The announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill will be tabled this year, establishing a competitive electricity market, has been welcomed by many homeowners. This move is expected to promote greater competition and innovation, hopefully leading to lower energy prices for consumers and a more stable and efficient power supply.
With the City of Cape Town also announcing that they will pay cash for power fed into the local electricity grid from commercial suppliers from June 2023 and from residential suppliers in 2024, there has never been a better time for homeowners to invest in solar PV systems. However, before embarking on this exciting new journey to beat loadshedding back into the dark ages, it is important to make sure that your house is ready to switch to solar.
Here are some tips to consider before flipping the switch:
CONDUCT AN ENERGY AUDIT
Before you start installing solar panels, it is important to conduct an energy audit of your home. Check your utility bills to measure your current energy usage and estimate your future energy needs. This will not only help you to identify areas where you can reduce your energy consumption and improve efficiency, but reduce your overall costs and help you to get the most out of your solar panels.
ENSURE THAT YOUR ROOF IS IN GOOD CONDITION
Solar panels require a solid roof that is in good condition to hold their weight, ensure they are securely mounted and operate efficiently. Before installing solar panels, have your roof inspected to ensure it is structurally sound and can support the weight of the panels.
CHECK YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Your electrical system will have to be able to handle the additional energy generated by the solar panels. If you have an older home, it is possible that you may need to upgrade the system in order to support the new infrastructure that comes with installing a solar PV system. An installation electrician will be able to check this and recommend any upgrades if needed.
DETERMINE THE BEST PLACEMENT FOR YOUR SOLAR PANELS
The placement of your solar panels is crucial to their performance. Ideally, solar panels should be installed in an area that receives maximum sun exposure throughout the day. If your home is surrounded by trees, tall buildings or obstructions, you may need to trim the branches or consider alternative locations for your panels.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE SOLAR PV SYSTEM
The size of the solar PV system you install will depend on your home’s energy needs. To determine this, consider your household's energy usage and the size of your roof. A qualified solar installer can help you calculate the correct system size.
UNDERSTAND THE COSTS
Installing solar panels can be a significant investment, but it can also save you money in the long run. It is important to understand the upfront costs of the system, as well as the ongoing maintenance costs, such as cleaning and panel maintenance. Homeowners should also consider the cost of the bi-directional electricity meter and any administrative fees for supplying power back into the grid. Alternatively, the rental of a scalable system is also available from a number of service providers, so you can decide which option works best for you.
With the potential to increase property value by up to 4%, the announcement of possible incentives and tax breaks for solar PV panel installations, the potential to earn extra income from selling surplus power back to the grid and a glorious end to loadshedding, there are plenty of benefits that make the switch to solar worthwhile.