Essential info to keep in mind before you invest in solar

A home solar system is becoming increasingly important for homeowners to ensure a constant, reliable supply of electricity.  The reality is that the South African electricity is not likely to improve any time soon, so homeowners are taking matters into their own hands and investing in getting off the grid. And while many people think that installing a solar power system will be expensive, it’s one of the most affordable ways to reduce your electricity bill over the long term. As demand increases, the cost of installing a home solar power system is dropping, making it more affordable than ever before and much cheaper than buying electricity from your utility company once you’ve “repaid” your initial investment. In fact, on average homeowners who install solar panels save between 50-60% on their monthly energy bills! That means they get back their initial investment within 7-10 years at most (depending on how much electricity they use). If you’re a home owner considering going solar, then it’s worth taking the time to do some research and find out as much as you can about the process, and that’s what this blog will help you with today. Let’s take a look at some of the factors you need to consider before installing a solar system.

1. The cost of solar panel installation in South Africa

Installing a solar panel system in South Africa can be a great way to ultimately save money on your monthly electricity bill, but it is important to consider all of the costs involved before making the decision to go with solar. We’re not going to sugar-coat it… the cost of installing a solar system can be expensive! “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.” – says this 2019 article by Business Insider. There are often loan options available to help you finance the capital outlay to get your solar installed.

2. Do you really need it?

Another thing to consider is if you really want a solar system in the first place. If you are not terribly inconvenienced by load shedding and random electricity outages, then it might not be the right option for you. However, if you work from home or have children who need to do homework/study in the evenings, then it could improve your life in many ways. Plus you can avoid the frustration of not having electricity when you need it most. Also consider how long you plan to live in your current home. Will you live in the house long enough to recoup the investment? Even if you plan on moving within the next few years, having a robust solar system increases the value of your property and is a desirable feature for most people looking to buy a home.

3. How to choose the best solar panel system for your home

South Africa is a great place to install solar panels due to the high amount of sunlight it receives throughout the year. In addition, the cost of installing a solar panel system has come down in recent years, making it more affordable for homeowners and businesses alike. But before you decide to install a solar panel system, there are some things you should consider. The first thing to think about is how much electricity you use daily. If you only use a small amount of electricity, then a small solar panel system may be all you need. However, if you use a lot of electricity, then you will need a larger system that can generate more power. You also need to think about where your home is located. If your property is in a sunny location, then you will be able to generate more power from your solar panels. Another thing to consider is how you will use the electricity that your solar panel system generates. If you plan to use it for your home, then you will need to install a storage battery system as well. 

4. What you need to do before installing a solar panel system

The first thing that needs to be done before installing a solar panel system is to find out how much electricity your home consumes each day. You can find this information by looking at your power bill, or by using an electricity meter. If you have more than one house on the same property, then all of them should be included in the calculation as well because they’ll all share the same grid connection point (or “service entrance”). The next step is calculating how many panels would work best for your home. You need to know the wattage of each panel, as well as the size of your roof and how much sunlight it receives throughout the year. Don’t stress too much about this, because we can help you in a few easy steps. Click here to learn more about getting solar for your home.

5. Maintaining your solar panel system for optimal performance

The final thing you need to consider is maintenance of your solar system.  Once you’ve decided to install solar panels, it’s important to take steps to ensure they operate at peak performance. One way to do this is by maintaining your system regularly. This includes keeping all of the components clean and clear of debris, checking the inverter for any errors, and ensuring all wiring is in good condition. You can also optimize your system’s performance by using smart controllers that allow you to monitor your energy output and usage in real-time. With this information, you can make adjustments to ensure your solar panels are working as efficiently as possible.

Closing thoughts

If you’re looking for the best way to avoid the frustration and inconvenience of an unreliable electricity system AND to save money on energy costs, consider installing solar panels in South Africa. Solar2Go specialises in connecting you with the best solar installers in South Africa. We help you obtain the most competitive quote that meets your home’s needs.  We work with teams of experienced professionals who, in turn, will work with you to find the best system for your home  and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Simply click here to get your free solar quote today!