Understanding HomeFlex Tariffs for Solar Owners: Key Strategies to Maximise Savings
- LopileTech
- Nov 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 21
If you have recently registered your solar system with Eskom Direct or plan to do so soon, you face a significant change in how your electricity bill is calculated. Eskom has introduced a new tariff called HomeFlex, which applies automatically to all customers with registered solar systems. This tariff replaces the old flat-rate billing with a more complex Time-of-Use (TOU) structure that can either save you money or lead to unexpected high costs if you don’t understand it well.
This guide explains what HomeFlex means for solar owners and offers practical strategies to help you make the most of your solar investment while avoiding costly surprises.
What HomeFlex Means for Solar Owners
HomeFlex is a tariff designed to reflect the true cost of electricity depending on the time and season. Unlike the old flat-rate tariffs, HomeFlex charges you differently based on when you use electricity. This change aims to reduce pressure on the national grid during peak demand times by encouraging users to shift consumption to off-peak hours.
The Three Key Components of HomeFlex
Fixed Charge (Network Capacity Charge)
This is a daily fee you pay regardless of how much electricity you use. It covers your connection to the grid and ensures you have backup power when your solar system cannot meet your needs. This fee is non-bypassable, meaning your solar panels cannot reduce it.
Variable Energy Charge (Time-of-Use Pricing)
Your electricity cost varies depending on the time of day. HomeFlex divides the day into three periods:
High Demand Season (Winter)
Date range: 1 June – 31 August
Day Type | Peak (Most Expensive) | Standard (Mid-Range) | Off-Peak (Cheapest) |
Weekdays | 06:00 – 09:00 17:00 – 19:00 | 09:00 – 17:00 19:00 – 22:00 | 22:00 – 06:00 |
Saturdays | None | 07:00 – 12:00 18:00 – 20:00 | 12:00 – 18:00 20:00 – 07:00 |
Sundays | None | None | All Hours |
Low Demand Season (Summer)
Date range: 1 September – 31 May
Day Type | Peak (Most Expensive) | Standard (Mid-Range) | Off-Peak (Cheapest) |
Weekdays | 07:00 – 10:00 18:00 – 20:00 | 06:00 – 07:00 10:00 – 18:00 20:00 – 22:00 | 22:00 – 06:00 |
Saturdays | None | 07:00 – 12:00 18:00 – 20:00 | 12:00 – 18:00 20:00 – 07:00 |
Sundays | None | None | All Hours |
Charges Per Kilowatt (Energy Rates)
These are the active energy charges for Eskom Direct customers (HomeFlex 4, typical residential connection).
Note: Rates exclude VAT. Prices may vary slightly depending on your exact supply size (kVA)
Time Period | High Demand (Jun–Aug) | Low Demand (Sep–May) |
Peak | ~R7.04 / kWh | ~R2.00 / kWh |
Standard | ~R2.14 / kWh | ~R1.41 / kWh |
Off-Peak | ~R1.02 / kWh | ~R0.90 / kWh |
Important: In Winter (High Demand), the Peak rate is extremely high (over R7.00). It is critical to avoid using heavy appliances between 6am–9am and 5pm–7pm during these months
Seasonal Variation
The tariff rates change with the seasons, reflecting higher costs during winter months when demand peaks.
Understanding these components is essential to managing your electricity use and maximising your solar system’s benefits.
How to Use Your Solar System to Shield Against High Tariffs
The HomeFlex tariff rewards users who can shift their electricity consumption away from peak periods. Here are some strategies to help you save:
1. Maximise Solar Self-Consumption During Peak Hours
Your solar panels produce the most energy during daylight hours, which often coincide with mid-peak or off-peak periods. Use as much of this solar energy as possible during the day to avoid buying expensive grid electricity in the evening peak.
Run appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters during the day.
Charge electric vehicles during off-peak or mid-peak hours.
Consider smart home devices that schedule energy use automatically.
2. Use Battery Storage to Shift Energy Use
If your solar system includes battery storage, you can store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during peak hours when tariffs are highest.
Discharge batteries in the evening peak period to reduce grid consumption.
Avoid charging batteries from the grid during peak times to prevent high costs.
3. Monitor and Manage Your Consumption
Use energy monitoring tools to track your usage patterns and identify opportunities to shift consumption.
Many smart meters provide real-time data.
Set alerts for peak tariff periods.
Adjust habits to reduce unnecessary electricity use during expensive times.
Practical Examples of HomeFlex Savings
Consider a household that uses 30 kWh per day. Under a flat tariff, they pay a fixed rate regardless of when they use electricity. Under HomeFlex:
If they use 10 kWh during peak hours at a high rate, their bill increases significantly.
By shifting 5 kWh of usage to off-peak hours and using stored solar energy in the evening, they can reduce peak consumption and save up to 30% on their energy bill.
The fixed daily charge remains, but overall savings come from smart timing and solar use.
What to Watch Out For with HomeFlex
The fixed charge means you pay a daily fee even if your solar system covers all your energy needs.
Peak period rates are high, so avoid using grid power during these times.
Seasonal changes mean your strategy must adapt throughout the year.
If you export excess solar energy to the grid, check how Eskom credits this under HomeFlex, as it may differ from previous tariffs.
Final Thoughts on Navigating HomeFlex
HomeFlex changes the way solar owners interact with the grid and their electricity bills. By understanding the fixed charges, time-of-use pricing, and seasonal variations, you can tailor your energy use to reduce costs. Using your solar system strategically, especially with battery storage and smart consumption habits, turns HomeFlex from a potential cost risk into a powerful tool for savings.
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