Solar installation Overview
Why wait to join the many environmentally aware and economically savvy people who already use solar energy? Go solar. Save money. Become part of the world’s energy solution. Solar cheaper in the long run. It is considered one of the best alternate power sources. Additionally, it increases your independence during load-shedding.
In short, solar energy can replace or supplement your electricity usage. Once you have selected your hardware, solar installation is the next step. This blog post gives a brief introduction.
What
Solar panels, which are installed on the roof, collect solar energy, and convert it into DC electricity. This is then sent to an inverter. The inverter takes the DC electricity from the solar panels and charges the batteries. Solar installation can also be done on using mounts the ground. Each property is unique. Your layout will determine the possibilities. Assess your options.
The batteries are connected to the mains and feed electricity into the home. This can power lighting and various appliances such as television, laptop, hairdryer, washing machine, dishwasher, kettle, and toaster. If the supply is high enough, it can power stoves and heaters. Naturally, bigger systems with more panels can supply more power.
In a nutshell, a solar power system consists of solar panels, an inverter, and a lithium battery bank. A system like this generally has a 20 – 25 year lifespan.
How much does installation cost?
It is important to use a reputable installer that uses good quality equipment. Check their ratings online. Do your research. Look at options. Usually, a sales representative will visit your home. This is to assess your requirements. From there, they can provide a quote. The larger the house, the more the lighting and appliances, the bigger the system.
The cost of solar installation varies tremendously. It can be anything from R 50 000 to over R 200 000. Again, this depends on the size and various factors. These costs include equipment, installation, and electrical certificates. Get quotes from different suppliers. Compare prices. More importantly, check the details. Also, read the fine print. Service guarantees are important. Check if all your quotes cover the same components.
It is also important to check if the company offers a maintenance plan. This will cover you in the future for repairs and maintenance. If your system is on the roof, you might not want to climb up there to clean it.
Where?
Normally solar panels can be installed discreetly on your roof. However, if you prefer, they can also be erected free-standing elsewhere on your property. Solar panel orientation is dependent on the installation’s latitude.
The ideal orientation of solar installation in South Africa is facing north at 30 degrees. Otherwise, panels on south-facing roofs need to be tilted to point north. Therefore, if they face south, they will likely be less efficient. Additionally, the position of the inverter is important. These must be in a cool place. Check that your installer knows these facts.
Can do you do it yourself?
Yes, a solar installation can be done by yourself.
The DIY solar installation puts you in complete control of your solar project. However, it requires a lot of planning. Moreover, this can be and hard work. By opting to go DIY, you can actually cut your solar installation costs significantly. Hence, this is not a bad investment. You can go solar today for about one-third of what it would have cost ten years ago.
DIY solar planning is one of the best ways to ensure your solar installation will go smoothly. Learn all you need to know about preparing for installation. Consult experts. Ask for advice. Read a lot. Naturally, the more you know, the smoother your installation will go.
