Frequently Asked Questions

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A solar system presents a compelling opportunity for those seeking to cut down on their monthly utility expenses and make a safe, long-term investment. On average, a solar system pays for itself in 7 years. Additionally, research has demonstrated that residences equipped with solar power have increased market value and appeal to potential buyers.

Solar energy is a sustainable and eco-friendly source of power that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. In addition to this significant benefit, solar energy can also improve air quality by reducing the need for burning fossil fuels, which releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Moreover, traditional methods of energy production require substantial amounts of water, but solar energy systems do not consume any water during operation, making them a valuable solution to water scarcity issues in certain regions.

A standard residential solar system comprises three primary elements: solar panels, batteries, and an inverter. During the day, the solar panels absorb energy from the sun and transform it into direct current (DC) electricity. This DC electricity can be employed to power the home immediately or can be retained in batteries for future use. Since most homes and businesses operate on alternating current (AC) electricity, the DC electricity from the panels or batteries is routed through an inverter, which transforms it into functional AC electricity.

Solar systems can be classified into three types: on-grid (grid-tied), off-grid, and hybrid solar systems. Each system has a distinct setup that determines the equipment used, installation complexity, and, most importantly, potential costs and savings. The type of inverter used dictates the system type.

Grid-tied systems require synchronization with a grid input to operate. The energy generated by the solar panels powers some or all of the load. Grid-tied inverters are typically cheaper per watt and cannot be connected to batteries, which significantly reduces the system cost. This makes them ideal for businesses or facilities that use most of their power during the day. If the grid is not available, grid-tied systems can be powered by generators. They typically offer the best return on investment (ROI) among the three options.

The grid-tied inverters we offer are Fronius and Solis.

A hybrid solar system can switch between using solar power, battery storage, and grid/generator power. A typical home's usage is split 60/40 (60% during the day and 40% at night). The added batteries allow a hybrid system to cover the full daily usage. The solar panels power the house throughout the day and store excess energy in the batteries for use when solar power is not available. During a power outage, the batteries keep the system running and power all of the home's essential loads. Hybrid systems tend to be more expensive than grid-tied equivalents but offer additional functionality. They are ideal for use in residential or small-scale commercial applications. For larger facilities, the amount of required battery backup may be unfeasible.

The hybrid inverters we offer are Sunsynk and Victron.

Net metering is a system used by utilities to compensate owners of solar energy systems for the electricity generated by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for electricity beyond what your solar panels can generate. Any excess power generated by the panels is fed back into the grid, and the owner's account is credited.

However, net metering has not been fully implemented in many areas across the country. Most energy meters will charge you for electricity flowing through the meter, whether it is being put into the grid or taken out. The city of Cape Town has been at the forefront of this, offering approximately 80c/kWh for energy fed into the grid. Once implemented nationwide, the financial benefits of solar energy will become more appealing as unused solar energy can generate income.

Usually, a grid connection is maintained after installing a solar system, enabling you to draw electricity from the grid when your solar panels are not producing enough power. If net metering becomes more widespread in South Africa, a grid connection will be necessary to sell excess energy back to the grid. Going off-grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage is possible, but it typically involves higher costs and is unnecessary for most homeowners.

There are several criteria to consider when selecting a solar installer. First and foremost, ensure that they are certified, licensed, and insured, have relevant experience, and can provide references. Additionally, try to confirm the quality of their after-sales service through other references. It is crucial to find an installer who can service your solar system for many years to come, as solar systems have long lifespans.

Make sure that their installations meet all local requirements to the best of your ability. Although most installers will issue a certificate of compliance upon completion, it does not always guarantee that the work has been done correctly. There are cheaper ways to install solar systems, but doing it correctly and to the highest standards often involves additional costs for the customer.

Be wary of quotes that are significantly cheaper than those of other installers. Once you have received multiple quotes, compare the listed goods and ensure that the installers are including thicker cables and additional switchgear (circuit breakers, fuses, surge arrestors). The cost of major components such as inverters, batteries, and panels should be relatively consistent across all quotes, with the difference in price being linked to the additional components and thicker cables.

olar panels are generally very robust and can endure snow, wind, and hail. The different components of your solar power system will have varying replacement schedules, but your system should continue generating electricity for approximately 25 years.

Warranties depend on the manufacturer. Most leading inverter manufacturers offer 5-10 year warranties. Lithium batteries are anticipated to have long cycle lives and come with 10-year warranties. Panel warranties are slightly more complex, with expected mechanical warranties of 12 years and linear output warranties of 25 years.

Although warranties are a good indicator of manufacturer expectations, some components may exceed their warranties significantly.

It is crucial to ensure that your solar system is specifically designed to meet your requirements. Multiple factors determine the required size and capacity of the inverter, batteries, and panel array.

The inverter's size depends on the site's peak loads and required power generation. The inverter must be able to handle the maximum loads connected to it, as well as the production required from the panels. Proper sizing of the inverter is essential to ensure stable operation of the system.

Batteries can be an expensive part of the system; hence different combinations can be utilized to match needs and budget. The minimum battery size is determined by the inverter's size, and a 5 kW inverter requires a battery with at least 5 kW of available output. If the battery is 0.5C, a 10 kW battery will be necessary, while a 5 kW battery would suffice if the battery is 1C. The ideal battery size depends on the electricity usage during periods when solar energy is not available. Ideally, a battery would be able to power the loads through the night until the panels start generating power again. For off-grid systems, an oversized battery bank is required to account for bad weather. The optimal ROI is typically achieved with very specific battery sizing, often ranging between minimum and ideal sizing.

The panel array is determined by the site's usage and limited by the solar charge controller's (MPPT) specifications. Ideally, the panels would be large enough to power the site entirely throughout the day while also fully charging the batteries. In South Africa, the daily output can be estimated by multiplying the array size, for example, 5 kW by 5 hours. Therefore, a 5 kW array can generate approximately 25 kWh per day. It is not necessary to generate all electricity on-site, and a smaller array can be supplemented with energy from the grid, providing savings on utility bills at a reduced cost.