Green Energy Services
WHAT IS “PHOTOVOLTAIC TECHNOLOGY"?
Photovoltaic technology is the term used to describe the hardware converting solar energy into usable power. At the heart of this technology is a semiconductor material which can be adapted to release electrons. The most common semiconductor material used in photovoltaic cells is silicon — an element most commonly found in sand. Silicon is the second most abundant material on Earth!
Solar panels consist of a series of cells. All these cells have two layers of semi- conductors: one positively charged and one negatively charged. When light shines on the semiconductor, the electric field between these two layers causes electricity to flow, generating direct current.
The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity. A PV system does not need bright sunlight in order to operate. It can also generate electricity on cloudy days. Due to the reflection of sunlight, days with slight clouds can even result in higher energy yields than days with a completely cloudless sky.
With South Africa’s long sunny days, PV technology is the perfect way to generate power from such an available (and renewable) source
Solar PV has a range of benefits. Systems focused primarily on savings (grid tied systems) immediately reduce your electricity bill pro rata to the size of the system you install. Back-up systems, which provide during power outages, provide clean, quiet, instant and environmentally friendly electricity when your utility lets you down. Hybrid solutions provide back-up with a measure of savings. The true benefit of Grid-tie Solar PV (focused on savings) is the fact that you are protected from future Eskom price increases. Any component of your electricity requirement covered by a solar system is in effect hedged against future tariff escalations. All indications are that South African electricity users are in transition from enjoying the lowest cost of electricity in the world ten years ago to becoming one of the highest payers.
System 1 Grid Tie
No batteries, grid connected.
This system supplements your grid energy usage and is a very good option for reducing your electricity usage from the grid. In the event of a blackout or power outage, your solar system is forced to shut down. However, given that Eskom outages are not the issue, but cost savings are, this is a highly practical solution to dramatically reduce your electricity bill by producing all your daytime energy requirements, free from the sun, and avoiding the additional expense of a battery system.
A Grid tie system is highly cost-effective and has a much shorter payback period (ie: starts paying for itself from day 1).
System 2 Hybrid
Batteries and a grid connection
Is commonly referred to as a hybrid system and with the correct installation will act as a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) in the event of a power outage. The PV system will charge up the batteries first and then the excess production will supplement your household/ business energy needs. Many of our clients start with system 1 with a plan to build up to a system 2 and then add battery back-up at a later stage as their budget allows them to build up to a system 2 configuration. The great benefit of solar PV is that it’s entirely scalable and you can add to it as your needs grow. Clients typically opt for this when power outages are an ongoing issue.
System 3 Off Grid ( Island Style )
Only batteries, no grid connection
Is useful for areas where no grid exists, such as farms or remote areas. The energy produced will charge up the batteries which should allow for two to three days’ worth of energy needs and these batteries will feed the power requirements of the property.
What is the cost to install PV?
Many people believe renewable energy is too expensive without actually doing their homework. The reality is that the cost of renewable energy solutions has come down significantly over the last few years. When we take them through the costs versus the savings and the fact that their savings can even finance their move to renewable energy, most are stunned at how absolutely affordable it is. In fact, on a monthly repayment option, in many cases the monthly finance payments are covered by what they would be paying on electricity costs anyway. Once paid off, you’ll be smiling even more!
If we look at a typical PV system, your initial capital layout would be in the beginning when you purchase the equipment and on average takes around 5 to 8 years to offset the costs, but then for the expected 25 years of the lifespan of your panels, you will get free electricity. The initial upfront cost is the only cost involved with solar. After that, because there are no moving parts, the maintenance on the system is very low. Once fully paid, you have an incredible investment and asset for your property that keeps saving you thousands of Rands each year, for many years to come. And you’ll have a highly efficient, green home or business which is an absolute win. Another advantage of PV is that it is entirely scalable and can be ramped up as your requirements demand and, more importantly, as your budget allows.
If you are interested in the installation of a solar power system for your property, let one of our engineers know. Contact us: info@palacegroup.co.za.
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