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he installation of sub- standard solar panels is an increasingly worrying problem in South Africa and many buyers fall into the trap of buying a cheap solar energy system from inexperienced companies at seemingly cheaper prices than that of a good-quality system, says advanced power products supplier Sinetech GM Herbert Teubner.

Teubner, who has been in the power industry for 40 years, warns that these cheap systems, which are often manufactured from low-quality components in the East, often function only for a year or two before they develop problems.

He advises consumers and end-users to ensure they buy systems that will last at least 25 years and that are sourced from reputable suppliers who have been in the business for a while. This will ensure consumers are able to return to their suppliers for assistance in the future.

Teubner points out that there is currently no regulation for solar infrastructure or solar installers in South Africa. It is, therefore, important to weigh the price of the systems against their performance, as the Eastern products are often overrated by 25% to 30%.

He believes sound regulation would stimulate more interest in solar energy, as it would increase investment and ensure high-quality, approved products and infrastructure are sold on the market.

“Over ten years ago, German regulations, as a guideline, covered over 15 pages. Now there are over 75 pages for each rooftop installation, which is a little overprotective.

“Buy systems from companies that have been in the business for a long time and that have experience with solar technology and infrastructure. Although the photovoltaic (PV) solar industry is fairly new in South Africa, it is also best to deal with companies that have an electrical or electronic background,” he advises.

Further, Teubner asserts that buyers should not assume they will immediately start to see a return on their investment in PV solar systems if a rebate system is not introduced.

A long-term investment is needed to save on power costs and this is a major stumbling block in South Africa, as the industrial sector, in particular, shows some resistance to investing in alternative energy as a result of the high costs involved.

Teubner believes now is a good time to invest in solar power, as PV solar panel prices have probably reached the bottom for the current technology.

“However, solar infrastructure prices will not become cheaper.

South Africa’s proposed carbon tax will make solar power even more attractive, as it will lower users’ carbon emissions and save money, he says.

Rising electricity costs will further drive interest and investment in solar energy.
While solar energy is becoming increasingly popular with small businesses and homeowners in South Africa, vandalism and theft are rife, compared with other countries, and limit interest in solar energy, he adds.

Meanwhile, he advises that individuals who are interested in switching to a PV solar energy system must provide their peak kilowatt power consumption at any given time, the total kilowatts per hour in 24 hours, the total autonomy that is preferred and the number of days required to recharge the battery bank.

“Without this information, the sizing of a solar system would be guesswork and could lead to over- or underdesign, which, in the end, can be quite costly, [making it difficult to achieve] the desired results,” Teubner says.