In recent years solar panel prices South Africa offers have become significantly more affordable and has become a viable energy option especially in a country where traditional power sources have shown weaknesses. South Africa’s load shedding is a prime example of this. Understanding solar panel prices South Africa offers is a crucial first step in the process of adopting this new lifestyle.
Solar power is a sustainable and renewable source of electricity that has major benefits for the planet while also enhancing your daily life as you no longer have to worry about consistent power cuts. However, one of the most frequently asked questions about solar energy is: “how much will this cost me?”. The perceived cost of solar panels in the South Africa marketplace has been one of the biggest obstacles to people making the switch.
In the following article we are going to address this important question and discover how to navigate solar panel prices in South Africa and how companies such as Alumo Energy are paving the way, making different options more viable. Check out our full guide to solar power.
South Africa’s Solar Landscape
Living dependent on the national South African power grid has become increasingly frustrating in recent years. South Africa’s energy landscape in 2023 has been fraught with nation-wide complications, leading to extended power cuts that have had a tangible impact on everyday life. This year, load shedding has surged past the cumulative total of the last decade, with a staggering 1,296 hours of blackouts recorded, leaving the nation practically without power for two whole months.
The Democratic Alliance has highlighted that the population has been without electricity for 27% of the year, with only a couple of days spared from load shedding, underscoring a deepening energy predicament. Worryingly the issues also seem to have no end, as Eskom has stated openly that more frequent load shedding is to be expected.
In this power crisis climate, there’s been a shift towards self-sufficiency, with individuals and businesses alike adopting alternative power sources in order to self-generate the power they need to function. Manageable solar panel prices in South Africa is a key aspect to larger adoption of solar power and other renewable energy sources.
The rich reserve of renewable energy sources like solar and wind is increasingly viewed as pivotal for curbing soaring electricity costs and ensuring consistent power while Eskom updates its deteriorating infrastructure. Particularly for major industries, self-generated renewable energy is not just an environmental choice, but a strategic economic decision.
The repercussions of regular power outages ripple through all facets of life, from domestic chores to the smooth running of businesses and the functioning of crucial public services. Without a consistent energy source being provided by Eskom, the country has experienced major economic strain and a drop in the quality of life. With essential services at risk and the nation’s health and safety in the balance, the collective effect of load shedding is an economy under pressure and a populace striving to adapt.
Understanding South Africa’s Solar Potential
Of the many resources South Africa is lucky to have, we many times overlook our abundant access to sunshine in South Africa. This large amount of sun could make South Africa a potential leader in the solar power industry. Africa is a continent that receives many more hours of sunlight than the rest of the world, which is the perfect environment for a well-developed solar power infrastructure to thrive.
Large portions of South Africa are considered dry regions. Dry regions usually have less cloud cover and more sunlight which are the prime conditions for solar energy. This environmental advantage, paired with the falling solar panel prices in South Africa, results in an opportunity for growth in this sector. It has taken some time for South Africa to accept solar power as a viable alternative, mostly because of the price of solar systems in general.
However, we at Alumo Energy have done our best to address these concerns and have strived to provide innovation in this space in order to make solar power more accessible to a wider proportion of the South African population. The potential for renewable green energy in this part of the world is significant, especially when considering the many ways in which solar panel prices in South Africa can be navigated when working in conjunction with solar power companies, which include our industry leading team at Alumo Energy.
Solar Panel Prices: South Africa
Considering the fact that factors like solar system type, panel dimensions, maintenance and costs all play a role in the pricing of solar systems, it is self-evident that solar panel prices in South Africa are so varied. Costs for a solar panel can range anywhere from around R1800 to R4200 depending on the above-mentioned factors for a single solar panel.
The initial price of this sustainable step may seem out of reach at first, however when you factor in the average 25-year lifespan and realise you are saving on 300 months of monthly electricity bills, the installation cost of a solar system becomes more reasonable as the long-term financial benefit is huge.
Due to the spike in ESKOM tariffs and reductions in the cost of PV systems, the payback period for adopting solar solutions into your home has seen a drastic reduction. And it is
now feasible to pay back your initial investment in 6-10 years. If solar solutions see this sort of growth in adoption rates, combined annual savings could reach R12 billion in the next 7 years according to some estimates. For individual homes that have purchased a 2kW solar system, savings vary between R200 and R500 a month, adding up to between R2500 and R6500 of annual savings.
How Alumo Energy Is Making Solar More Accessible
The cost of solar panels South Africa offers can be a daunting number when you look at the initial investment price. That is why we at Alumo Energy are here to provide you with the assistance you need to make the switch. We offer several alternative means to obtaining a solar system as well as numerous payment plans that make it easy for you to take this step. The three different options you have for obtaining a solar system are: Renting one, buying one, and expanding-as-you-go. Below each option is explored a little deeper so that you can choose which one will work best for you and your household:
A. Rent
Renting is a good starting point if you can’t financially afford the upfront capital investment. This option is also handy as we maintain the system for you throughout the rental agreement, so there are no hiccups along the way, and your system runs as it should. Last but not least, the monthly subscription fees are affordable, as our team of consultants will work with you to find a payment plan that works with your budget. Below is a step-by-step process of renting out a solar system with Alumo Energy:
- Credit Approval
This is the first step when considering a rental agreement. It is a standard procedure that we must follow to ensure you are able to pay for our services over the time frame specified. Once you have been approved by one of our team members you may move onto step 2. This procedure usually takes only a few hours. - Rental Contract
Once your credit has been approved along with some other paperwork, we finalise the contract. After this step all you need to do is pay the deposit and you will be living a new, improved, sustainable life! - Installation
Once the papers have been signed, our crew will come to your home to set up the rented solar power system or backup battery. The last step in the installation process is getting everything checked to make sure it is within safety guidelines and regulations. - Monthly subscription fee
Every month you will be charged the affordable rental fee. Contact us today to receive your free consultation and quote. - Buy/upgrade/end rental contract at any time.
If at any time during the given time period in the rental agreement you want to buy out and make the solar system yours, or upgrade your current one, that is an option we make available to you in your rental agreement contract. However, you may only return the solar system or backup battery after the rental contract has come to an end.
B. Buy
If you want to jump straight into energy independence and own a system outright after considering the solar panel prices South Africa offers, going through Alumo Energy makes the purchasing process simple.
The first step is for you to approve the quote that we offer. The quote is based on your energy needs, location and environment. We send you a list of the costs that will apply and then all we need for getting you off the grid is your approval. If you go onto our website, there are multiple places to click to receive your first quote.
Step two is finalising all the documents and sorting out the payment for the deposit. Once the quote has been approved, documents have been signed and deposit has been paid, then all the initial admin is complete. All that is left is installing the solar system, which requires no effort on your part. Our team of skilled professionals will come to your household and install the solar panel, inverters, and backup batteries all together, giving you a solar system you can trust.
C. Expand-as-You-go
Expanding-as-you-go is the best of both worlds, the power is in your hands, but we are still there to take over when plans change, or you want to improve your current system. How does it work? You can start small, like renting out a battery backup. This gives you a feel for the benefits of solar power while also figuring out what your energy needs are going forward. As time goes on you can start adding to your solar system where you see fit, enhancing your life and your financial health, over time.
The first step is figuring out if you want to rent or buy first. This choice puts the control in your hands, allowing you to start where you want and expand as you, please. We work together with you to figure out next steps, making sure you choose a system that fits your energy needs and budget perfectly.
The following step is finalising all the documentation, including signing all the necessary contracts.
After the admin is complete, we take over all the work and come over to your household to install your solar system. We will always stick right by your side, ensuring installation meets all the safety regulations, monitor the system even after installation and we will be at your beck and call if you wish, at any time, to upgrade your current plan.
Conclusion
Contact us today to find out more about solar panel prices in South Africa and receive your personalised quote, getting you switched on and living greener.