Home solar power solutions are becoming more and more appealing in the current South African electricity crisis. Load shedding has no shown sign of stopping, and finding alternatives is currently the best long-term solution.
Solar energy, in particular, is one of the best options as it has many benefits like guaranteeing internet access, protecting appliances from power surges, powering kitchen appliances and ultimately minimising the impact of load shedding. Solar energy is the best option for longevity too, with some panels lasting up to 25 years before noticeable degradation. Solar batteries themselves are incredibly dependable, so there is an assurance that your electricity needs will be met during scheduled blackouts.
In this article, we explain why solar energy is such a reliable solution and what our solar energy systems can do. We will also go into detail on the extensive backup solutions Alumo Energy provides, and how we are a sustainable and affordable choice for solar solutions for homes.
Home Solar Power Is The Way To Go
South Africa has been experiencing load shedding since 2007, making 2023 the sixteenth year of our energy crisis. Though, one of the most important things to note is that, this year alone, South Africa has experienced more load shedding than we have in the last 10 years.
We have experienced 173 days of the 271 days between January 1st to the 28th of September, meaning two-thirds of the year has left millions of South Africans in the dark. There are plans and promises to end load shedding by the end of 2024, but the utility has anticipated that load shedding will carry on until 2027. That means we will be experiencing blackouts for the foreseeable future, with no assurance of a definite end.
This is why solar energy is imperative for the future of South Africa. Solar energy is the way to go if you no longer want to be inconvenienced by load shedding. Solar solutions for home ensure you do not have to worry about the personal effects of load shedding for you or your family.
First, let’s discuss how it works: During the day, sunlight hits the solar panels on the roof of your property, and that energy is then converted to DC energy. This DC electricity is then stored in a solar backup battery. When grid energy fails, the stored electricity is then run through an inverter and converted into AC energy that can be used to power your home until you can return to grid energy again.
A home solar energy system can also offer a few more benefits:
Saving money: Although the initial costs of panels and batteries deters many from taking the initiative to switch to solar energy, there is always a return on the investment. Your electricity bill can decrease, and in some instances be credited back to you if you end up reverting power to the grid. Additionally, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved an 18.65% increase for Eskom’s standard tariff customers. This means that electricity prices are only increasing and solar solutions for your home can combat that increase.
The South African government has also assured that solar panel installations will result in tax benefits, which also adds to the long-term financial benefits of investing in solar energy. If the investment is too much initially, some banks provide funding for installations of solar panels as part of home loan applications. All of this indicates that, in both the private and public sectors, you will be financially benefiting yourself by investing in solar solutions for your home.
Reliability: Solar technology is ever-evolving and always improving, which means it is optimised to store and deliver power in a backup battery. So, when the power cuts, you are able to seamlessly switch from grid energy to solar battery backups. South Africa also experiences occasional theft of electricity cables and even power station failures. With solar solutions, you have a reliable source of electricity when things that are outside your control happen. Solar solutions for home are not just reliable for the effects of load shedding, but an assurance that you have a backup for a myriad of scenarios.
Durability: Solar solutions for homes are built to withstand harsh weather conditions. So, with South Africa’s strenuous sunshine, and harsh windy winter – you do not have to worry about the condition of your panels and batteries.
Effortless: Solar panels are low maintenance. There is minimal cleaning, preservation and monitoring needed –It is a hassle-free choice.
Value as an Asset: Solar energy is an appealing product in the current energy crisis because of load shedding, which means if you install solar solutions for your home, your property value can increase.
Environmental Benefits: Solar solutions for home have a positive effect on the climate. Having renewable energy is integral for moving towards a world with less carbon emissions and to lessen the effects of climate change. By playing a part in reducing your carbon footprint you are contributing to long-term sustainability and environmental positive practices. These practices are beneficial to communities, wildlife, air quality and water preservation, making sustainable energy the way to go.
Technological Protection: Technological devices and general appliances are strained or can break from sudden power cuts, and then surge when the grid comes back on. Instead of turning off all your technological appliances individually, solar solutions can stop the strain of surges and prevent damage to your appliances without a fuss.
Remote Working: In recent years, working from home has become more normalised, with hybrid work becoming popularised after the pandemic. Solar energy aids in this new norm by guaranteeing that your devices can be charged, you have wifi access, and you don’t have to plan your work week around the load shedding schedule.
If you would like to reap the benefits of solar solutions for home, contact Alumo Energy – we are an affordable and versatile option for all your solar needs!
About Alumo Energy
Alumo Energy consists of green-collar workers with a wide range of engineering skills and craftsmanship expertise, offering efficient end-to-end home energy solutions. We plan, design and implement the best solar solutions for each home and back this up with incredible support and maintenance for years to come – for those who choose the rental option.
We built this company because we actively want to combat the overreliance on fossil fuels, tackle rising electricity costs and offer a reliable alternative to the inconsistency of South Africa’s power utilities. So, we have partnered with the best in the industry to provide the highest-quality solutions for your home. So far we have been able to successfully power 4,303 buildings, install 25,767 panels, save 16,496.05 kg of burnt coal everyday and helped homeowners collectively save R3,104,468.27 every month.
We are reliable, sustainable, affordable and love what we do. We also handle the maintenance, design, and solar installation process, so you can have the maximum benefit of home solar power with minimal effort.
What Alumo Energy Offers for Home Solar Power
Backup Battery
A backup battery system provides you with a fallback should the power grid go down. Unlike the outdated generator, a backup battery solution automatically operates during load shedding and other unexpected power outages. If you are planning on powering your entire house then the battery could deplete fairly quickly, but if you are only planning on running a few electrical appliances like your fridge, television, and some lights – the battery can last roughly 4.5 hours. Therefore, the backup battery option is a reliable source for short-term power outages.
Solar and Battery
A solar and battery system generates solar power from the panels and stores that energy in a battery bank. If increased correctly, you can rely solely on the sun for energy – but stay connected to the grid in the case of poor weather conditions. This can also result in your electricity bill being credited, as you can revert power back into the grid. The solar and battery option is more extensive than a backup as it is longer lasting and more cost-effective, with some of our clients being able to save up to 80% on their electricity bills.
Alumo Energy’s backup and solar and battery option guarantees:
– Limited Up-Front Costs
– Option To Upgrade
– Option To Buy Out
– Annual Maintenance
– Technical Support
– Electricity Savings
Alumo Energy is the best choice for you because we aim to provide reliable, efficient and easy-to-use solar solutions for your home. We guarantee premium technology that comes with a warranty. Moreover, Alumo Energy also provides you with multiple ways to invest in solar solutions for your home.
Rent: When you rent from us, you are immediately able to benefit from going green by paying an affordable monthly fee. We also maintain the system so that it works perfectly through your rental agreement
Buy: If you want to own your own battery, backup and solar panels we offer personalised consultations to get the most cost-effective quote. We also offer customised options and a full breakdown of where the costs go.
Expand-As-You-Go: The expand-as-you-go option is the best of both worlds. It allows you to start small so that you can get familiar with the system and then slowly expand and install custom additions to your system.
Overall, we are confident in our products and candid about our costs and approach. We are an affordable and reliable renewable energy source that makes the process as simple as possible.
Conclusion
Home solar power is a hugely beneficial investment that allows you to preserve your way of life without the effects of load shedding or other power system shortfalls getting in the way. By investing in solar energy, you can live your life, cook, work from home, access wifi and reap financial benefits all in one go.
Alumo Energy is a company that enables you to go solar the right way, with our premium technology, flexible payment plans and hands-on approach. If you would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation!