Menu
Menu
The necessity for a fair and swift transition to renewable energy is heightened by escalating climate disasters and rising pricing of fossil fuels. The regular power outages that plague South Africa only heighten the urgency of this problem. South Africa has 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, making solar power a viable option for producing emission-free, cost-effective electricity.
Solar is the most cost-effective and widely available energy option, and panels may be easily erected in high-demand regions. Additionally, solar photovoltaics’ (PV) price has dropped dramatically over the previous decade. Solar panel investments have never been more advantageous or more necessary.
Having reliable power is becoming a standard requirement for information and communication technology, and when it comes to cost and a fully functional system, Copiers Africa offers scalable energy systems with versatile leasing and buy choices. Renting rather than buying can also aid with budget constraints and flexibility in solution selection.
Homeowners in South Africa are also making the switch to solar panels as an energy source because of its declining cost and growing list of advantages. While the initial investment in solar energy systems is substantial, there are no ongoing costs beyond the cost of manufacturing and installing the necessary components. Solar power is beneficial since it is renewable, does not cause pollution, and can be used everywhere in the world.
Solar is a reliable financial option, and more and more people are taking advantage of the chance to generate their own eco-friendly electricity. According to a 2020 report by GreenAgri, solar PV systems can break even within three to 12 years after installation and continue to generate free electricity for another 15 years after that. Solar photovoltaics also implies financial benefits for businesses in the form of tax allowances, reduced carbon taxes, and reimbursements for excess electricity fed back into the grid. Power purchase agreements (PPAs) empower businesses to acquire solar power. In this arrangement, the client does not actually own the system, but rather pays for the energy produced by the panels over the course of their lifetime. This is an investment that is 100 percent backed by assets, guaranteeing steady profits over the long term.
Solar energy systems for the home can either be wired into the national or local power grid, used independently, or used in tandem with the grid. There is a long-term savings on electricity expenses for homes using these systems. Some provinces allow homeowners to sell their extra power back to Eskom. However, only a small fraction of homeowners that install solar panels really do this.
While solar installation costs are falling and fossil fuel prices are rising, the economic imperative to invest in solar panels is growing even stronger. Solar PV costs can be offset by providing free electricity throughout most of their 20-year to 25-year lifespan. The result is protection from fossil fuel price shocks, and ultimately, lower bills in the long term. Moreover, solar offers more than cheaper electricity. For example, the electrification of transport, such as minibus taxis, allows for affordable and sustainable solar-powered travel.
Renewable energy is also far more efficient than fossil fuel-generated energy. By 2050, a 100 per cent solar-wind-water energy system would reduce South Africa’s end-use energy needs by 55 per cent. The associated cost savings is almost a 63 per cent reduction nationwide, equivalent to an astonishing R2.3 trillion annually.
Solar panels collect energy from the sun using photovoltaic cells, which produces direct current (DC) that is then converted by an inverter into alternating current (AC) for use in homes and businesses. The electrical panel at the site controls the flow of alternating current and distributes power based on the panel load.
A solar panel mounting system that can support the panels’ weight is required for every solar energy system. Solar panel roof mounts are typically made from extruded aluminium rails. Mounting options are available for any surface that receives adequate sunlight. Options for installation range from concrete and tiled roofs to sheeting and carports.
In 2021, solar contributed only 1.5% of South Africa’s total energy consumption. We can look at this as both a challenge and a huge opportunity. The future of universal solar power can’t come soon enough, but it won’t happen without unlocking investments for manufacturing, supply chain, and skills. South Africa’s solar sector would thrive with climate money, government investments, and energy market deregulation.
With the economy losing R4 billion per day due to load-shedding, solar power is a leading solution to South Africa’s energy crisis and load-shedding problems. Meridian Economics showed that if only 5 GW of additional wind and solar capacity had been available in 2021, 96.5% of all outages could have been averted.
In the long run, solar, together with wind and storage, can help South Africa achieve a fully decarbonised energy system that guarantees 100% grid stability. The generation from wind and solar are mutually supportive, and when combined with storage technologies like batteries, they can provide both peaking and backup power. Renewable solar power is also equitable and democratic. Solar energy is the ideal answer for the 15 percent of the world’s population that does not have access to electricity since it can create power in remote regions without the need for costly connections to the electricity grid.
Our expert sales staff is dedicated to staying current on the newest energy backup products and developments in the market. By keeping up with technological changes and offering a wide range of high-quality products, we strive to be our clients’ first choice among energy backup suppliers. Since we are not tied to any certain supplier, we can provide unbiased recommendations for the most suitable products for your needs.
Our highly qualified technical teams are made up of certified professionals that have received training directly from the manufacturer. Assuring that we are always ready to meet the needs of all of our clients in terms of standby power is the primary responsibility of the team entrusted with providing service and support after the sale has been made.
While we recognise the financial constraints faced by businesses, we also recognise the importance of a constant supply of electricity. For this reason, we also offer a market-leading leasing option to our customers, comprising a zero CAPEX, off-balance-sheet alternative.
