The questions we usually get.
Straight answers, in plain English. If something isn't covered here, ask us — we'd rather have an honest conversation than dodge a fair question.
What does Gridstone actually do?
We build solar systems for commercial buildings, but we don't ask you to pay for them. We design the system, fund it, install it, and run it. You buy the power it produces — usually at a lower rate than you currently pay Eskom — and we take care of the rest. The whole arrangement is structured around your building, not around how many panels we want to sell.
How much can my business save?
Most of our clients save between 30% and 60% on their daytime electricity costs. The exact number depends on three things: how much power you use during the day, how much roof or yard space you have, and your current Eskom rate. Before we propose anything, we look at your last three months of bills and give you a realistic number — not a sales pitch.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
No. On most of our deals, Gridstone funds 100% of the system. You don't pay for installation, equipment, or design. You only pay for the electricity the system produces, month by month, at a rate we agree before we start. If you'd rather buy the system outright we can also structure that — but for most clients, the no-upfront-cost route is the smarter option.
Who owns the solar system — me or Gridstone?
During the contract, Gridstone owns and maintains the system. That's why you don't pay anything upfront — we carry the risk, and we keep it running. After the 10-year contract ends, ownership transfers to you at no extra cost. From that point on the system is yours, and the power it produces is free.
What happens at the end of the contract?
At the end of the 10-year term, the system becomes yours. There's no balloon payment, no buy-out fee, and no extra paperwork — ownership simply transfers. A well-built solar system has a useful life of 25 to 30 years, so you'll typically have another 15 to 20 years of free daytime power after the contract ends. That's where the long-term value really sits.
Can I buy out the system before the contract ends?
Yes. From year five onwards, you have the option to buy the system out at a pre-agreed price set in your contract. We make this number transparent up front so there are no surprises. Most clients keep the contract running because the monthly arrangement is comfortable, but the option is there if your circumstances change.
What if I sell the building during the contract?
The contract transfers to the new owner along with the building. Most buyers actually see this as a positive — they're inheriting a building that already has lower running costs and a clean energy supply. We've structured the agreement so it slots alongside an existing property sale without complicating the transaction. We're happy to talk to your buyer or attorney directly if needed.
What if my business closes or moves?
The contract is tied to the building, not to your business. If you close down, the system stays on the property and the agreement passes to whoever owns or rents the building next. If you move premises, your old building keeps the system. We'll happily look at putting a new system on your new building, structured separately. There are no penalty fees for either situation.
Will my business still have power during load shedding?
During the day, in most cases, yes. Our systems are grid-tied, which means they work alongside Eskom rather than replacing it. When the sun is up, you're running on your own power — load shedding or not. After dark or on heavy cloud days, you're back on the Eskom grid. If full backup matters to your business, we can discuss that separately, but it's not the standard package.
What if Eskom prices drop?
Realistically, Eskom prices have gone up roughly 15% a year for the last decade, and there's no credible forecast suggesting that trend reverses. But if it did, your contract has a fixed escalation rate — usually well below historical Eskom increases. So even in a falling-price scenario, you'd still be on a known, stable rate while everyone else rides the volatility. Stability has its own value.
How long does installation take?
From signing to switch-on, usually 6 to 10 weeks. The installation itself is typically 2 to 3 weeks on site. The rest is engineering design, council and Eskom approvals, and equipment ordering. We work around your operating hours — you stay open through the whole process. We'll give you a clear schedule before we start so you know exactly what to expect, and when.
What happens after installation?
This is where Gridstone really earns its keep. We monitor your system live, every day, from our side — so we usually spot issues before you do. We handle all maintenance, all repairs, and all the admin around metering and billing. You get a clear monthly invoice for the power you used, nothing else. No surprise costs, no follow-up calls, no chasing.