The benefits of solar energy covers everything from significant financial savings to having a positive environmental impact. Estate agents and property valuers confirm that having a solar and professionally installed inverter system contributes directly to your property value.
The solar energy system on your property, saves money on your electricity bills as well as protect you against rising electricity rates in the future. The savings you receive from the system is real and every Watt you receive from the sun is one you do not have to buy. The
rate depends on your areas utility rates and solar policies.
The easiest way to find out how much you pay for electricity (and how much electricity you use per month) is to take a look at your utility electricity bill—Review IC Solar's free energy calculator to calculate your consumption.
Being one of the renewable energy resources, solar power has many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions and results in fewer air pollutants like Sulphur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.
Your electricity bill to Eskom or your local Municipality is made up of an availability fee determined according to the size of the connection you have. Having a large feed into your home relates to a larger availability fee. Generally, municipalities charge no availability fee for a 20A connection (The majority of homes have a 63A connection). Unless your solar energy system includes battery storage and you are fully off the grid, you will still receive a bill from your utility. You can, however, dramatically reduce your bill or even cut the amount down to ZERO RAND with a solar panel system that matches your energy use, and then disconnecting from the grid.
When you install solar panels on your property, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all the power you need and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use. It is possible to go off the grid with a solar energy system that includes battery storage. Still, it will cost significantly more and is unnecessary for most homeowners. Instead of disconnecting from the grid an alternative option could be to request a reduction in your utility connection size to pay less or even no connection fee.
Grid-tied systems connect to the grid and don’t work during blackouts.Hybrid systems combine solar and battery backup, providing power during outages.Off-grid systems work independently of the grid but require more investment and maintenance.
If you make use of a grid tied inverter, your panels it will shut off during a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, if you have a Hybrid inverter it will prevent electricity from flowing back to the grid while providing you with power from the battery.
Solar panel systems are tough and made of durable tempered glass. They require little to no maintenance for 25 to 35 years so that it will generate power. In most cases, you do not even need to clean your solar panels if you have them mounted at an angle of more than 10
degrees. We do however live in a dynamic environment. A variety of factors cause the need for inspection and maintenance. The settling of newly built properties, movement within wooden roof trusses, wind, chemicals from nearby industries, bird population etc. It is recommended that you have your system inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
Then, if something does happen, most equipment manufacturers
We offer affordable annual maintenance plans that include full inspections, system cleaning, safety checks, and performance optimisation. Regular servicing keeps your system running at peak efficiency.
Solar panels convert sunshine into power, so if your panels are covered in snow, they can not produce electricity. Snow generally isn't heavy enough to cause structural issues with your panels, and since most panels are tilted at an angle, the snow will slide off. If snow does accumulate, your panels are easy to clean.
There are three solar financing options: purchase your system in cash, take out a solar loan to buy your system or sign a solar lease/power purchase agreement (PPA). Most South African banks currently have Solar Loans available on request with a valid solar quote. Alternatively, clients
make use of readvances on their home bond.
The most significant incentive is available nationwide — The South African Revenue Service allows the owners of property to deduct 25% of the cost of the Solar component of their alternative energy system from tax.
If you are ready to start reaping the benefits of renewable energy, you may have a few questions, from what size your system should be to whether or not you need to replace your roof before going solar. We will cover all that during an onsite visit or a telephonic consultation (if you prefer.) Call us toll-free on 0800 014 537
The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use every month and the weather conditions where you live. Look at your past electricity bills. Ultimately, your solar installer will be able to assess your property and advise you on the correct system size for your needs. Do keep in mind that your willingness to manage the system with timers and smart switches can make it possible to effectively use a smaller and less expensive system than initially indicated. We pride ourselves on selling you a workable solution to your needs and not merely a product.
Yes, most solar systems can be expanded later, depending on your inverter capacity and available roof space. Let us know your long-term goals so we can design a system that supports future upgrades.
North-facing roofs with little to no shade and enough space to fit a solar panel system are ideal for installing solar. However, there are workarounds in many cases if your home doesn't have the ideal solar roof. Give us a toll-free call on 0800014537 to learn more about
your options.
No. When installed properly by professionals, solar panels do not damage your roof. In fact, they may even help protect it from weather and UV exposure. Our team ensures a safe and secure installation that won’t affect your roof’s structure.
Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and removing and reinstalling them can be costly if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance soon, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation. Our trained technician who will be visiting your site for the pre-installation inspection will be able to confirm the condition of your roof and advise you on a plan of action. Do note that since November of 2022, it has been illegal to install solar on any asbestos roofs. Do speak to us about options if this is the case at your property.
Most solar installations are completed in 1 to 3 days, depending on the size and complexity of your system. We will confirm the timeline after your on-site inspection and scheduling.
Solar panels are generally very durable and capable of withstanding harsh African conditions. The various components of your solar power system will need to be replaced at different times, but your solar system should continue to generate electricity for 25 to 35 years.
If you own your solar energy system, your home will sell at a premium: studies have shown that solar increases property values. Professionally installed solar systems have become a sought-after commodity among buyers. If you do opt to remove the panels do note that your warranty will be voided.
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