿 Common Still Bay Home Setup

Most homes in Still Bay can run comfortably with a 3kW or 5kW inverter, especially if you’re powering essentials during load shedding and not going completely off-grid.

⚠️ Step 3: Consider Surge Power and Type of Inverter

Some appliances need a surge of power when starting (like fridges or pumps). Choose an inverter that handles this.

For example:

• A fridge using 180W may need 400W+ surge to start
• A washing machine may spike well over 2000W

That’s why pure sine wave inverters are recommended. They’re stable, quiet, and safe for all electronics.

☀️ Step 4: Are You Adding Solar Panels?

If you’re only using batteries (for now), the inverter size mainly depends on your load during outages.

But if you’re going solar in the future, it’s smart to get a hybrid inverter that handles both:

• Solar input
• Battery charging
• Household load

In Still Bay, sunlight is abundant. A 5kW hybrid inverter matched with 6–8 solar panels and a battery bank offers long-term savings.

🛠️ Step 5: Can Your DB Board Handle It?

This is where professional installation matters. Inverter systems need:

• Proper circuit protection
• Safe AC/DC switching
• Compliance with SANS regulations

If you’re in an older home or have limited wiring space, a site visit is essential before deciding on an inverter size.

💡 Example Scenarios for Still Bay Homes

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Home (3 Bedrooms)

• Fridge, Wi-Fi, LED lights, TV, laptops, phone chargers
• Recommended inverter: 5kW hybrid (solar-ready)
• Battery: 5–10 kWh
• Solar: 6–10 panels

🏡 Elderly Couple or Guesthouse

• Fridge, a few lights, router, microwave, kettle
• Recommended inverter: 3kW pure sine wave
• Battery: 3–5 kWh
• Solar: Optional or smaller string

🛠️ Home Workshop Owner

• Lights, power tools, Wi-Fi, compressor
• Recommended inverter: 8kW+ or split system
• Battery: 10–15 kWh minimum
• Solar: 12+ panels recommended

💬 Local Tip: What Our Clients in Still Bay Are Saying

While we’re a new business, early feedback from installations in Still Bay highlights two things:

• People want quiet, automated switchover, zero-fuss backup
• Faster installs and local support are more important than the lowest price

At EcoPower Garden Route, our promise is clear advice, honest sizing, and service that won’t disappear after the sale.

📞 Still Unsure? Let’s Help You Choose

If you’re asking, “What size inverter do I need for my house in Still Bay?”, the best next step is a free load audit. We’ll:

• Look at your actual appliances and usage
• Recommend the right inverter, battery, and solar combo
• Give you a pressure-free quote (including Eskom payback comparisons)

🟢 Summary: Inverter Sizing Quick Guide

📲 Ready for a Quote?

Visit our Free Quote Page or call us directly. We install in Still Bay, Heidelberg, Riversdale, and across the Garden Route.

We’ll help you choose the right inverter—no guesswork, no overselling.