South African financial institution Standard Bank has highlighted that its online “home knowledge hub” LookSee provides extensive information regarding the choice, installation, financing and support of solar power systems for homeowners. (Standard Bank is not to be confused with UK-based multinational Standard Chartered Bank; the former ceased to be a subsidiary of the latter in 1987.)

“Sunny South Africa gets more than 2 500 hours of sunshine a year and it ranks among the top three countries in the world in average direct solar radiation,” pointed out Standard Bank digital and e-commerce head Andrew van der Hoven. “Furthermore, as an infinite resource, solar power doesn’t just offer a way to keep the lights on, it also helps the environment by greatly reducing carbon emissions.”

On the other side of the coin, the country suffered more than 2 881 hours of scheduled rotating power cuts, known as loadshedding, last year. This was equivalent to 120 days, or about four months, of zero electricity. And 2023 has seen an even higher rate of loadshedding.

In its 2023 Budget, the government did announce tax incentives for people to install solar panels. However, although prices have come down, initial installation and set-up costs can still be high. And it is necessary to choose the right type of solar power system.

Van der Hoven explains that there are three basic types of solar power system. Grid-tied systems are connected to the power grid and comprise solar panels and an inverter, but have no battery back-up; these provide power during loadshedding in the daytime, but not at night or under very heavy cloud cover. Back-up or hybrid systems add battery storage to the solar panels and inverter, while retaining the connection with the grid; these can provide power during nocturnal loadshedding or under heavily cloudy days, and will reduce electricity bills. Off-grid systems are identical to hybrid systems except that they have no connection with the grid; they grant total power independence but have no “safety net” for long periods of darkness and heavy cloud, and can be very expensive.

Given the inadequacy of grid-tied systems and the expense and impracticality of off-grid systems, for most homeowners and businesses the most practical option is a back-up or hybrid system. The cost of such hybrid systems varies widely, depending on the purchaser’s energy requirements, and so system size, as well as the technology used. But the average price range is from R70 000 to R300 000 for a total solar energy and back-up system. However, once installed, maintenance costs will be minimal and the energy generated will cost nothing.

“We’ve recently seen the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud issuing warnings based on the number of complaints received about sub-standard solar components, unqualified installers, and inadequate installations,” he cautioned. “This is obviously a concern, so we are focused on empowering customers with valuable property insights and information, and access to specialist solar services and providers.”

The LookSee platform had a list of stringently-vetted solar energy system providers. The platform also provides access to needs analysis, by experts, to determine the best solutions for customers; gives access to experienced solar installers and quality products; and continued expert support from the LookSee solar concierge team.