How does solar save me money if only my plugs and lights are on backup?

Solar panels generate electricity that is used by all your essential circuits during load shedding. Most people don’t realise that when there is no load shedding, the energy generated by the panels flows to all of your circuits, including the non-essential ones. Therefore, if your geyser is set to heat during the day, that electricity will be supplemented by your PV panels.