Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • Who is IBC SOLAR South Africa?

    IBC SOLAR South Africa is part of IBC SOLAR, a global solar pioneer founded in Germany in 1982. For over 40 years, IBC SOLAR has delivered end-to-end photovoltaic solutions worldwide, with more than 6 GW installed and over 3 million people powered.

    We supply premium solar components, system design, technical services, storage solutions, and engineering support for installers and EPCs across Sub-Saharan Africa, with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg, each equipped with a Technical Service Centre.

  • What makes IBC SOLAR different from other suppliers?

    IBC SOLAR offers a “no-stress solar package”, built on four decades of German engineering excellence:

    • Thoroughly tested PV components
    • System planning support
    • End-to-end design tools
    • Long-term warranties and combination guarantees
    • Local specialist partners and service centres

    Our goal is simple: while your system produces energy, you focus on life.

  • Where are your offices located?

    Our head office is in Cape Town, with a second office in Johannesburg.
    Both locations include a fully equipped Technical Service Centre.

  • Do you sell directly to end customers?

    No. We supply installers, EPCs, and industry professionals.
    If you are a homeowner or business, we can refer you to one of our Premium Partners in your area.

  • Does IBC SOLAR develop or install solar parks in South Africa?

    Not in South Africa. Unlike the European branches, the South African subsidiary focuses on distribution, technical services, and project support for installers, EPCs, and commercial clients across the region.

  • Which regions do you serve?

    We supply and support customers across all of South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

PRODUCTS & BRANDS

  • Which solar products do you offer?

    We supply a full portfolio of high-quality components:

    • PV modules: IBC SOLAR, LONGi
    • Inverters: Victron, Huawei, Atess, Kehua Tech, SMA, Sungrow, Fronius, GoodWe
    • Battery storage: Solar MD, Huawei, BYD, Sungrow, GoodWe
    • Mounting systems: IBC SOLAR, Schletter
    • EV chargers: Victron, GoodWe, SMA
    • Accessories: Cables, connectors, monitoring & EMS, surge protection, BOS components
  • Do you offer the European IBC SOLAR product range?

    We supply selected IBC SOLAR products (such as mounting systems and modules) but not the full German range. Our South African portfolio is tailored to local market needs.

  • Are your products tested for South African conditions?

    Yes. All products are selected for performance, reliability, and safety under South Africa’s climate conditions. IBC SOLAR modules undergo additional testing through the independent SUNLAB laboratory in Germany.

  • Which type of solar panel is best: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or half-cell?
    • Monocrystalline: Highest efficiency, ideal for smaller roofs or high-output needs
    • Polycrystalline: Cost-effective, good in diffused light
    • Half-cell (Half-Cut): Best modern option, with higher efficiency and lower shading losses

    IBC SOLAR specialises in half-cell modules, which offer up to 2.5% higher performance and excellent partial-shade behaviour.

  • Are your mounting systems suitable for all roof types?

    Yes. We provide mounting options for:

    • Tile roofs
    • Metal roofs (trapezoidal, standing seam, corrugated)
    • Bitumen, foil, and gravel roofs
    • Flat roofs (non-penetrating)
    • Green roofs
    • Custom applications
  • What are the benefits of a solar battery?

    A solar battery allows you to use solar power day and night. Benefits include:

    • Up to 80% reduction in electricity bills
    • Independence from grid fluctuations
    • Backup power during outages
    • High modularity and retrofit options

    We supply lithium-ion storage from global leaders like SolarMD, BYD, Huawei, Sungrow, and GoodWe.

  • How long do solar batteries last?
    • Lithium-ion: 15–20 years, ±4,000 cycles
    • Lead-acid: 7–10 years, ±1,200–2,500 cycles

    Lithium batteries offer higher efficiency, better lifecycle value, and deeper discharge options.

  • Which inverter type do I need?

    It depends on your system:

    • String inverter – most common, cost-effective
    • Hybrid inverter – integrates battery storage
    • Battery inverter – controls charging/discharging
    • Microinverter – used per module, ideal for shading

    All inverters we supply include MPP tracking for maximum yield and smart monitoring features.

  • Where should an inverter be installed?

    Indoors or in a weather-protected location, ideally:

    • Cool and well-ventilated
    • Away from living spaces (inverters may hum)
    • Close to the distribution board
    • Adequately spaced for heat dissipation

    Installation must be done by a qualified professional.

  • Do you supply EV chargers?

    Yes. Our EV chargers integrate perfectly with solar and storage systems.

    Benefits:

    • Charge your vehicle with your own solar power
    • Reduce energy costs
    • Manage home or business charging with EMS
    • Ideal for fleet electrification

ENERGY MANAGEMENT & PERFORMANCE

  • What is an Energy Management System (EMS)?

    An EMS intelligently directs energy flows in a home or business. It can:

    • Maximise self-consumption
    • Shift loads to sunny hours
    • Smooth consumption peaks (peak shaving)
    • Manage EVs and storage
    • Provide backup functionality
    • Support grid stabilisation

    This significantly increases system efficiency and savings.

  • What is the difference between self-consumption and self-sufficiency?
    • Self-consumption: How much of your own generated solar power you use
    • Self-sufficiency: How much of your total energy needs are covered by your solar + storage

    With storage, customers can reach up to 80% independence.

SUSTAINABILITY, EPR & QUALITY

  • Is IBC SOLAR South Africa EPR compliant?

    Yes. We are listed as a Member in Good Standing with Circular Energy, fully compliant with South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.

  • What does EPR mean for installers and EPCs?

    EPR ensures that imported or locally supplied solar equipment is responsibly managed at end-of-life. Working with an EPR-compliant supplier helps you remain aligned with South African environmental policies and future regulatory requirements.

  • What does IBC SOLAR do to support sustainability?

    Sustainability is part of our DNA. We focus on:

    • Recycling processes that recover up to 95% of PV system materials
    • Green electricity use at our facilities
    • Sustainable office policies and energy-saving measures
    • High environmental standards for suppliers
    • Participation in renewable energy research
    • Cradle-to-cradle exhibition stand design
  • What quality standards do IBC SOLAR follow?

    IBC SOLAR is certified by TÜV Rheinland to:

    • ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
    • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
    • ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety)

    SUNLAB ensures rigorous PV testing under real-world conditions.

ORDERS & LOGISTICS

TECHNICAL SUPPORT & SERVICES

  • Do you offer technical support for installations?

    Yes. Our Cape Town and Johannesburg Technical Service Centres provide:

    • Installation support
    • Commissioning assistance
    • Troubleshooting and fault finding
    • Design and engineering services
    • PVManager system design
    • Single Line Diagrams
  • Can you assist on-site?

    Yes, on-site support is available through pre-booked appointments.

  • Do you provide system design services?

    Yes. We offer professional design services including SLDs, PVManager reports, layout planning, shading simulations, AC planning, and bills of materials.

  • Do you install solar systems?

    No. We supply installers and EPCs.
    We can refer homeowners and businesses to a trusted Premium Partner.

  • How can I buy from IBC SOLAR?

    Installers and EPCs can apply for an account and order via the IBC SOLAR Online Shop.
    End users can be connected with a local partner.

WARRANTY & QUALITY

  • What warranties do your products have?

    Warranties depend on the brand and component.
    Most products include:

    • 10–25 year performance warranty on modules
    • 5–12 years on inverters (brand-dependent)
    • 5–10 years on batteries
    • 10 years on mounting systems

    We assist with warranty support through our local service centres.

  • How do warranty claims work?

    If you purchased products from IBC SOLAR South Africa, contact our service team with proof of purchase and system details. We will guide you through the process.

TRAINING & PARTNER PROGRAMMES

  • Do you offer training for installers?

    Yes. We provide training through:

    • The IBC SOLAR Technical Service Centres
    • Partner events
    • Workshops in collaboration with GREEN Solar Academy
    • Online webinars and product sessions
  • What is the Premium Partner Programme?

    Our Premium Partner Programme supports installers with:

    • Special pricing and product access
    • Leads and project referrals
    • Technical training
    • Sales and marketing support
    • Access to exclusive tools

    A full landing page can be provided for this.

  • How can I become a Premium Partner?

    Contact our sales team or apply through our upcoming Premium Partner landing page.

PROJECTS AND APPLICATIONS

FINANCIAL, SAVINGS & ROI

  • How much can solar reduce my electricity bill?

    With IBC SOLAR:

    • Solar-only: save at least 30%
    • Solar + storage: save up to 80%
    • EV charging + EMS: further reduce grid dependence
    • Add a green electricity tariff: become 100% fossil-free
  • Is solar really cost-effective long-term?

    Yes. Solar power is 3–4 times cheaper than grid electricity.
    IBC SOLAR systems pay off quickly due to:

    • Long product life (25+ years)
    • Lower operational costs
    • Reduced grid reliance
    • Increased energy price stability

Funding Solution

  • Do you finance projects directly?

    No. IBC SOLAR South Africa is not a lender. We work with funding partners and your own bank or financier, providing the technical backbone and product supply for funded projects.

  • Can you recommend funding partners to my business or EPC?

    Yes. For qualifying projects, we can introduce you to funding partners who are active in the South African and Sub-Saharan markets, depending on your project size and profile.

  • What information do I need to start a funding discussion?

    Typically:

    • Recent electricity bills and tariffs
    • Basic load profile information if available
    • Site address and roof or land availability
    • Nature of your business and ownership or lease details

    Your installer or EPC can gather this information with you, and we can assist on the technical side.

  • Is a funded solar system always cheaper than grid electricity?

    In many cases, yes, especially over the contract term. However, this depends on your tariff, consumption, and the funding structure. Our role is to help ensure the technical design supports the commercial case, so you make an informed decision.

  • Can I combine funding with storage and EV charging?

    Yes. Many funders support solar plus storage projects, and EV charging can be integrated into the system design and EMS, depending on the project concept and business case.

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