Things to consider why going green is the best option:
The average solar system in South Africa will prevent between 1.75 – 2.05 tonnes of carbon dioxide going into the atmosphere per year.
Electricity prices forecast to surge by 93% over an 8-year period.
A solar system adds real capital value to your home.
The possibility of not having a power bill for the next 25-40 years. Solar systems last for 25 years with an 80% yield, though they have been known to perform for over 45 years. Your energy use and the size of your solar energy system will determine the actual savings. With little or no start-up costs, systems start paying for themselves immediately and increase each year as the cost of electricity rises. A typical return on investment is usually around 15-20%.
There are three main types of residential solar installations:
This system connects the solar panel installation with the main electricity grid. This is known as a grid-tied solar power system and if legislation allows, you will be able to feed excess energy back into the grid through a special meter, and when legislation allows you will be financially rewarded.
An off-grid solar power system generally for remote properties where the cost of connecting to the main grid is prohibitive or not financially viable. The solar system charges a battery bank which in turn is used to power a house. A generator may be used as a backup to the battery system.
A hybrid solar system combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of a grid connected system — including the ability to earn Feed-In Tariff credits (legislation applicable) — with the extra peace of mind of a battery backup. This means that even during a power blackout, you still have electricity.
Factors to take into consideration when going solar:
The cost of your solar system depends on several factors including your current energy usage, your available unshaded roof space, your utility’s (Eskom’s) metering policy and other factors.
Normally solar panels will be installed as discreetly as possible on your roof, but if you prefer they can also be erected free-standing elsewhere on your property.
Solar panel orientation is dependent on the installations latitude. As a rule of thumb, maximum solar energy in South Africa is obtained by having the solar panels face north and tilted upwards at an angle of 30 degrees.
Maintenance:
Solar panel systems are incredibly durable and require little to no maintenance over their productive lifetime – which can span 25 years or more. Generally, the maintenance of panels is limited only to an occasional wipe down.
Batteries: These will need to be monitored and topped up with battery fluid from time to time.
Stelios Comprehensive Energy Solutions will supply you with the latest, most accurate procedures and documentation for system maintenance all backed up by our legendary support team.
A residential solar solution quotation from Stelios Comprehensive Energy Solutions includes:
Analysis of your energy usage to provide a realistic demonstration of how much renewable energy can be generated and used on-site.
Detailed capitalization calculations that ensure you understand exactly how and when you can expect to break even, the structure of repayments and income and the overall profitability of your business.
