Leb7

Geysertech PI2R micro. Hooked up to 4x340W panels. Total installation was 9k.

Response to @tony Lampard idea above:
I just want to raise a few safety and compliance points for the benefit of anyone considering a similar setup this isn’t meant as criticism, but to make sure people understand the risks and what’s required for a compliant installation.
Standard 230 V AC geyser elements are not designed for DC operation. PV panels produce variable DC voltage and current that change constantly with sunlight. Without proper regulation (MPPT or controller), the element and thermostat can be exposed to uncontrolled current and voltage. This can result in overheating, premature element failure, or thermal runaway. The contactor in the picture is a AC-rated unit. DC arcs do not extinguish naturally at zero-crossing as they do in AC. Using an AC contactor on DC can lead to welded contacts, sustained arcing, or fire.
Under SANS 10142-1:2020, Clause 7.12.4.5, all PV circuits must have switch-disconnectors and protective devices specifically rated for DC at the circuit voltage. An AC-only contactor does not meet this requirement. The setup omits proper DC fusing and isolation. PV strings must have individual DC-rated fuses, string isolators, and overcurrent protection per SANS 10142-1, Clauses 7.12.5.1 and 7.12.5.2. Without this, a fault or short circuit could result in high fault current from multiple panels that will not clear safely. Keeping the thermostat and control circuit at 230 V AC while the heating circuit operates on unregulated DC creates a mixed-voltage environment. This violates the basic separation and insulation coordination requirements in Clause 5.3.6 and Clause 6.1.6.1 of SANS 10142-1.
This type of modification would likely not pass a CoC inspection and could void household insurance in the event of fire or injury.
SANS 10142-1:2020 requires that all wiring, switching, and protective devices be correctly rated for the circuit type and voltage (Clause 6.1.5.1). Using AC components on DC circuits does not comply.
Use a PV diverter or dedicated DC-MPPT heating controller (there are several available locally) that manages voltage, current, and switching safely within SANS limits or, heat the geyser on the AC side using a properly rated AC contactor or relay controlled by your inverter or energy management system. This keeps all protection, RCD, and earthing arrangements fully compliant.
It’s great to see people experimenting with solar heating ideas, but wiring PV panels directly to an AC element without DC-rated components or protection creates significant fire and shock hazards and is not compliant with SANS 10142-1:2020.
Anyone planning to do this should use the correct DC-rated switching, isolation, and protection — or stick to an AC-side control method that’s proven safe.

This system should provide enough power to heat the geyser during sun periods. The problem lies in the fact that you heat the geyser in periods that their is very little sun in summer and no sun in winter. You will save quite a bit on grid use if you save battery power during the evening in order to use it for the geyser for the early morning heat cycle. But I would install the system shown and the start the journey of managing when you use the power. If you use battery for all other loads than the geyser then perhaps you can still use grid for the early geyser heat cycle. The after 17h heat cycle will be saved as you can use the sun 14h to 17h for the geyser. Ironing and washing can be during sun period of the day.
8 panels a good start. Ensure that you have a transfer switch fitted in order to be able to remove inverter with no wiring changes if needs be.

Hi all,
Brand new to the solar world and excited to join the community! I just had my system installed: a Solis S6 Pro 6kW inverter, 10x 600W JA Solar panels, and 2x Freedom Won 5kW eTowers.
The journey has been interesting so far, with a few small configuration challenges, but I'm really happy with the performance. I know there's a steep learning curve ahead, and I'm looking forward to swapping stories and tips with everyone on the forum.