Investing in solar energy the smart way

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on whatsapp

Eskom’s increases, scandals and inconsistencies are nothing new to the every day South African, but recently there has been new developments and South Africa’s grid supply is as unreliable as ever. “Solar” and “alternative energy”, seem to be the words on everybody’s lips. So, what do you do? You look for the best prices on the market. Unfortunately, the avid buyer usually fails to consider that cheaper lead-acid based solar products are not built to last and end up costing you more. And that is where Sensible Solar comes in.

Why Sensible Solar Products?

We believe in providing the best-in class products along with the best ongoing support, coupled with industry-leading warranties. We comply to all necessary regulations and standards and offer high quality workmanship.

We make use of Lithium batteries instead of lead-acid batteries, due to their recent competitive pricing when considering useable capacity, allowable Depth of Charge and when factoring in efficiency. We also look to install Victron products wherever possible given their impeccable performance, outstanding quality, and warrantees. We believe in finding the perfect balance between price, performance, quality, and after-installment support.

Our approach to product selection is driven by our desire to provide robust, yet easily managed systems that provide the longest service life possible. Our solutions are guaranteed to be durable and, as a potential investor, want them to continue delivering high return as well as have solid backup and support in South Africa –  and this is exactly the case.

Long-Term Investment vs. Recurring Short-term Expense

Given the 15% increase from Eskom and outlook for more increases in the forthcoming decade, where else can you put your money that will guarantee that kind of return? At Sensible Solar we reiterate how important it is to look at alternative energy with sustainability and investment in mind.

We are strongly of the opinion that any lead-acid based solution falls into the expense, rather than investment category. Lead-acid batteries are almost guaranteed to fail within 1-5 years’ and will often be difficult for the homeowner to afford replacement. In addition to this, forking out these amounts repeatedly becomes more and more costly for the consumer as time goes on – becoming a seemingly regular expense; a ‘hassle’ rather than an ‘energy solution’.

Furthermore, as previously mentioned, Lithium-based solutions, now deliver higher cost-benefit ratios than quality lead-acid batteries when considering usable energy in the battery, with the additional benefit of having service lives between 8-15 years with ongoing management and maintenance.

“Off-Grid” Approach Versus a “Hybrid Energy Source” Scenario

Given the current South African energy situation of uncertain supply and increasing cost, there is growing appetite among residential consumers to “get off the grid”, i.e. most consumers mean this to be less reliant on Eskom or Municipal distribution and more resilient in the event of outages. Technically, going off-grid means disconnecting from the municipal supply and – for most consumers – that is both expensive and unnecessary.

The alternative is a “hybrid” scenario where the house is still on the grid but still benefits from the backup power and energy savings generated by solar. In most cases, these efficiencies save you up to, but not limited to, 90% of your municipal account, but also immediately allows you to start receiving a return on your initial capital outlay.

Typically, in these “hybrid” scenarios, the house’s electrical system is split into “essentials” and “non-essentials” such that the essentials stay on when the power goes out and the non-essential switch off until the power returns. Electric geysers, stoves, ovens, pool pumps and the like are all examples of typical non-essentials. Where the right equipment is selected, the excess solar generated can also be shared with the non-essentials and the battery can be leveraged to derive savings by using battery power at night to minimise use of the grid. It really is all thought out already for you, and if you’ve done your homework you will most probably come to the same conclusion; that Sensible Solar has the solution you need and want.

Get a Quote for your Home or Business

Give us a little more information, and we will get back to you with a quote, and a roadmap for your Sensible Solar System.

☀ GO SOLAR

Share this post with your friends

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on whatsapp