Solar Brilliance
Invest your energy
Why Solar Power?
We all know that South Africa is in a major energy crisis and relying on local councils and Eskom is at best risky. In recent years we have all experienced the inconvenience of load shedding. This phenomenon is probably here to stay. South Africa is blessed with some of the highest solar radiation in the world. This makes investing in solar energy worthwhile. Gaining control over ever escalating utility bills is something every homeowner needs to do.
Many of us are already familiar with the use of solar thermal energy to provide hot water using a solar geyser. This great and simple process gives you some control but this is not a substantial saving. The simplest means of generating electricity from solar energy is through the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells / panels. Installing a domestic rooftop solar PV system can provide the homeowner with autonomy over their utility demands. It avoids escalating costs from rising tariffs and ensures sustainability.
Investment
Imagine once you’ve recouped your outlay for the system, paying almost nothing to your local council or Eskom for Electricity. The gift that keeps on giving!
Economic
Once your solar energy is running there are very little other expenses other than expansion of the system should you wish to.
Fast Installation
Solar PV systems are relatively quick and easy to install. Meaning you can start saving immediately
Sustainable
Solar energy is a renewable energy source that has no carbon footprint and requires very little maintenance to keep it producing day after day.
Self-consumption
We show you how to maximize your energy shifting and utilize all your system produces or install storage.
Uninterrupted Power
When dreaded load shedding starts you will remain the shining light in your neighbourhood and your appliances will not be damaged.
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Solar PV Installations By Solar Brilliance
The big question: On Grid, Off-Grid or somewhere in between?
Once you’ve decided to install a solar PV system at your home, the many options available can become confusing. We all have different lifestyles and energy requirements. Here are the three main solar PV options available on the market today:
GRID-TIED:
A grid-tied inverter connects directly (ties) with, andsynchronisesto, the municipal or utility supply. The solar power generated reduces the power needed from the municipal supply thereby also reducing your electricity costs. Any power generated in excess of your household needs is supplied back to the municipality, which pays the consumer for this electricity. The utility provider generally only pays back a reduced tariff to the consumer for this electricity. Note that when the grid goes down (e.g. during load shedding) the system goes down too. This is an international safety regulation applicable to all grid-tied inverters.
HYBRID:
Hybrid inverters are similar to grid-tied inverters, except that they allow for excess energy generated to be stored in batteries for later use. This addition of batteries, whilst adding to the overall capital costs, gives you convenience and control in the event of electricity interruptions. This is currently the most popular type of installation as it allows for an uninterrupted power supply.
OFF-GRID:
Strictly speaking off-grid or grid-independent systems are not connected to any municipal electricity supply. Since climatic conditions are beyond our control, these systems generally have enough energy storage for a minimum of 24 hours. They are also usually coupled to a backup generator for use in the event of the batteries becoming depleted. Off-grid systems are typically used in remote areas where electricity is not available.
Other factors that need to be considered in the design of a PV system include;
- The type of electricity meter installed, especially prepaid meters which need careful consideration.
- The type of roof – tiled, zinc, slate etc. All manner of roofs can be accommodated, see photo inserts.
- The angle and orientation of the roof. North-facing roofs enable the highest yield from the PV panels.
- Identification of essential circuits (appliances) to be connected to the system’s backup.
The savings a homeowner can expect are relative to how much electricity the system generates, and also how much of that is consumed. Typically a grid-tied system can save you up to 50% on your monthly electricity bill. Hybrid systems can save you up to 95% depending on the PV generation and storage capacities and prevailing weather conditions.
How do photovoltaic (PV) solar panels convert solar energy into electricity?
In short, solar panels convert “light” energy from the sun into electricity. They capture photons and convert them to direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter, an essential component of all solar PV systems then converts the DC electricity from your solar PV panels into alternating current (AC). This electricity will be delivered at the same voltage, 230V for single phase in South Africa, as your municipal power. Depending on the required application, either a single-phase or three-phase inverter can be fitted.
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HOW MUCH MONEY COULD I SAVE EACH MONTH FROM MY OWN SOLAR PV SYSTEM?
The amount of money you could save each month is dependant on how much electricity you can supplement with electricity produced by your own solar PV system. Consider the following example of a family home that consumes R 2 000.00 (approximately 1 000 kWh) of electricity each month.
Children are home in the afternoon, washing and ironing is done throughout the day and there may be a swimming pool pump running as well. In this instance there is potential for a monthly saving of R 800.00 provided all the electricity generated by the solar each day is consumed during the day, i.e. while the sun is shining.
Contact us
Office 0845661111
John 0824385232
Gillian 0824385132