As loadshedding persists, an increasing amount of home buyers are searching for properties that can avoid the effects of the rolling blackouts.
This is likely to become even more prevalent now that the budget speech has made allowance for South Africans to receive up R15,000 in tax rebates for installing solar panels, effective from 1 March 2023.
Read: Renewable incentives a ray of light in Budget 2023
"What I will say is that adding solar power to your home is an expensive exercise. Those who do go to the trouble of having it installed are unlikely to sell anytime soon. This could mean that the demand for solar-powered homes might outstrip supply, which could push up the price of these homes,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
Speaking into the luxury housing market in Cape Town, Karryn Cartoulis of RE/MAX Living explains that “it is now one of the first questions a potential purchaser will ask as they enter the property. The solar panels actually become a feature on a home and clients don’t seem to be put off by their appearance as they are more interested in their performance. With constant loadshedding and increasing electricity prices, it really is the only way to go – especially if you are working from home.”
She adds that most of her clients who purchase freehold homes all consider adding solar energy to their new properties if they do not already have solar installed. For those who do plan to install their own systems, Cartoulis highlights that “there are different tiers (quality) of hardware and although they may be more expensive, the tier 1 products have better production and longevity,” she explains.
According to Tanya Sakota of RE/MAX One in Johannesburg, off-the-grid homes are also in high demand in her markets, along with other luxury features such as “home automation, cinema lounges, and rotating garage floors”.
Apart from being somewhat of a luxury and saving homeowners from the inconvenience of load shedding, solar power is also a more environmentally friendly way for us to power our homes. “We should all be striving towards implementing systems that can help us reduce our carbon footprint and live more sustainably. I would highly recommend going ahead with the addition if you are able to afford adding solar to the home. Not only could it add to the resale value of your home, but it could also help you live more sustainably,” says Goslett.
READ: Is a compliance certificate required when solar energy is used?
An article published on Property24 on March 3, 2022, features Ryan Steytler, chief operating officer of Hohm Energy, who says, faced with mounting energy costs, many homeowners think that going entirely off grid is the only solution.
Unfortunately, this is often too expensive. It’s, therefore, more feasible to make adjustments to your home’s energy consumption so that you can introduce solar energy solutions with a hybrid battery system that will augment Eskom or your municipality’s supply - rather than replacing it entirely, says Ryan Steytler, chief operating officer of Hohm Energy.
Steytler suggests the following six ways to prepare your home for solar energy:
1. Know your energy needs
Interrogate your monthly electricity bill so that you have an idea of your annual energy consumption. The account will show your usage in kilowatt hours (kWh). This will indicate when your electricity bill spikes - it could be in winter when you are using heaters, for example.
Look at other ways of reducing the amount of electricity you use. This may mean switching to LED bulbs or changing the timer on your geyser so that it only heats up when you expect to need warm water.
A geyser can account for 40 to 60% of your electricity bill each month. By installing a geyser timer, you can regulate that the geyser is off during peak times. A geyser blanket will maintain the heat in your geyser so that it does not need to be switched on as often.
The simplest solar system for residential use is a grid-tied solar PV system, which is installed to be tied to the grid or network. This means that you save on your electricity bills as you use solar energy during peak hours, and rely on the grid during off-peak times at night, or when the weather is overcast.
2. Make the necessary repairs to your home
Most homeowners opt for rooftop solar PV systems, so make sure your roof does not have any damaged tiles or rust that would make it difficult to install a solar system.
Also look out for water damage that could affect your roof’s structural integrity. Repair any visible cracks and consider replacing your roof if it is reaching the end of its lifespan. Having to remove your solar panels should there be a need to replace the roof in a few years’ time will be an additional cost.
3. Do roof mapping to assess your rooftop’s solar potential
Measure the parameters of your roof to calculate the solar potential of your home. Hohm Energy’s platform will estimate how many solar panels you can accommodate and how much power they will generate, based on the space available.
Decide on the type of rooftop PV system to install:
The most common way to differentiate a solar rooftop installation is via the connection to the electrical load/grid.
- Grid-Tied / Connected with reverse power blocking: The property is connected to the national grid but blocks any excess electricity generated from feeding back onto the grid.
- Grid Tied / Connected: Electricity generated can be used at the property and any surplus can be directed back into the grid. In some cases, this feedback is compensated for.
- Off-Grid / Standalone: Off-grid PV systems usually have batteries and a charge controller and. The PV system generates electricity for use onsite and operates completely independent of the national grid.
SEE: Switching to Solar | What you need to know
4. Find an accredited solar installer and consider several quotes
“As residential solar use becomes more popular, we are seeing more companies popping up claiming to be solar installers, says Steytler.
It’s best to work with a service provider that is accredited by the South African PV Industry Association’s (SAPVIA) PV Green Card programme for solar installers.
SAPVIA Spokesperson, Maloba Tshehla, explains: “Using accredited installers is critical, not just for your peace of mind, but to also ensure the safety of your installation for your home and the wider grid. By using a PVGC accredited installer, you are powering a more responsible and secure, renewable energy future.”
Also, consider quotes from more than one solar installer. Online applications make it easy to obtain a competitive no-obligation quote from a network of vetted installers, tailored to your needs, within minutes.
5. Secure finance for your solar installation
While it is often possible to access your bond at a lower interest rate to pay for a solar system, some companies offer finance options. Lease or rental finance will allow you to use the solar system and benefit from lower energy bills, without actually owning the system. Whatever finance route you choose to take, also include an all-inclusive maintenance and service plan.
Steytler says the cost of your solar PV system is dependent on the size of your home, the amount of roof space available and the kind of solar PV system you want. The savings also depend on the cost of electricity based on which municipality provides you with electricity at the moment.
Generally, it takes four to nine years to pay off the solar system. So while the cost of electricity is going to increase significantly over the next five years, you should be able to pay off your solar system well within that time; giving you a reliable source of power at no additional cost.
6. Get the necessary approvals
Make sure you have the required municipal approvals for the solar system. Also, find out if you need to obtain neighbourhood or Homeowners' Association approval if you live in an estate or a complex.
To get the most from your rooftop PV solar system, it’s best to make your home as energy-efficient as possible, and to have a clear overview of your energy needs, says Steytler.
Not happy with your installation?
If you are not satisfied with the installation you can request an inspection from an authorized inspection authority (AIA) registered with the Department of Labor, the ECASA ombudsman or an independent consultant.
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