Getting it right
Choosing your solar system
Important considerations to select the optimum solution to your energy requirements.
Step by step
Four key decisions.
- Energy Efficiency — start with solar thermal. A Solar Thermal System will reduce energy consumption by 6–10 kWh per day. It costs approximately R 20 000 per unit depending on type and capacity, and is the most cost-effective first step for most households.
- Load Shedding Back-up — choose a future-proof inverter. A lead-acid battery/inverter backup system for LED lights, TV, decoder, personal computer, garage door and security for 4 hours costs approximately R 35 000. However, this category of system is not ideal for a future upgrade with PV panels. A back-up system that can be converted to a quality PV installation costs approximately R 90 000 for a 5 kW system.
- Solar PV — grid-tie or hybrid. A grid-tie Solar PV installation with a 3.6 kW panel array and 3.6 kW inverter will cost approximately R 90 000 (VAT incl.). This system will not provide backup when the sun is not shining. A 4.6 kW hybrid system with a 7.0 kWh battery bank costs approximately R 165 000 (VAT incl.) and can be expected to yield approximately 18 kWh per day.
- Going off-grid — total independence. The cost of going completely off-grid starts from R 300 000 upwards. MrSola offers affordable rent-to-own options to empower you with solar energy at every level of the journey.
Not sure which system is right for you?
MrSola offers a 100% free consultation. We will assess your usage profile and recommend the optimum solution.