Can I Install my own Solar Power Setup?
Everybody is scrambling to kit out their homes with alternative power and solar power is top of the list with homeowners wanting to DIY solar power to their homes, but is this allowed?
27/01/2023
We all knew that load shedding was going to become more of a problem and as expected, it has done just that. With load shedding ranging between Stage 4 to Stage 6 on a weekly basis, homeowners are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their homes and their lifestyle. Solar power is now on everyone's mind, according to Leenan Management, whether it is to install a small or large system or to take advantage of companies offering solar power on a rental basis. But before you take the leap, make sure you do it the right way.
Can I DIY solar power for my house?
With homeowners looking at investing in solar power, the idea of being able to do it cheaper the do-it-yourself route is enticing. The ability to power a home during load shedding or power outages has become essential and, with our abundance of sunshine, solar power seems like the perfect solution.
With the boom for solar power, there are plenty of options out there to choose from, but it pays to do a full investigation before taking the leap. Firstly, any solar power system that connects to the electrical distribution network in the house must be done by a qualified and registered electrician. This is essential to ensure that the system is safely installed in accordance with South African regulations and that your property and household contents are fully covered by insurance in the event of a fault or problem.
The right way to ensure that you use the services of a qualified and registered electrician is to use the Electrical Conformance Board database. Additionally, any work carried out needs to be signed off by an electrical engineer. This may differ slightly according to your region, but it is better to be informed than be ripped off.
Ensuring that your solar power installation is legally covered will give you peace of mind in knowing that your investment is fully covered in the event of damage.
Benefits of a solar power installation
With more and more homeowners looking at solar power to power up the home during load shedding and power outages, it's good to know how many other benefits can be attributed to solar power:
• Reduced energy consumption
With an Eskom rate hike on the cards, consumers will be hit with increased costs for their monthly electricity usage. While you may not be able to run an entire household on solar power, you will be able to take a large chunk out of your monthly bill and be able to power energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and electronics.
• Keep the lights on
Installing a solar system guarantees that you will not be left in the dark when the power goes out. Load shedding is an inconvenience that we have to live with, but in a family home, it can be devastating. Constantly shifting stages makes it difficult to plan and morning and evening schedules get thrown out the window. Even a small solar system or solar geyser will provide a home with basic services that will allow life to retain some semblance of normalcy.
• Round-the-clock home safety
Many homeowners overlook the fact that repeated load shedding and extended power outages put a drain on security systems or remotely-operated systems. The end result is that your family and home are no longer protected. Even a small solar power setup can be designed to operate security cameras and outdoor lighting to beef up much-needed security when the power goes out. Just something to think about.