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.
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.
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.
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.
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 include warranties, although warranty terms depend on the company.
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). IC Solar’s Solar Calculator can help you assess each solar financing option. 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.
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.
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 per-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.
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: Your warranty will be voided.
Discover the basics of solar power, covering key measurements and understanding solar batteries and components. Learn how to efficiently manage your solar system with practical insights and tips.
PV panels harness sunlight to generate direct current (DC) energy, which is then converted to alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses.
DC energy is predominant in batteries and PV panels, serving as the initial form of electricity generated by solar panels.
Converting DC to AC makes the electricity suitable for home use, as AC is the form of electricity that powers appliances in homes and businesses.
kWp represents the peak power demand or load when all household items operate simultaneously, providing a reference for system sizing.
Irradiation reflects the amount of sunlight hitting the solar panels, influencing the energy production of the PV array. Daily irradiation levels vary across geographic locations.
The PV array comprises the ensemble of PV panels in a solar system. It’s crucial to ensure its output meets energy needs, especially during lower sunlight periods, for system efficiency.
Solar panels generate less energy in winter due to reduced daylight hours, highlighting the importance of understanding local irradiation patterns for system efficiency.
kWh is the standard unit for measuring electricity consumption, while Wh is a unit of power measurement. kWh is equivalent to 1000 Wh, similar to how 1 kilogram is equivalent to 1000 grams.
Ah represents the battery’s available autonomy over a specific period, often converted to kWh to determine backup time during nighttime usage.
AC is the type of electrical current used by home appliances and is measured in kWh, representing what you pay for in your electricity bill. It’s the final form of electricity generated by solar panels for household use.
Energy storage in battery systems is crucial for storing electricity generated by solar panels for later use, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Battery autonomy, measured in Amp Hours (Ah), indicates the battery’s capacity to provide energy over a certain period, serving as a key factor in determining backup system sizing.
Lead-acid and lithium batteries differ in D.O.D., with lead-acid typically having a 50% D.O.D. and lithium offering up to 90%. This affects the available energy capacity, with lithium batteries providing higher energy density.
Factors such as trusted solar brands, system capacity matching energy requirements, battery type considerations, and inverter compatibility play a significant role in component selection.
Adequate sizing ensures that solar equipment meets energy consumption requirements, allowing for sufficient power generation even during periods of low irradiation.
It’s important to respect battery parameters to prevent overloading and maintain battery water levels for lead-acid batteries, along with periodic testing for all battery types.
Gel and lead-acid batteries are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, while lithium-ion batteries perform optimally within moderate temperature ranges.
By recording energy consumption in kWh, users can accurately size their solar arrays to meet daily energy requirements, ensuring efficient energy production and storage.
Low-cost quotes may lead to underperforming systems with reduced reliability and longevity. Investing in quality components ensures reliable energy generation and storage.
Efficient energy management ensures sustainable and reliable power generation for years to come, allowing users to confidently navigate the world of solar and battery systems.
Ensuring that the PV array’s output matches daily energy requirements guarantees sufficient power generation, even during periods of low sunlight, thus maintaining uninterrupted electricity supply.
Different battery types, such as lead-acid and lithium, offer varied life spans and capacities. Understanding factors like cycles, D.O.D., and warranties is crucial in selecting the appropriate battery for a solar and battery system.
Inverters are essential for converting DC electricity from solar panels into AC electricity for household use. It’s crucial to ensure that inverters align with the system’s needs and are compatible with other components for optimal performance.
Installation factors like orientation, wiring quality, and breaker sizes directly affect the efficiency and performance of solar systems. Optimizing these factors ensures maximum energy production and system reliability.
While sunlight hours are important, a solar system’s potential is also influenced by factors such as installation orientation, wiring quality, and component compatibility. Relying solely on sunlight hours may overlook critical aspects impacting system efficiency and performance.