Solar Home Systems provide basic electricity to off-grid households, but limited regulation and dedicated policies hinder their effective implementation in South Africa.

Solar Home Systems (SHS) are small systems that use sunlight to provide electricity to homes without grid access. They help households meet basic energy needs while waiting for formal electrification. SHS can power lights, charge phones and laptops, and run TVs, radios, and small appliances.

The iShack Project is one example, providing off-grid solar electricity to people in informal settlements still waiting for grid connection.

SHS help bring electricity to communities without grid access. They are a temporary solution while households wait for formal electrification.

However, off-grid SHS are not well regulated in South Africa. Most rules focus on grid-connected solar. Municipalities provide SHS, but usually through programmes like Free Basic Alternative Energy (FBAE) and indigent support programmes, rather than clear, dedicated SHS policies.