Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a solar installation cost?
The cost of a solar installation is dependent on the requirements that the system must satisfy.
The homeowner must decide which appliances are considered essential. This is a personal preference that can range from just lights and TV to being completely off grid, and anywhere in between. In addition, the type of system must be considered; back-up only, hybrid, or grid-tied.
Once the essential loads, peak load, and average consumption are know, the system can be designed and then costed.
While it is possible to give a high level estimates after a brief discussion and some basic facts, a final price can only be determined by going through this design and costing process.
Next question…What is a hybrid solar system?
A hybrid solar inverter can have more than one power source. Typically this means that the inverter can take in power generated by solar panels, and have a utility grid input.
The benefits of a modern hybrid inverter system is that they can be configured in different ways to provide the optimum cost / electricity savings, while protecting from load-shedding.
A good hybrid inverter will in most cases, not need any routine maintenance. The solar panels will however need to be cleaned from time to time.
Next question…Why should I not buy a generator, isn’t it cheaper?
A generator is cheaper to buy, this is true. However this is not the full picture.
Take the following example.
A generator is purchased for R30,000 installed. This generator will use 2.5 litres of fuel for each hour that it operates. If fuel costs R22 per litre, the generator will cost R55 per hour to operate.
In this example a solar inverter system is purchased for R150, 000. This system will require no fuel and therefore no cost to operate. All the while, the solar inverter is saving electricity 24/7. If the inverter system saves 230 units / month this will save R506 / month.
During load-shedding stage 2, the power is out for 2.5 hours per day, and in this example the generator will operate for this duration. At load-shedding stage 6, the power is out for up to 9.5 hours per day.
The graph below will show at which points the generator becomes more expensive than the solar inverter to own and operate. It is not long…
