When it comes to the world of solar power, and solar panel quotes specifically, there seem to be a whole lot more questions than there are answers – especially so for the everyday person who might not have dealt with the technology before. You might have found yourself looking all over for answers that might have eluded you up until now.
But fear not, fellow solar Philomath. In this quick read, we’ll be addressing and answering the country’s most pressing questions about solar power, solar panels, inverters, the cost involved, and just about anything short of what Eskom is doing to fix the energy crisis.
If you’re considering getting a solar system installed in your home, like so many homeowners at the moment, it’s only natural to wonder what the costs involved would be. The short answer is that it depends. There are many factors and variables involved that would ultimately determine exactly how much you would spend on your system.
Each household is unique with unique needs and requirements, thus it’s rarely a case of “one size fits all”. However, that being said, there are general uniformities across the board that makes it easier to give a general overview of the cost implications involved, so that you at least have an idea of what you’re in for. So, without further ado, let’s get to answering questions!
How Much Is A 1 Solar Panel?
Numerous factors can play a part in solar panel quotes. Not all solar panels are created equal and factors like the type of panel, the brand, the size, and the wattage all affect the price you would ultimately pay for a solar panel. For instance, a 50W Polycrystalline solar panel can start from as little as R750, while a Monocrystalline solar panel with 545W costs in the region of R4199 or more.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that one single solar panel, on its own, is typically not sufficient to power the average household or even a small part of it. This means that one would normally need to purchase or install several panels for the system to be worthwhile. Thus, one can see how quickly the solar panel quotes can accumulate rapidly.
Are Solar Panels Expensive In South Africa?
In isolation, solar panel quotes are not exuberantly expensive in South Africa when compared to the rest of the world. However, when you consider that several panels are required, along with an inverter, as well as a battery backup to store surplus power, the cost of the whole system adds up significantly. And this sum of everything together is the biggest hurdle for most South Africans to get past.
However, while the initial costs of solar panels can be substantial, it’s important to bear in mind that a solar power system will benefit you over the long term and the savings acquired through this time from not often having to rely on, or pay for, grid-energy, a solar system will eventually have “paid for itself”. It’s also worth mentioning that solar panel quotes have decreased over the last few years, and we can only assume that they will continue to do so.
How Much kW Is Required For A House?
Once again, the answer to this depends on several factors as every household is different. Things such as the size of the house, the number of occupants, and, of course, the energy consumption of all of these combined. On average, a typical household uses around 30kWh per day, which would total in the region of 900-1000 kWh per month.
As households differ vastly in all of these aspects, the best recommendation will be to get a professional installer/supplier like Alumo Energy to assess your home’s exact needs. Based on our findings, we will be able to recommend the most appropriate system and size for your specific needs.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels have a life expectancy of between 25-30 years, at least. While solar panel cost might come across as quite expensive, the good news is that you’ll be getting a lot of value for your money. Solar panels are built to last, meaning that you won’t need to fork out more money to replace panels anytime soon. However, the durability of solar panels would ultimately depend on the type and make of the panels, as well as the type of weather or climate they will be exposed to over their lifetime.
What Is Solar Power And Why Should You Consider It?
What is solar power exactly? Solar power is the use of the sun’s UV rays to convert its energy into electricity, using a range of different technologies. In a nutshell, photons from sunlight interact with electrons in solar panels. The electrons are then able to move, and move they do, which creates an electric, direct current (DC). The DC flows to the inverter which converts the DC into alternating current (AC) which is the type of current used to power our appliances.
It’s safe to say that anyone in South Africa right now should be considering solar power. There is, unfortunately, no shortage of reasons to have solar solutions installed, but none more so than not having to rely on our national power utility for a full 24 hours, seven days a week. Moreover, it can help reduce electricity bills, it’s environmentally friendly, renewable, and may even soon be incentivised through tax rebates and/or having the ability to sell energy back to the grid.
The Two Main Types Of Solar Panels
There are two main types of solar panels widely used in the market today, namely polycrystalline panels and monocrystalline panels. Each has its unique propositions with benefits and drawbacks, including solar panel quotes, efficiency, and appearance. The main difference between the two types of panels is in the crystal purity of the panel cells.
Monocrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from single crystals of silicon while polycrystalline solar panels have solar cells made from several fragments of silicon that work together. The level of purity in the cells of monocrystalline solar panels is significantly greater compared to polycrystalline solar panels.
The solar panel quotes differ as a result. Monocrystalline panels have better efficiency and are therefore more expensive. These panels have higher efficiency ratings compared to polycrystalline panels as they provide better power output per panel. This ultimately means that fewer panels are required to generate the same amount of energy as polycrystalline panels.
How To Choose A Solar Panel Supplier And Installer
Choosing a solar panel supplier and installer nowadays can almost be as challenging as understanding the technology itself… The industry is inundated with DIYers and imposters trying to make a quick buck in a booming market. And with one offer seemingly getting better than the next, it can be easy to settle on the first, most affordable option that comes your way.
Pricing, however, shouldn’t be the only factor to look at when considering solar power installation. Sure, solar panel quotes and the total cost of the entire system are important, but when it comes to a 30-year investment, you want to be sure that you’re doing things the right way. Taking the time to research and select a worthy installer/supplier will significantly increase the likelihood of a smooth and successful solar installation, helping you experience the full benefits of solar energy for many years to come.
Here are the key factors you need to look out for when installing your solar power system:
- Certification
Certification becomes crucial when just about any man with a van claims to be a professional solar installer. When you consider an installer, ensure that you insist on licensed installers that comply with South African energy laws, as well as South African electrical laws.
- Experience and Expertise
You can’t put a price on experience. When you’re looking for an installer, make sure that you look up their background and experience. If they have been in business long before the “boom” of late, you know you’re on the right track. Not only are you more than entitled to insist on references of completed jobs from the past, but it’s a worthwhile idea, too. Experienced installers are likely to have encountered any and every installation scenario and will be well-equipped to deal with the challenge at hand.
- Financing Options
An enterprise that has some type of financing or alternative payment method in place is typically a sign of a financially-healthy organisation and one that can be trusted. Not only will this aspect bring more peace of mind, but it can aid in their customers being able to better afford the solar panel quotes and installation as well.
- Warranty and Service
If you’re going to be spending a substantial amount of money on something that is meant to last for at least the next 25 – 30 years, you ought to know that you’re covered or protected from a quality point of view. Any credible solar panel installer will be able to provide an appropriate warranty included in the solar panel quote, as well as be able to provide a service plan to ensure that the system is operating at its full potential.
Why Alumo Energy?
The numbers don’t lie – Alumo Energy has installed over 25000 solar panels on over 4300 buildings in South Africa. This equates to over 16 tons of burnt coal saved EVERY DAY, totalling over R3m in savings per month. We’ve partnered with the best in the industry to provide the highest quality products and components that carry favourable warranties that will help you preserve your way of life.
We’ve been aiming to make the process of solar installation as hassle-free as possible. When you book a consultation, our expertly trained and experienced staff will determine what your unique requirements are to ensure a solution that fits your needs and your budget. Our engineers then design a system based on these requirements that align with global best-practice standards.
One of our in-house installation teams will then install your system to perfect performance, after which our internal electricians will do the commissioning to ensure the installation has been completed according to all standards and regulations. Once this is all said and done, there is nothing left to do but for you to enjoy your energy independence.
We’re changing the energy status quo and are committed to a greener future through educating, inspiring, and enabling South African families to be more energy efficient in their homes. Say goodbye to reliance on fossil fuels, inconsistent power utilities, and rising electricity costs, and say hello to a better solution to solar panel quotes. Contact us today for your free consultation and let us help you go solar!