Size your own solar power solution

One of the biggest questions people have when they look for alternatives to Eskom is: How do I size a solar system?

We’ve found a great online solution and have partnered with solar.co.za to help you out.

Why do you need to size a solar system?

It would be great if solar had a one-size-fits-all solution, but that’s not how it works. Every household or business has different needs.

You might have a larger house with more people living in it, or different appliances, or use electricity differently or at different times of the day.

A customised power solution specifically designed for your needs is the only way to go.

If you don’t size a system properly you have a chance of tripping the system, creating electrical fires and damaging equipment.

How does the solar sizing system work?

You enter your monthly electricity bill to get started i.e. just enter the amount you pay each month for electricity.

How do you know how much money you are spending per month on electricity? You can get this from your pre-paid meter payments on your bank statement or from your electricity bill statement.

Next, you’ll be shown a recommended solar kit that is approximately what you need, based on systems used by people in South Africa with the same monthly electricity bill.

The suggested system shown will include:

• How many solar panels you need
• The inverter type you need
• What battery system you need

You will also have the option to include installation before you generate a customised quote.

We highly recommend you include installation because unless you are a certified, registered electrician you will not be able to supply a Certificate of Electrical Compliance which shows that the installation is safe and is required by your bank and insurance company.

Next you will have the option to download the quote. You will be contacted by a member of solar team who will ask you additional questions and set up an onsite appointment for a site evaluation and final quotation based on your specific needs.

Need solar finance?

The solar.co.za team can also arrange finance to help you fund the solar installation. Many people also consider extending their existing home loan from their bank or look at some other type of solar loan.

Once you’ve accepted the quotation and paid the deposit, the team will arrange a day for the actual installation.

Once the installation is complete, the installer will test the system and show you have everything works.

After that, you will have freedom from loadshedding!