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Installing any solar system is a major investment for any South African.
While many may take years to pay off their setup and think they’ve crunched the numbers, we strongly suggest you know a few critical elements before signing on the dotted line of the invoice.
So, this being said, here are the top tips we wish we knew about when installing a solar system:
Assess Your Energy Needs
Before installing a solar system, review your electricity bills to understand your average monthly electricity usage per month in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Understanding your average electricity usage in kWh will determine the solar system size you need.
When working out your requirements, consider whether your energy use might increase.
Another element to consider is the efficiency of your home appliances, which can significantly affect your energy consumption.
You should start replacing older appliances with energy-efficient models that can reduce the solar system’s size required.
Evaluate Your Roof
It may seem obvious, but it is essential to ensure your roof is in good condition and can support the weight of solar panels.
Before installing new panels, examine for any damage requiring repairs and verify the roof’s load-bearing capacity.
Many forget to check whether your roof has the correct orientation and angle to the sun’s path. In the Southern Hemisphere, you want your panels to face a northerly direction.
The tilt angle should also be between 18 to 36 degrees.
Another element to consider when evaluating your roof is its access to sunlight. Check whether trees, buildings, or other obstructions shade it.
If trees are obscuring your panels, trimming them is recommended.
Energy Storage
Energy storage is an essential solar system component, especially for those seeking energy independence or backup power during outages.
If you don’t know, batteries store the excess electricity generated by solar panels during the day, allowing you to use them at night or during periods of low sunlight.
Modern battery technologies, such as lithium-ion and flow batteries, offer higher efficiency, longer lifespans, and better scalability than traditional batteries.
While adding storage increases the upfront cost of your solar system, it provides significant benefits, including:
- Protection against extended load-shedding schedules and reliance on the grid
- Increase your ability to maximise self-consumption of your solar energy
- And using batteries to lower costs by discharging stored energy during peak rates
Selecting the best battery depends on capacity, lifespan, and compatibility with your solar inverter.
Regulatory Compliance
It should go without saying, but always choose a certified and experienced installer. This installer should be able to provide a Certificate of Compliance (COC) for insurance purposes.
If you’re looking for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property, you must contract a company with a South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) accreditation.
Maintenance, Durability And Warranties
When selecting any component for your new solar system, a key factor to consider are:
- The maintenance requirements
- How durable it is
- And how extensive the warranties on parts are.
Solar panels are generally designed to last 20–25 years, with minimal degradation in efficiency over time. However, regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal energy production.
Panels may accumulate dust, dirt, leaves, or bird droppings, obstructing sunlight and reducing efficiency. Periodic cleaning is necessary to maintain peak performance, especially in dusty or polluted areas.
Inverters, a critical system component, typically have a shorter lifespan of 10–15 years and may require replacement during the system’s lifecycle.
Manufacturers’ and installers’ warranties provide an added layer of security. They cover performance, materials, and labour for varying durations.
Choosing high-quality components and working with certified installers can minimise maintenance issues and ensure your solar system operates reliably for decades.
Costs And Financial Considerations
When installing a solar system, the price is often the first thing that comes to mind, for good reason.
Solar panels, inverters, batteries, and installation costs can add up quickly, so you must go into this investment with your eyes wide open. Start by understanding the upfront costs and what they include.
While the upfront costs can be daunting, many municipalities nationwide are now offering financial incentives, tax credits, and rebates for re-inputting power into the grid.
Another important consideration is whether your installer can offer installation plans to allow you to pay for the system over an extended period.
If you want to start discussing the costs of your solar system, feel free to contact us.