Grid-tied systems are interconnected to the local municipal power, and is typically made up of panels, inverters and the balance of systems (BOS). Grid-tied systems do not have batteries, and as such, they are more of an ideal solution for energy saving. A solution for load shedding is a Hybrid system. Hybrid systems are also interconnected to the local electrical authority, however, these systems have batteries as a back up. Read more about the different solar systems here…
Grid Tied Systems shut down if there is not supply from the utility. If load shedding or power supply is a site issue, battery storage needs to be considered.
The savings in kWh will not pay the cost of the investment off in the life span of the system. Off grid is only financially viable when a site operates off a generator or needs reticulation installed to remote locations. This will change in the near future when storage technology comes down in price.
Grid Tied system’s shut down if there is not supply from the utility. If load shedding or power supply is an issue, battery storage needs to be considered
Solar power has been used commercially for over 35 years.
Panels are tested with 2.5cm stones blasted at 80km per hour. Even in the country’s most prolific hail regions, hail very rarely will crack a solar panel.
There are roughly 278 municipalities in South Africa, at the time of publication roughly 5 allow grid feedback. Grid Feedback is the way of the future, unfortunately it’s a work in progress.
Assuming your roof is strong enough, you can. However, your system should ALWAYS be sized according to your power needs, not you roof availability.
Irradiation varies between geographic locations and roof orientation, each site needs to be simulated on recognized software to accurately predict power production.