With the cold months literally on our doorstep, coupled to the often unpredictable load shedding issues, it is a good idea to look into alternative electricity and heating solutions.
With South Africa’s sunny weather, Wendy Williams, Director of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa, says solar power provides an ideal source of energy that can be converted into electricity, and with Eskom’s erratic power supply, many homeowners are exploring the solar power system option. “Although the initial set up costs are high, it can save you thousands of rands in the long term.”
Williams discusses why solar power systems are beneficial:
What is a solar power system?
A solar power system is a system that is installed in a house in order to draw energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. Solar panels, which are installed on the roof, collect solar energy and convert it into DC electricity which is then sent to an inverter. The inverter takes the DC electricity from the solar panels and charges the batteries. The batteries are connected to the mains and feed electricity into the home to power lighting and various appliances such as televisions, laptops, hairdryers, washing machines, dishwashers, kettles and toasters, but not appliances with larger heating elements such as stoves, ovens and geysers. In a nutshell, a solar power system consists of solar panels, an inverter and a lithium battery bank.
Where to start
It is important to take on the services of a reputable installer that uses top-quality equipment. A sales representative visits your house to assess requirements and then provides a quote. The larger the house, the more the lighting and appliances, the bigger the system.
There are a number of reputable solar power system installers in South Africa.
What are the costs?
According to Gauteng-based solar power specialist company, NexSolar, the cost of solar power installation can range from around R63 000 to R200 000, depending on the size of the house and electrical output requirements.
An 80sqm house, for example, would require 2kW of power per day, and this system would cost approximately R63 000. A bigger system of 5kW would be recommended for a 250sqm home, at a cost of R110 000. A larger residence with a higher electricity demand would probably require a 10kW system, and this would cost around R190 000.00. These costs include equipment, installation and electrical certificates.
Power requirement depends largely on electricity usage and number of appliances, for example, a phone draws 100 watts of power, while a laptop uses 200 watts, so it depends on need. Every household is different, even though there are similarities. Heat generating appliances such as geysers, stoves, ovens and heaters cannot be used with a solar power system as they draw too much electricity. However, smaller appliances with a heating element, such as a toaster and kettle can be used.
A bigger solar power system, such as a 10kW system, can allow for a geyser to run - if it is put on a timer so that it switches off automatically once the water reaches the right temperature. In terms of heaters, stoves and ovens, gas alternatives are good, reliable solutions.
The size of a house, as well as electricity consumption, would direct what size system to install:
| Electricity expenditure in rands per month | System size | Approximate cost, including VAT |
| Below R1 300 | 2kW | R63 000 |
| Between R1 300 and R2 200 | 3kW | R74 000 |
| Between R2 200 and R5 000 | 5kW | R110 000 |
| Over R5 000 | 10kW | R188 000 |
What are the savings and benefits?
An installer should be able to provide you with an accurate energy estimate for how much your system will produce each year, as well as how much you will save. But, generally, the system pays itself off over three years.
Over and above the benefit of lower electricity bills, a solar power system makes a home more environmentally-friendly, and limits reliance on Eskom.
Maintenance
A well-installed solar power system should last a lifetime. Depending on the supplier, the different components do come with a warranty.
Getting finance
If you have an access bond, it can be financed through the bond. Alternatively, chat to your bank about a loan.
What approvals do I need?
If you live in a complex, you’ll need permission from the body corporate or homeowners association. Grid-type systems need to be registered with your municipality, however, the rules in this respect do change and are province dependant. This type of registration also depends on the type of system that is installed, and the installer will be able to provide more information.
Does it improve the value of your house?
“It most certainly does. We do advertise solar power with the house extras and potential home-buyers are requesting it more and more. If solar power is already in place and it eliminates the hassle of a home-buyer having to worry about installing one themselves, they will be more inclined to seriously consider purchasing your home over another,” says Williams.
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