Advice on alternative power systems & any JHB contacts please

[pozmans]

Hi guys,

So I've reached boiling point and have decided to spend the money on an alternative power system - budget around R50k max (preferably way under if possible). I don't know much about these things so was hoping you could give me some advice on the best systems available today.

I think I'd just start off by saying that my ultimate goal is to reduce my dependence on Eskom in the long run, rather than just not just getting through a few hours of load shedding.

We a household of 5 but i'm not sure how much power we actually need (I don't deal with the power bills so will have to check) but I'm sure we on par with any other normal usage household - tvs, fridges, appliances, electronics, oven, etc.

I've been inundated with info on PV panels, UPSs, generators, then terms like KvA, Ah, etc. so it's all a bit overwhelming. I definitely think PV panels on my roof would be ideal as there's atleast 120m2 available on the north side (I'm assumming they should be north facing, right?). Also, I'm looking for local stock as I want support/a warranty if anything does go wrong.

I'm tempted to bring in a company to advise on a solution but i'm afraid i'll be taken for a ride. I wouldn't mind getting all the components myself, then getting someone to install it. But for now, I'd be more comfortable looking into myself.

So what would i need to get for the system to be up and running? Does anyone have any reliable and cost effective contacts for Joburg where I can source everything?

 

[alkit]

Are you looking to go totally off grid? Or are you looking just to have something that will run during load shedding?

Edit: sorry, just saw that your original post had answered that.

The thing is - with R50k, you will just about be able to get something that deals with the load shedding for the whole house.
To start moving off grid price goes quite a bit higher once you start going to grid tie inverters and solar panels etc

 

[pozmans]

I actually just updated my post as you posted.

I'm looking to reduce my electricity bill and dependence on Eskom in the long run. This is going to take some serious money, but I'll settle for whatever I can get right now, but definitely not a short term solution for a few hours of load shedding.

 

[alkit]

Lol, me too:
Edit: sorry, just saw that your original post had answered that.

The thing is - with R50k, you will just about be able to get something that deals with the load shedding for the whole house.
To start moving off grid price goes quite a bit higher once you start going to grid tie inverters and solar panels etc

 

[pozmans]

Just out of curiosity, how much is "quite a bit higher"?

I know my budget isn't too high, but I think it's decent to get me through load shedding for now. I just want a system which won't be obsolete in a few years, as it means my money went down the drain. Hopefully I can get something which I can then expand on in the future, and really think solar's a good way to do this?

I've just found this article: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/680806-Planning-your-own-Solar-Power-System

Any thoughts on it, seems pretty good?

 

[savage]

Just out of curiosity, how much is "quite a bit higher"?

I know my budget isn't too high, but I think it's decent to get me through load shedding for now. I just want a system which won't be obsolete in a few years, as it means my money went down the drain. Hopefully I can get something which I can then expand on in the future, and really think solar's a good way to do this?

I've just found this article: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/680806-Planning-your-own-Solar-Power-System

Any thoughts on it, seems pretty good?

You should be able to easily get through load shedding for R50K. PV, Grid-Tied Inverters, etc... You can more than double your budget.

IMHO, forget about PV for now, but do plan for it.

 

[alkit]

Just out of curiosity, how much is "quite a bit higher"?

I know my budget isn't too high, but I think it's decent to get me through load shedding for now. I just want a system which won't be obsolete in a few years, as it means my money went down the drain. Hopefully I can get something which I can then expand on in the future, and really think solar's a good way to do this?

I've just found this article: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/680806-Planning-your-own-Solar-Power-System

Any thoughts on it, seems pretty good?

Well, firstly, how much are you currently using per month on electricity? Remember (besides for a few inaccuracies) the guy in that article was only providing for 300kWh per month

 

[pozmans]

Well, firstly, how much are you currently using per month on electricity? Remember (besides for a few inaccuracies) the guy in that article was only providing for 300kWh per month

Been a busy few days so I haven't had time to check my exact usage, I estimate it to be around 550kwh though. I'm not too phased if it doesn't get me off grid, at this moment in time it's to get me through 2-6 hours of loadshedding then long term I can start thinking about weening myself off Eskom.

What inaccuracies did you pick up in that article?

 

[genicide]

I can help you with your installation, I helped a couple of people with this and 50k is enough I think, the batteries I use have a warrantee of 14 years and its a hybrid system

 

[The_Traveller]

I can help you with your installation, I helped a couple of people with this and 50k is enough I think, the batteries I use have a warrantee of 14 years and its a hybrid system

Say what ?

 

[Haggers12]

Subscribed for 14 yrs ...

 

[lived666]

Say what ?

I gave Energizer a call, they have some type of long lasting battery, I was supposed to email the dude, but I got distracted by who knows what and lost his email