Everything you need to know before installing a solar power system
South Africa’s unabating energy crisis is fuelling a rush towards solar photovoltaic (PV) systems by households and businesses alike.
Even the government is joining many individuals and private businesses in pushing solar energy as the panacea to Eskom’s power generation woes.
Acting DG of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mthokozisi Mpofu, said in February that South Africa could put an end to load shedding within 12 months by creating a conducive environment to enable adequate and large-scale use of solar PV energy.
Several energy experts have questioned this rather bold claim – but there can be no doubt that solar energy has a key role to play in alleviating the South African power crisis.
Investing in solar
Before investing in rooftop solar panels, there are a few things that home and business owners should know about the technology and its limitations.
Possibly the biggest drawback facing current solar power solutions is that solar energy is only generated while the sun is shining, whereas night and overcast days can interrupt the supply.
This would not be an issue if there were low-cost ways of storing energy on very sunny days where excess capacity can be generated.
However, batteries are one of the more costly components of a solar power system and have a limited usable lifespan based on usage.
In fact, the start-up costs of setting up an off-grid solar solution can, according to Capitec, range from R150,000 and R350,000.
There is good news, though – prospective solar users do not need to invest in a fully off-grid solar system at once – they can instead grow their system over time.
Further good news is that banks and lenders are capitalising on the growing demand for solar by creating new financial products and services aimed at funding solar installations, and the government even offers a 25% rebate on the cost of new rooftop solar panels – up to a maximum rebate of R15,000.
This means the first R60,000 you spend on solar panels will only cost you R45,000 – and this significantly lowers the barrier to entry when it comes to installing solar power.
Choose the right solar system provider
Before diving into a solar installation at your residence or business, you must seek the help of a specialist solar PV system provider.
Specialist providers are qualified and familiar with the various regulations that govern solar installations and are able to do a proper assessment and advise on the exact needs of your particular house or business.
What’s more, any part of the installation that flows from the inverter – which converts direct current electricity generated by the solar panels to alternating current used by the electrical grid – must be done and signed off through a Certificate of Compliance by a qualified and registered electrician.
Ellies is a trusted name in the South African energy industry and is the best partner for your solar power installation.
It stocks a wide range of solar power products and also has a highly-qualified team of designers, engineers, installers and associate installers who will execute the installation on your behalf.
Ellies gives you peace of mind that the experts will get your solar system up and running – quickly and professionally.
Contact Ellies today to learn more.
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