The amount of backup time is determined by the size of the connected battery bank and the load on the system. By removing half of the load, the backup time can be extended to double. For example, if the system is setup to power two computers for 4 hours, by removing one computer the backup time can be extended up to 8 hours.

The recharge time of the batteries depends on how much power was drawn from the batteries during a power failure. The recharge times can take up to 8 hours from a fully discharged battery.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is a technology that has been around since the 70’s – effectively you put large glass-looking solar PV panels on your roof at home or at your business that takes the sun’s rays and converts them into electricity. These panels connect with an inverter, just like the AC adaptors we use to charge our cell phones, TVs or computers, and convert the direct current (DC) into usable alternating current (AC) which we can use to power our home or building.

Installing your own solar system at home or at your business will allow you to save a substantial amount on your current electricity bill, as you will be generating your own electricity supplied directly to you. This also means that you start becoming independent from Eskom or your local municipality, and if you have a large enough battery system included to run all your appliances, you can operate completely off-grid and independently.

Solar Panels weigh around 15-20kg/m2 which is typically well within the capacity for roof loads. However, there are some roofs that may be unsuitable to handle additional loading. This is usually not related to age, but more to the design of the roof itself.

Grid tied solar systems – this consists of a solar system only. This will offer savings on your monthly utility bill but not benefit you during load-shedding. You will still be connected to the grid.

Smart Hybrid systems – this fully integrated smart energy system includes an inverter battery system along with your solar system. You can enjoy the monthly savings and be protected during load shedding.

Backup system – this is a battery storage system only. You will continue to use grid power as normal but in times of load shedding, your inverter will run your essential items. The inverter will be charged by the grid power.

You are required to apply for authorisation from the City if you intend installing an embedded generation system such as a rooftop solar.

An application is submitted and assessed. This may include a visit to your property to confirm that your meter connection is able to support the embedded generation. This visit does not typically require access to your property.

Once a permission to install letter has been issued, you can go ahead with the installation.

After the installation, further documents will need to be submitted.

Government proposes this programme to encourage households to invest in clean electricity generation capacity which can supplement electricity supply. The incentive will only be available for 1 year to encourage investment as soon as possible.

Individuals who pay personal income tax can claim the rebate against their tax liability. This rebate is not intended for solar installations at business premises.

Individuals will be able to claim a rebate to the value of 25% of the cost of new and unused solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, up to a maximum of R15 000 per individual. For example, a person buys 10 solar PV panels, at a cost of R4000 per panel (so total cost of R40 000). That person would be able to claim 25% of the cost up to R15 000, so R10 000. A different person can buy 20 panels at a cost of R4000 per panel (so total cost of R80 000). The calculation of 25% adds up to R20 000, but they can only claim R15 000.

Only new and unused solar PV panels qualify, to ensure that the capacity is in addition to what the country already has in place. The panels can be installed as part of a new system, or as an extension of an existing system. Only solar PV panels with a minimum capacity of 275W per panel (design output) qualify for the rebate.

Other components of a system – batteries, inverters, fittings or diesel generators – and installation costs do not qualify. Portable panels will also not qualify. Solar PV panels must be installed at a residence that is mainly used by an individual for domestic purposes. The installation will have to be proved with a certificate of compliance in terms of the Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009 to ensure safety of the installation and compliance to electric regulations. The solar PV panels must form part of a system that is connected to the mains distribution of the private residence.

The rebate applies to qualifying solar PV panels that are brought into use for the first time in the period from 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2024.

Solar panel longevity is improving all the time as the technology becomes more and more refined. On average, solar panels are rated to last 25 – 30 years but will still be able to generate electricity after that period, just at a lower than guaranteed rate.

Solar batteries work best at moderate temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, solar batteries can maintain their maximum efficiency and store energy effectively. However, when temperatures rise above or fall below this range, the efficiency and performance of the battery can be negatively impacted.

If temperatures rise above 25 degrees Celsius, solar batteries can experience a reduction in their efficiency and performance. High temperatures can cause the battery to degrade faster, leading to a shorter lifespan and reduced capacity. This is because the high temperature can cause the electrolyte inside the battery to break down, leading to corrosion and damage to the internal components of the battery.

On the other hand, if temperatures fall below 20 degrees Celsius, solar batteries can experience a reduction in their charging and discharging capabilities. This is because low temperatures can cause the chemical reactions inside the battery to slow down, reducing its ability to store and release energy effectively.

To ensure that solar batteries perform optimally, it is important to install them in a location that maintains a moderate temperature range. This can include selecting a well-ventilated location or providing additional cooling or heating to regulate the temperature of the battery.

An inverter is a device which converts alternating current (AC) power supply into direct current (DC) and vice versa. This means the device can convert conventional residential electricity into the power used by batteries to charge and back again when conventional electricity output is required from the batteries.

Phases of a UPS or inverter, such as single-phase or three-phase, describe the number of electrical phases that a UPS receives and transmits.

Electrical utilities generate three-phase power because that is the most efficient way to transport electricity over long distances. And for larger power consumers, such as large data centres, industrial manufacturing and hospitals, the power stays as three-phase, requiring a three-phase UPS. For smaller power consumers, including residential or office buildings and most schools, the power is converted to single-phase power.