The off-grid tick list
The questions you need to ask and the fine print you need to read when going for the solar shebang
Better get used to it: South Africa’s reality is that Eskom can’t be fixed and load-shedding will end only as a result of private industry and individuals going off-grid, thereby reducing demand for Eskom power.
Pretty much everybody I speak to these days is doing their bit to go off-grid, either via a full solar system with inverter and battery, or just the backup battery and inverter.
Whichever it is, the process is no fun at all, with multiple options and service providers who are so busy that callbacks are a rarity and knowing good from dodge almost impossible.
But there are things we can do to ensure we get a decent deal and, more importantly, a reliable system that will last the test of repeated blackouts.
First is your installer, who needs to be a certified electrician and one with experience working with DC power. DC is different to AC and a lot more dangerous, so there is no room for error. Adding to this is expertise in actual solar installations. This is in part because you’re working with DC current, but also because the placement of panels needs to be done right without risking the integrity of your roof structure.
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association issues a PV GreenCard to members who know what they’re doing, so ask to see this before committing to an installation.
The equipment used is another area with various options and manufacturers, but the key point is to make sure you get tier 1 equipment. This will ensure better quality and lifespan.
If you’re doing the rent-to-own or solar-as-a-service option, you will have a bunch of extra questions.
Who covers the insurance? That will likely be for your account, and is important regardless of which process you’re going for. Expect to pay R50-R200 a month. What happens if you sell your home? If the contract moves over to the buyer, what happens if they don’t want your system?
Maintenance will be built into the contract price or may be offered at an additional fee. Read the service level agreement. If you have a problem, what are the obligations in terms of response time, and who pays for costs relating to maintenance?
In the solar rental world, annual increases are a key figure. Usually this is linked to the consumer price index, but make sure you get the details in the contract.
Be careful of overspeccing the system. The temptation is to install more than you need, but this only adds extra cost for no real benefit. Your installer should do a proper assessment of your property and needs before suggesting a solution.
Further, a solar system is easily expanded with extra panels or batteries, so if your needs grow, you can add more of these.
It’s also important to understand that most residential options will not take you fully off-grid; rather, these are load-shedding-proof systems. You’ll still be connected to Eskom, but you’ll have backup power at a cheaper rate for when the power goes off.