Solar power protects against unpredictable pricing for electricity by putting the control back into your hands, allowing you to plan ahead accurately and sustainably.
We know why solar power is needed: Putting load shedding aside, solar is a cleaner and safer investment for both your personal and business power supply. But how do you choose which solar solution is right for you or your business? Do you only need a solar array, or do you need a battery system? What if you want to still be connected to the grid for emergencies?
1. What is a Solar Only Solution?
A solar only solution is made up of a solar panel array (multiple solar panels) and an inverter. There is no storage of power in this option, and due to this, it is usually the most affordable option.
I want to reduce my cost of electricity
This solution suits those who primarily use electricity during the day with little to no need for electricity at night. Solar panels can provide electricity during the hours that they are exposed to the sun (±9am – 3 pm), but outside of this, they are not able to create electricity. This means that a solar-only solution is suited only to those who specifically need electricity during daylight hours.
Outside of these hours, homes and businesses are usually still tied to the grid and able to use what their solar installation can’t provide from the grid. The term “a grid-tied system” refers to this kind of solar power system, where a home or business is still connected to the electrical grid (Eskom). While you will still need to rely on Eskom now and then, this system is a great way to cut down your electricity costs.
It’s important to note that, while a solar-only solution is a great way to save on your electricity bill, it will not help you avoid load shedding blackouts that occur during the day or night.
2. What is a Battery Back-Up Solution?
A Battery Solution System is built using an inverter, a charge controller, and a battery bank.
If your family home or your small business is in need of electricity back up, this is the ideal solution for you. A battery backup will provide you with power when Eskom (our electrical grid) is down.
I want to avoid load shedding
A battery backup solution ensures you always have power.
Those businesses who already own generators as a backup power source will know the slog of needing to have a staff member to activate the generator when load shedding hits. That’s not even to mention the noise and cost of maintaining generators.
But, unlike a generator, a battery backup solution automatically operates during load shedding and blackouts.
How many batteries will you need?
Depending on the size of your business or home, you’ll need a particular amount of stored energy. This will determine how many batteries you need for your solar solution, as the size of your battery bank equates to the amount of energy you’re able to store.
It’s difficult for us to recommend a size of battery bank generally because it needs to be customised to your power needs. However, something that most owners aren’t aware of is that you can easily begin your system with a small number and increase it later as you find you need to.
Due to the fact that the battery units are connected to utility power (the grid), the built-in battery charger recharges the batteries automatically to ensure that they provide the necessary electricity during a power outage.
While this option might not save you money on your electricity bill immediately, it does offer long-term savings and a step towards independence from the grid. That means no shorted appliances or electronics, consistent security and power, and costs that you can foresee and control.
3. What is a Hybrid Solar Solution?
A hybrid solar solution combines both the solar only and the battery solutions together. This means that your home or business will be grid-tied, but it will also house a battery solar system that allows you to be fully independent when you need to be. While this might be the most costly option, it is also the option with the most freedom and benefits, as it allows you to:
- Save on your electricity bill.
- Avoid load shedding or unexpected blackouts entirely.
- Become energy independent (and energy-efficient).
- Be environmentally conscious.
- Protect your appliances and electronics against power surge damage.
- Rely on the grid whenever your solar system doesn’t have enough energy for your needs.
A hybrid system is great because it truly offers consistency. While your battery bank will be charged during the day from your panels’ exposure to the sun, they aren’t always ensured to have enough sun exposure to become fully charged all the time. With a hybrid system, your utility power (grid power) will make up the difference. This means that you are never (ever) without power.
| Solar Only | Battery Bank | Hybrid | |
| Price | Low | Medium | High |
| Power storage | No | Yes | Yes |
| Grid-tied | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Avoids Load Shedding | No | Yes | Always |
| Saves on Electricity Cost | Yes | No | Yes |
Whether you choose a solar-only solution, a battery solution, or a hybrid solution, the choice to go solar is easy. Clean, safe, reliable, and independent energy that not only saves you money but also allows you to plan for the future accurately.
Get in touch with us below to talk about your bespoke solar power solutions, or read more about the real cost of solar.