2017-02-10

Solar Systems

Why would I want a solar system?

It is a known fact that electric tariffs increase annually, and the power supply reliability becomes doubtful by the day. Currently there are daily TV ads urging us to cut down on power usage in our homes.

In more than one way, considering and looking at alternative options of supporting our national electricity grid in any way is a win-win situation.

Do I really need a photovoltaic solar solutions system to help me through State Grid Corporation (SGC) load shedding?

No, solar panels are not required for this.

If you would have a power cut during the night for 8 hours, the fact that you have solar panels won’t help a thing. You do however need a part of what makes up the full Solar System Kit and that is the Controller / Inverter and Batteries. So if your requirements are merely to have a reliable electric supply- you are somewhat saved on your budget… However this is the First phase to you total Photovoltaic system!

Where do I start with a photovoltaic solar energy system?

The first approach to considering alternative, Renewable or "a green” energy solution is to look it your own power consumption and see how you can reduce it. It will surprise you how much energy you can save, by investing only a few money. A typical household, who daily average usage is for example 20kW.h, can often reduce it to less than 15kW.h. Your total investment to do this might be $1500, but on the solar side, it will reduce your capital layout for a suitable solar system with up to $600.

How do I know how much power my house use per month?

This varies from house hold to household, even two seemingly identical households. For Example a household with two computers may use more than a household with only one computer. Or the household preferring morning showers or evening baths. Your bill will display your average daily usage:

 

Dwelling size	Estimated daily usage	Estimated monthly usage
Up to 200m2	7 kW.h - 20 kW.h / day	±500 kW.h / month
200 - 500m2	15 kW.h -25 kW.h / day	±750 kW.h / month
350 - 500m2	20 kW.h - 30 kW.h / day	± 900 kW.h / month
500 - 1000m2	25 kW.h - 40 kW.h / day	±1200 kW.h / month

Is it possible to do a solar energy system DIY?

Yes indeed it is, a lot of people prefer to do it self or at least to do the preparations in order to have a battery room, or run the ducting for the cables. Or mount the photovoltaic Solar Panel on the roof.

We can also advise you on your product, and only assist at the very last moment with the critical connections and Inverter programming if need be.

What is the difference between a Back-up and a Hybrid?

Back-up power systems are purely designed to give you confidence in supply for instance if you require an 8 hour backup energy supply we design your system accordingly. This supplies you with power when there is an SGC system failure or blackout or load shed, and it can be designed WITH or WITHOUT using solar panels.

Hybrid (also known as an Off Grid system) is effectively an advanced back-up system which works with Solar Panels. Your Inverter is more intelligent than that used in a power Backup system. Brand we use SARODA. We design the system to still give you a certain amount of back up at any time. Whatever is harvested from the sun is used first as your energy source and when you run out of sun power, a Seamless transfer of power takes place to SGC power.