In the urgency to shield your household from the worst of load shedding, you could end up with an investment that doesn’t deliver the promised returns. Here’s how to avoid the pitfalls when installing a PV system.
Solar panels have become a feature of the South African residential landscape over the past few years as homeowners seek a measure of energy self-sufficiency. Once you have made your home as energy efficient as possible with LED lights, a solar/gas/efficient geyser, gas cooker and energy-saving habits, the time is right to invest in a PV system with battery backup to keep you going during load shedding.
It is always a good idea to know what your monthly electricity consumption in terms of kilowatt hours, this will be asked of you by any installer worth his/her salt. You can find this on your electricity bill, and it would be a good idea to compare what you were using before your energy efficiency interventions versus what you are using now. Once you know what you are consuming you will also know whether or not the installer is quoting you with specifications that will meet your needs.
“How much can I expect to pay for a PV system and will the ROI be worth it, are questions I get asked often, quickly followed by what can I do to not get taken for a ride,” says Dr Karen Surridge, Renewable Energy Project Manager of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI). The answers are not simple one liners, but the guidelines Surridge gives will go a long way towards ensuring a happy PV and/or battery system investment.
- Find the right installer The starting point is a reputable installer with a solid reputation and good references. You can find installers in your area registered with the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) on the PV GreenCard website (https://pvgreencard.co.za). Registration means that the person has had the proper safety and quality training and will issue you with proof of compliance for the installation for insurance, finance, and regulatory purposes.
You can also Google your potential installers and ask friends or social-media community groups for references, word of mouth can be a powerful recommendation. A certificate of compliance (CoC) as a line item on your quote is usually an indication of capability, since only registered tradespeople can issue such a document.
- Know what you should be paying for A PV system consists of PV panels, an inverter, batteries and the components that tie the system into your home’s electrical system. The quote from your installer should be itemized and specify all these items.