Going “off the grid” can have different meanings for different people. Some people take it as living in an isolated location while growing their own food. Others consider “off the grid” as not being reliant on local energy providers for their energy.
In South Africa, our electricity supply has become extremely unreliable in recent years. With frequent power outages due to load shedding (planned and unplanned) and steep energy price increases, solar energy has become a popular choice. But, is it possible for South Africans to rely entirely on solar power?
The answer is a resounding YES! However, it will involve a large investment on your part. A complete solar system will set you back anything from R85 000 to R250 000, depending on the system type. These are the costs provided by Nupower, a reputable solar panel company in South Africa.
While it might seem expensive, you have to keep in mind the current electricity costs from Eskom. Currently, a middle-class household pays R2 per unit of a kilowatt-hour. A typical home uses approximately 20 kWh to 30 kWh per day, thus spend anything between R1000 to R2000 on electricity per month. Then there’s the annual price increase of at least 9%.
Depending on the system you choose, you could pay it off in about five years and be entirely “off the grid” for the rest of your life. Solar panels have a 30+ year lifespan, after which they still work at above 80% capacity. So you won’t be replacing them any time soon.
These systems from Nupower also include lithium batteries to ensure you don’t run out of power on overcast days. Luckily, in sunny South Africa, they don’t last too long.
If you are looking for reliable, cost-effective off-grid solar systems in South Africa, you have come to the right place. Get in touch with Nupower for a personalised quote today.
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