advantage of solar energy in south africa

The Advantages of Solar Energy in South Africa

South Africa is deemed to be one of the best locations on earth for Solar Energy production and with that comes many advantages of using solar energy in South Africa. Most areas in South Africa average more than 2500 hours of sunshine per year which means the average solar radiation levels range between 4.5 and 6.5 kWh/m2 in one day. This is a massive natural resource that South Africans should be taking advantage of especially due to the current state of affairs with Eskom and their increasing tariffs.

China has solar power plants that cumulatively produce more than four times our total electricity needs. As South Africans, looking at statistics like this, it is difficult not to feel that something is horribly amiss in our country. Why not use this wonderful natural resource?

Solar panels are not an expense - they are an investment.

Solar panels can not be seen as an expense, they should rather be seen as one of the best ways to invest with returns rivalling those of more traditional investments like stocks and bonds. Thanks to substantial electricity bill savings. the average South African homeowner pays off their solar panel system in seven to eight years and sees a ROI of 20% or more.

More advantages of using Solar Energy in South Africa

Drastically reduce or even eliminate your electric bills

Whether you’re a homeowner, business, or non-profit, electricity costs can make up a large portion of your monthly expenses. With a Victron solar system, you’ll generate free power for your system’s entire 25+ year lifecycle. Even if you don’t produce 100 percent of the energy you consume, solar will reduce your utility bills and you’ll still save a lot of money.

Protect against rising energy costs

One of the clearest cut benefits of solar panels is the ability to hedge utility prices. In the past ten years, residential electricity prices have gone up by an average of 12 percent annually or more. By investing in a solar energy system now, you can fix your electricity rate and protect yourself against unpredictable increases in electricity costs. If you’re a business or homeowner with fluctuating cash flow, going solar also helps you forecast and manage your expenses.

Increase your property value

Multiple studies have found that homes equipped with solar energy systems have higher property values and sell more quickly than non-solar homes. Appraisers are increasingly taking solar installations into consideration as they value homes at the time of a sale, and as homebuyers become more educated about solar, demand for properties equipped with solar panel systems will continue to grow.