Resources
Grid-Tied vs Off-Grid vs Hybrid
What is the difference?
Unlike common belief, "going solar" doesn't necessarily mean that you are disconnected from Eskom or "off the grid". Installing a solar power system merely enables you to generate your own electricity by the means of solar panels on your roof.
Eskom or no Eskom.
That is the question.
Being grid-tied isn’t all that bad.
That is why a hybrid solar power system is so ideal.
Hybrid System
Solar Panels, Batteries AND Eskom
Similar to a standard grid-tied solar energy system, a hybrid system is still connected to the main electricity grid (Eskom directly or Eskom via your municipality), but has the added advantage of energy storage at your home, in the form of batteries.
You still generated your own electricity via your solar panels (during hours of sunshine) and then store any excess electricity, not used during the day, in batteries – for it to be available to you during the night (or when there isn’t sufficient sunshine for your electricity needs).
If you generate excess electricity (more than you are using or your batteries can store), the extra electricity can still be “pushed back” into the grid (depending on your municipality and meter) to give you a credit with Eskom.
Advantages:
The advantage of a hybrid system is that you are much less dependent on Eskom, while still having access to its service to charge your batteries when your solar panels cannot. You would be unaffected by loadshedding and power outages, and greatly save on your electricity bill.
Disadvantages:
If you find that you often rely on Eskom to charge your batteries, you will require additional storage – which is a large portion of the capital outlay. A hybrid system is more expensive than a traditional grid-tied system and the return on investment is longer. You would still be liable for Eskom’s monthly connection fee.
Grid-Tied System
Solar Panels AND Eskom
As the name suggests, a standard grid-tied solar energy system is connected to the main electricity grid (Eskom directly or Eskom via your municipality).
This type of solar system consists of only solar panels on your roof and operates without being connected to solar batteries – making it the most simple, cost-effective solar system.
A grid-tied system WITH batteries for energy storage, is a hybrid system.
With a traditional grid-tied system, you use power generated by either the solar panels (during hours of sunshine) or from Eskom (during the night or when there isn’t sufficient sunshine for your electricity needs). The system delivers free electricity only as generated by the solar panels – as there is no method of storing the energy (in batteries).
If you generate excess electricity (more than you are using) with your solar panels during the day, the extra electricity can be “pushed back” into the grid (depending on your municipality and meter) to give you a credit with Eskom. When you are using power from the grid at night or during low sunshine, you first use your credit – which results in an added cost saving and reduced electricity bill.
Advantages:
The advantages of a grid-tied system are purely financial. Installation of such a system is easier and cheaper, as the inverter and batteries account for a large portion of the solar system’s installation cost. You’ll enjoy a lower electricity bill (minimal or no Eskom usage during the day, and credit for night-time usage), which enables you to enjoy return on this investment much sooner compared to investing in a hybrid or off-grid system.
Disadvantages:
The disadvantage of no energy storage is that you’ll still be affected by loadshedding or power outages, while you are using electricity from the grid – like during the night or when there’s insufficient sunshine to generate enough electricity to power all your appliances (rainy days). Albeit much smaller, you will continue paying an electricity bill for the power drawn from the grid.
Unless your specific needs dictate otherwise, we would suggest installing a hybrid solar system.
Off-Grid System
Solar System WITHOUT Eskom
An off-grid system is not connected to the national power grid at all. You generate and store all your own electricity. Your number of solar panels and battery capacity need to be adequate, as you are not relying on Eskom to charge your batteries during periods of low sunshine or at night. This system is ideal for rural areas, farms, and new developments that are not tied to the grid yet.
Advantages:
You are completely self-sufficient and independent from Eskom. You are totally unaffected by loadshedding or power outages. You have no electricity bill.
Disadvantages:
The system is typically larger and thus more expensive to install and maintain. You require alternative backup (like a generator), for potential system failure.
Weather & Output
What if it rains for 40 days? Weather affects output, but there's more than enough sunshine in our area to keep you always on.
Sunshine Hours
How many hours of sunshine can you bargain on? We can show you the historic data for your area to put your mind at ease.
Equipment Maintenance
What if the panels get dirty? Should the battery fluid be checked? Here's the download of what maintenance is involved.
Own Installations
Your own installer can purchase everything you need from our showroom at 30 Grey Street, Knysna. (Orange hard hat and gloves not required)
So Many, Many Questions...
More panels or more batteries? And how many? What size inverter? How is it monitored? Can all the appliances run?
