Helping homeowners with PV installations
Many homeowners are installing solar power systems to reduce their reliance on Eskom, lower their electricity bills, and make their homes more environmentally friendly. Most electricity in a home is used in the early mornings and evenings and not during the day when solar power production is at its maximum. For this reason we recommend using an off grid or hybrid system with lithium battery storage to store solar power generated during the day and make use of all this stored energy to power your household lighting and appliances at night.
How it Works
Solar panels collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity which is sent to the inverter. The inverter is one of the most important components of a solar power system and has two very important functions. It takes the electricity from the solar panels and charges the batteries as well as converts the DC from the batteries and solar panels into 230V AC. The AC electricity is then fed into your home to power your lighting and household appliances. There is no need to change any of your lighting or appliances.
Any excess solar power that is not used during the day is used to charge your battery storage system. The battery storage system supplies power to your inverter at night or when there is insufficient solar power available to satisfy your power needs. The system uses an automatic change over switch to ensure you still have power from Eskom on occasion when there is not enough solar and battery power available. This way you are almost certain to have power available at all times, day and night.
What are the Benefits & Cost of a PV SOLAR SYSTEM
Benefits like Comfort, security are just a few to mention. The Cost of Solar is much more affordable than might be expected.
What is the cost to install PV?
Many people believe renewable energy is too expensive without actually doing their homework. The reality is that the cost of renewable energy solutions has come down significantly over the last few years. When we take them through the costs versus the savings and the fact that their savings can even finance their move to renewable energy, most are stunned at how absolutely affordable it is. In fact, on a monthly repayment option, in many cases the monthly finance payments are covered by what they would be paying on electricity costs anyway. Once paid off, you’ll be smiling even more!
If we look at a typical PV system, your initial capital layout would be in the beginning when you purchase the equipment and on average takes around 5 to 8 years to offset the costs, but then for the expected 25 years of the lifespan of your panels, you will get free electricity. The initial upfront cost is the only cost involved with solar. After that, because there are no moving parts, the maintenance on the system is very low. Once fully paid, you have an incredible investment and asset for your property that keeps saving you thousands of Rands each year, for many years to come. And you’ll have a highly efficient, green home or business which is an absolute win. Another advantage of PV is that it is entirely scalable and can be ramped up as your requirements demand and, more importantly, as your budget allows.
PV Solar benefits
Solar PV has a range of benefits. Systems focused primarily on savings (grid tied systems) immediately reduce your electricity bill pro rata to the size of the system you install. Back-up systems, which provide during power outages, provide clean, quiet, instant and environmentally friendly electricity when your utility lets you down. Hybrid solutions provide back-up with a measure of savings. The true benefit of Grid-tie Solar PV (focused on savings) is the fact that you are protected from future Eskom price increases. Any component of your electricity requirement covered by a solar system is in effect hedged against future tariff escalations. All indications are that South African electricity users are in transition from enjoying the lowest cost of electricity in the world ten years ago to becoming one of the highest payers.
If interested in installation of a solar power system for your property, get in touch with us on: info@palacegroup.co.za