What is the best power backup for loadshedding?
Are you new to solar energy? Does the words photovoltaic, kWh, lithium-ion battery and net metering make your brain blackout? Look no further than this beginner’s guide to understanding solar power!With the world running out of energy sources, new sustainable energy solutions are being found. For the last few years, solar power has stood out as a key player in the renewable energy landscape. Solar power suppliers and technological advancements, harnessing the sun's energy has become more accessible than ever.Our comprehensive guide to understanding solar power will provide you with a foundational understanding of solar power; the benefits, practical considerations, and the role of solar power suppliers like InPower Energy!
What is Solar Power?
Solar power harnesses sunlight through photovoltaic panels, providing a clean and renewable energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, which contribute to pollution and climate change, solar power generates electricity without emitting harmful greenhouse gases.
Solar Power Science
Understanding how solar panels work is essential for grasping the potential of solar energy. When sunlight hits the solar panels, it excites electrons within the silicon cells, creating an electric current. This process, known as the photovoltaic effect, forms the foundation of solar power generation.
What is photovoltaic power?
Solar power, also known as photovoltaic (PV) power, converts sunlight into electricity through solar panels composed of photovoltaic cells. These cells absorb sunlight and generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) electricity for household or commercial use.
What is a Solar Power Supplier?
Solar power suppliers facilitate the adoption of solar energy systems. Like InPower Energy they provide expertise in solar power system design, installation, and maintenance, ensuring that your home and business seamlessly transitions to solar power.
How does Solar Panels Minimise Electricity Costs
Solar Panels minimise electricity costs by generating electricity off grid. This offsets and could potentially eliminate reliance on the failing national electricity grid, translating to long-term savings, and a significant return on investment (ROI) of the solar panels, especially as electricity prices continue to rise.
Changing Your Lifestyle to Suit Solar Power
Adopting solar power often necessitates lifestyle adjustments. High-consumption activities such as running air conditioners, heaters, or high-powered appliances during peak sunlight hours can maximise the benefits of solar energy. Implementing energy-efficient practices and investing in smart appliances can further enhance energy savings and reduce reliance on the grid.
How does Solar Panels Minimise Electricity Costs
Solar Panels minimise electricity costs by generating electricity off grid. This offsets and could potentially eliminate reliance on the failing national electricity grid, translating to long-term savings, and a significant return on investment (ROI) of the solar panels, especially as electricity prices continue to rise. RENT-TO-OWN SOLAR FINANCE FOR YOUR HOME
Is Solar Power a Loadshedding Solution?
Yes, solar power can be a loadshedding solution, however, without a battery backup system (hybrid inverter and lithium-ion battery), your solar system will not work at all during loadshedding, thereby reducing solar energy output. During grid outages, traditional grid-tied solar systems automatically shut down for safety reasons unless equipped with battery storage capabilities. For your home to have an uninterrupted power supply during loadshedding, you should invest in battery storage solutions to complement your solar panels.
Solar Panel Efficiency
Solar panel efficiency refers to the amount of sunlight converted into electricity. Higher efficiency panels can generate more electricity in a limited space, making them ideal for residential and commercial installations where space is a consideration.
Solar Power Solutions
While solar panels generate electricity during the day, lithium-ion batteries are essential for storing excess energy produced for use during periods of low sunlight or at night.
Adding More Solar Panels
As you become more accustomed to the benefits of solar power, you may consider expanding your system by adding more solar panels. Speak to your solar power supplier about increasing the number of solar panels. This not only enhances energy production but also offers the potential to become more off-grid. With sufficient solar capacity, you can reduce your dependence on the national electrical grid, achieving greater energy independence and resilience.
Environmental Benefits of Solar Power
Solar power offers significant environmental benefits. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, solar power contributes to mitigating climate change and preserving natural resources for future generations.
Solar Incentives and Rebates
Numerous municipalities offer incentives and rebates with the aim of encouraging the adoption of solar power systems. In the City of Cape Town, individuals can claim a rebate of up to 25% against the total cost of new or unused rooftop solar panels. This is up to a maximum of R15,000 per person, making solar power more financially accessible for homeowners and businesses.
What is Net Metering?
Net metering allows solar power system owners to receive credit for excess electricity generated and fed back into the grid. The credit can offset electricity usage during periods of low sunlight, effectively reducing electricity bills and increasing the financial viability of solar power investments.
At InPower Energy, we don’t just do solar; we combine the expertise of all our established business units to give you complete power and energy solutions and save you money!
By understanding the fundamentals of solar energy and making informed decisions about system size, battery storage, and energy consumption patterns, you can harness the power of the sun to meet your energy needs efficiently and responsibly.
