Some people are ready to make the change. Realizing the cost of off-grid solar in South Africa is worth the investment. Some, however, simply aren’t. If you’re on a budget and looking at living off the grid, making a gradual change may be the best monetary option for you. It might be easier to build a bigger system over time. Start small and continue to add to the system over the next few years. Regardless of what you plan on doing, there are various options available.
Three options are available when choosing your own residential solar system
- Off Grid System
- Grid Tied System
- Hybrid System
Off-Grid Solar Kits (Perfect for new, remote installations)
If you purchase an off-grid solar system in South Africa, you won’t be connected to Eskom’s power grid. You’ll have zero access to any type of power grid. The advantage of a stand-alone system is that the cost of initial installation is greatly reduced due to the system not having to be connected to a power grid.
You’ll really be on your own, as far as electricity goes! You’ll be independent and non-reliable on the power grid. Which is truly a great way to save money and reduce energy consumption. It’s truly a great feeling!
When it comes to a stand-alone system in South Africa, a solar room is often constructed on the premise of the property that has the stand-alone system in place. This room comes complete with a wide variety of equipment and customizable controls serving to ensure smooth operation of a completely self-reliant solar energy system.
The solar room often comes equipped with items such as inverters, batteries, and solar tracker panels. Not only will you be able to gain a significant amount of energy absorption, but you’ll also be able to specifically monitor how much energy you use. All of this information is readily available to whoever is operating or living in the stand-alone system!
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Grid-tied system (the best system for the retrofitting of existing infrastructure)
A grid-tied system functions to enable your home or business to rely on both renewable and grid-powered energy. The typical construction of a system such as this is based on the integration of solar panels into your business or residence.
The panels absorb energy from the sun and are connected to a unit which converts the solar energy into electricity, reducing the amount of electricity usage from the conventional power grid. This will save you money on bills.
Solar power systems functioning as grid-tied systems are great ways to save money. Climate can play a large role in the efficacy of the system, however, seasonal weather changes in South Africa can impact the ability of the panels to save electricity costs at their maximum potential.
The panels are often fitted with emergency functions that can supply much-needed power in horrible situations like load shedding. This can be highly advantageous for your home or business.
Cost is one of the primary advantages of a grid-tied solar system
As stated above, you’ll see a vast pay off once your solar panels have been installed for a long period of time. While solar panels seem like a great idea, it’s important to have an expert survey your home or business for the exact solar panel needs; unnecessary panels can cost you a lot more money and won’t benefit you in the long run and pay themselves off!
Hybrid System (The Cream of The Crop)
Not completely stand-alone but still possessing the ability to reduce total energy input. The hybrid solar system in South Africa is simply the best of both worlds. In addition to reducing your dependence on grid systems, a hybrid system also increases the efficiency of the entire system.
The basis of the system is similar to a grid-tied system. It utilizes a small battery bank to distribute energy from the solar panels to the house. A hybrid system also utilizes various forms of backup power as well, increasing the amount of available solar energy ready for use.
Large battery storage systems pose a great advantage. You won’t be limited to your solar energy usage when the weather isn’t the greatest. The large battery and backup will make energy be readily available. When the weather doesn’t permit the smoothest of energy generation.
Read more on Commercial VS Residential Solar
The hybrid system is almost exactly like operating a hybrid car; energy is utilized in a variety of different ways based on the needs of the vehicle. For both businesses and homeowners, the hybrid system is the best option for a renewable energy system. Although you’ll still be connected to the power grid. You’ll use almost no energy from the grid and be almost independent if you have the correct setup