The typical home uses between 6 and 14 345W solar panels, and larger homes use up to 23 solar panels. However, this depends on how much space you have, how much electricity you are using, and the specifications of the inverter.
A single crystal solar panel of 345W costs about R2,500, while a single crystal solar panel of 540W costs about R4,500.
Why investing in solar cells is a good idea.
Those prices are limited to small solar panels; a battery costs more. Batteries are a good investment because you will most likely be able to store energy in them during the day and use them at night. This will reduce the amount of electricity you use to the grid and lower your electricity bill.
The size of the battery is based on average power use and the size of the solar system you have. Batteries don't just store enough energy to power your house overnight. If you have the right sized battery, it can give you three to five days of "energy autonomy."
Solar cells cost between R20,000 and R120,000, depending on the size and type of cell. Even at the higher end of the scale, batteries have a payback period of three to five years, and they are guaranteed for much longer than that. Better batteries come with a 10-year warranty, while others may come with a seven-year warranty. Even if it's seven years, you can still save some money because the payback period is up to five years.
It might be a good idea to buy lithium batteries, which typically come with a 10-year warranty and are highly efficient.
Batteries with inverters and chargers will cost more than batteries alone. A battery for an 8kW system is likely to cost around R77,000 and the same size battery with inverter/charger is likely to cost around R110,000. These prices include battery and installation costs. Most homes don't need an 8-kilowatt system, but that's a sign of the price difference.
The cost of an entire solar system.
Below we will give you the average cost of a complete solar system, including everything needed and installation:
A typical 2kWh system costs about R60,000.
A typical 3kWh system costs about R75,000.
A typical 5kWh system costs about R110,000.
A typical 10kWh system costs about R175,000.
A typical 20 KWH system costs about R340 000.
Select solar panel suppliers and installers.
Finding a certified solar supplier is fairly easy because most solar suppliers are certified. But they all sell different products and offer different warranties.
Compare prices carefully and choose a system with good quality and warranty. Some other things to look out for include:
Solar installers must be licensed and should comply with South African energy laws.
They should give you a detailed detailed offer.
Are the solar panels they sell hailproof?
Does the quotation include labor, surcharge and electrical certificate?
Does it state the warranty period, full or partial?
Do they sell products that comply with South African energy regulations?
