Done with Eskom? Do your homework before going 100% off-grid
Being in the dark (literally and figuratively) can cause the best of us to make rash decisions. Don’t allow this to happen to you when considering solar power. In this article we go through some key considerations to make an informed decision on going off-grid.
- Calculating the grid-tied costs vs off-grid costs to supply your household’s energy needs
- Sourcing the right type of inverter and installer
- Understanding and avoiding possible insurance claims issues
1. Calculating the grid-tied costs vs off-grid costs to supply your household’s energy needs
In an article on MyBroadbrand, AWPower’s managing director and head of operations, Christiaan Hattingh and Rubicon chief product officer Nick Roche detail cost-estimates for an off-grid system and warn against it. For a relatively small-sized household, an 100% off-grid solar energy system without Eskom as a back-up can cost you about R437 000. That number increases according to how much energy your household uses. The costs are tied to PV solar panels susceptibility to weather conditions, the battery storage of the panels, inverters, generator back-up costs. Instead of going completely Eskom-free, a system capable of producing 95% of the 600kWh monthly usage of a small household would start at around R138,000. That’s a cost difference worth looking into.
2. Sourcing the right type of inverter and installer
Not all inverters are created equal. Neither are those that install them. Follow these steps for choosing the right solar power installer and equipment:
- Use reputable suppliers and installers
- The installer must be registered as an electrician with the Department of Labour and must provide you with a Certificate of Compliance when the installation is complete.
- Select a hybrid inverter from a well-known, tried-and-tested brand that comfortably meets your needs
- Installers should ideally inspect the site before you buy a solar array kit to determine your requirements including (1) how much power your household uses after dark to determine battery requirements and (2) how much peak power your solar panels must be able to deliver
3. Understanding and avoiding possible insurance claims issues
If the unforeseen happens, trying to claim through your insurance should not add to your stress. To avoid this, use your insurer’s network to find accredited installers and technicians that understand and work to the technical regulations of solar installation.
Managing your utilities is easier when you are informed, aware and can plan ahead. If you are managing utilities on a larger scale as a property developer, housing or managing agent or landlord consider a comprehensive prepaid submeter solution like Enbaya’s Utility Management Solutions for gas, electricity, and water for the best monitoring and control of what you do use. View more on this here.