Solar

Solar Energy Systems for Sale in South Africa

In just over an hour and a half, the sun provides enough energy to power the entire world’s economy for a year. Solar technologies use photovoltaic (PV) panels or mirrors to focus solar radiation into an electrical current. This energy has multiple applications, including but not limited to power generation and battery or thermal storage.

Increasing climatic calamities and the high cost of fossil fuels highlight the urgency of a just and rapid transition to renewable energy.

The recurring power outages in South Africa only make this issue more pressing. Since South Africa receives an average of more than 2 300 hours of sunlight each year, solar power is a practical and affordable option for generating emission-free electricity.

Putting up solar panels is a simple process in areas with high energy demands, making solar power the most economical and accessible energy source. In addition, solar PV panels have become much more affordable during the past decade. Purchasing solar panels is a smart financial move for a number of reasons.

Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular among South African homeowners due to their low initial investment and long list of benefits. Although the upfront cost of solar energy systems for sale is high, once the components have been manufactured and installed, there are no other costs involved. Solar energy is advantageous since it can be used globally, it is a renewable resource, and it does not contribute to pollution.

If you want to know what Toshiba Africa is all about and what we believe in, the answer is easy. Our unwavering dedication to humanity and the future drives us to work towards improving people’s standard of living and contributing to the ongoing development of humanity as a whole. Alternatively, we also offer electric storage batteries for sale.

 

Should You Invest in a Solar Energy System?

South African individuals, businesses, and the government are all taking action to solve the country’s energy crisis by installing solar panels. Solar panels are becoming more appealing to individuals in a position to invest due to its declining initial cost, long-term savings, decreased environmental footprint, and promise of energy independence and security.

Residential solar energy systems can be completely off the grid, utilised in conjunction with the grid, or hardwired into the national or local power grid. In the long run, houses that install these systems save money on their electricity bills. In certain provinces, homeowners can even sell their excess energy to Eskom.

The financial case for installing solar panels is strengthening as the price of fossil fuels rises and the cost of installing solar panels decreases. Over the course of their 20–25 year lifespan, solar PV systems pay for themselves by supplying free electricity. As a result, you won’t have to worry about sudden increases in the cost of fossil fuels, and your monthly costs will go down. In addition to lower electricity costs, solar has other advantages.

 

How Solar Energy Systems Work

Light, or electromagnetic radiation, emitted by the sun is what we call solar radiation.  This radiation is collected by solar technology, which then convert it into usable forms of energy. While sunlight reaches every part of Earth throughout the course of a year, the amount of sunshine that reaches any given region changes.

Solar panels work by absorbing the sun’s rays using photovoltaic (PV) cells. Electrical current is generated when these charges move in response to the cell’s own electrical field.

Every solar energy system needs a mounting system for the solar panels that can handle the panels’ weight. Extruded aluminium rails are commonly used in the production of solar panel roof mounts. Any surface that gets enough sunshine can be used as a mounting point.

 

Type Of Solar Installations

A solar rooftop installation is typically distinguished by its connection to the electrical load or grid.

Grid-Tied

These connections can either allow or prevent reverse power blocking to the grid.

The system is reverse blocked when the property is wired into the national grid, but its infrastructure prevents any surplus power from being sent back to the system.

The system can be connected to the power grid without interference, so that electricity generated can be used on the property, with any excess being sent back to the grid. This surplus is often compensated for.

Off-Grid

Off-grid PV systems typically consist of batteries and an inverter. The system is totally self-sufficient, producing electricity for local consumption without tapping into the main power grid.

 

Solar Energy Systems in South Africa

The nation has committed to producing 18 GW of renewable energy by the year 2030, with solar power accounting for a sizeable share of this total. Several programmes have been launched by the government of South Africa to promote the use of solar power. Private investment in renewable energy projects, such as solar power, has been encouraged by initiatives like the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) programme.

In April of 2022, the REIPPP opened its sixth Bid Window. The aim is to add 2,600 MW to our energy portfolio. At the same time, between May 2022 and June 2022, over 15 IPPs were given the green light by NERSA, South Africa’s national energy regulator.Because of this, businesses and governments have poured money into solar energy infrastructure, bringing down prices and expanding availability.

In March 2023, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced additional government initiatives to hasten the transition to renewable energy among households and commercial enterprises.

• Those who choose to go solar on their roofs can get a maximum rebate of R15,000, or 25% of the total cost of the panels, according to his announcement.
• Companies can deduct 125% of their renewable energy investment from their taxable income.

Load shedding costs South Africa’s economy R4 billion a day, making solar power a promising solution to the country’s energy crises and load shedding woes. South Africa relied on solar power for barely 1.5% of its energy in 2021. We can see this as both a test and a tremendous chance. Unlocking investments for production, supply chain, and skills is crucial if a future of ubiquitous solar power is to materialise.

 

Why Choose Toshiba?

For over a century, The Toshiba Group has led the global energy market as a supplier of innovative, reliable, and eco-friendly electric equipment. Since the 1960s, we have been actively serving many power grids in Sub-Saharan Africa through our participation in power generation initiatives.

Each and every one of our customers receives cutting-edge, comprehensive engineering, analysis, and design services for power systems from us. To cater to our customers’ wide-ranging requirements, we deliver individualised services and aim to be their go-to provider of entire solutions.

Take advantage of our expertise by contacting Toshiba Africa at 011 305 2820 to find out more about our power system engineering services and equipment alternatives.