Short answer: do not buy backup power by choosing the biggest inverter you can afford on payday. Start by listing the loads you need to keep running, then build the system in stages: emergency lighting → small essential backup → inverter + battery → larger hybrid system → solar generation and protection.
Level 1: light and communication essentials
If the objective is simply to avoid being left in the dark, start with rechargeable lighting and small-device preparedness rather than a full inverter.
- Flash 3W USB Rechargeable Mini Lantern
- Flash 5W LED Camping Lantern
- WHL&E Magnetic Rechargeable Desk Lamp
Level 2: small inverter for selected loads
The Esener 1kW 12V Pro Inverter is an example of a smaller inverter class. Before buying, calculate the simultaneous watts of the devices you actually want to run and check the inverter's manufacturer specifications, battery voltage and surge limits.
Level 3: inverter + lithium battery combination
Moving to an inverter-and-battery system allows longer backup and a more integrated setup. Current Whitehouse options include the Esener 1kW + 1.28kWh Lithium Battery Combo and Esener 3.6kW + 2.56kWh Lithium Battery Combo.
Level 4: 5–6kW class home backup
For a larger essential-load system, Whitehouse currently stocks combinations such as the Luxpower SNA5000 5KVA + Shoto 5.12kWh Lithium Battery and Luxpower SNA6000 + Volta 5.12kWh Lithium Battery.
Level 5: add solar generation
Once the inverter, battery and essential-load strategy are correct, a solar array can reduce grid consumption and recharge the system during suitable daylight conditions. Current panel options include the WHL&E 585W JA Solar Panel and WHL&E 595W JA Solar Panel.
Do not select panel quantity by dividing inverter kW by panel watts. PV string voltage, MPPT current/voltage range, roof layout, shading and daily-energy requirements must be checked.
Whitehouse Load Planning Worksheet
| Appliance/load | Watts | Quantity | Hours needed | Daily energy (Wh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi/router | _____ | _____ | _____ | watts × qty × hours |
| LED lights | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| TV | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Laptop/computer | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Fridge/freezer | Use manufacturer/measured data | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Fans | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
| Other essential load | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Add simultaneous watts to estimate inverter demand and daily energy to estimate the battery/solar requirement. Motor/compressor startup and system losses still require professional design consideration.
Where Stitch Pay Later fits
Whitehouse currently advertises Stitch Pay Later over 2–6 months at 0% interest for eligible purchases, subject to approval and terms. Stitch's current support documentation also notes that available terms and spending limits depend on eligibility, and current merchant support describes Pay Later purchases up to R25,000 in that setup.
This can help spread the cost of a planned eligible upgrade, but it should not replace load planning. Read How Stitch Pay Later Works at Whitehouse.
Free delivery does not always mean free solar freight
Whitehouse offers free standard delivery on qualifying standard-size orders of R1,500 or more. Heavy batteries, large panels and special-freight products may require separate delivery arrangements under the shipping policy.
Solar and backup FAQ
Should I buy the battery first or the inverter first?
Design them together. Battery voltage, current capability, communication compatibility and inverter requirements all matter.
Can a 5kWh battery run anything I want?
No. Battery energy and inverter power are separate limits. High-power loads can drain stored energy very quickly.
Can I add panels later?
Often, if the inverter, string design and future expansion were planned correctly. Check exact MPPT and array limits before buying.
Do I need professional installation?
Fixed electrical, inverter and solar installation should be designed and completed by appropriately qualified professionals where required, with the necessary compliance and distributor requirements addressed.
For deeper sizing, read Solar for Summer: How to Size an Inverter, Battery & Panels.
Need it quickly?
Whitehouse Lighting & Electrical delivers throughout South Africa. Eligible paid, in-stock weekday orders placed before 15:00 are ordinarily dispatched the same working day. Typical delivery estimates are approximately 1–3 working days to main centres and 2–6 working days to regional or outlying areas after dispatch.
Qualifying standard-size orders of R1,500 or more receive free standard delivery. Oversized, heavy, battery, solar-panel and special-freight products may require a separate delivery arrangement. See the current Whitehouse Shipping Policy for full terms.
