To ensure that your installation is of the highest quality and standard according to the SANS electrical code and is installed safely, it is important to ensure that your installer knows what they are doing. How will you know? Simple, ensure that the company is registered with the Department of Labour, and that there is a certified 3-phase electrician. It is advised to consider the following registrations are also in place; PV Greencard through SAPVIA (you can check their website), ECASA registered, and that they are certified installers of the product you have requested.

We would need to answer the question; “What would you like your system to do for you?” Once this is determined, we can advise on a suitable system and explain what this system can do.

No, it is possible to install a single phase inverter. Changes can be made to the DB to accommodate the inverter.

We advise our clients to ensure that the panel kWP (killowatt peak) matches the inverter kva and battery kWh to ensure that the panels are able to charge the battery and excess kW can be used for non-essential loads at the property. However, we do recommend that with a 5kW inverter, 4 panels should be the minimum quantity installed.

This is dependent on the size of the battery kWh and the load in use.

Eg; if you have a 5kWh battery and use on average 1000w/hour, your battery should last a minimum of 4 hours.

If you have panels installed with your inverter system then it is a requirement to register your system at the relevant municipality or in the cases where electricity supply is directly from Eskom, then your system needs to be registered with them. You can visit your local municipality’s website or phone them for more information.

You can contact your local municipality to find out which documents are required when registering your solar installation. Most municipalities and eskom require identification documents (ID / passport), electricity bill, and the application form filled in and signed by the property owner. When the property is registered in a company / trust, a proxy letter is required as well as proof of registration of business or trust.

Warranties are dependent on the product and brand. Most inverters have a 5-year warranty and most batteries have a 10-year warranty. It is best to have a look through the warranty document for the correct warranty period, and what is covered in the warranty. It is important to register your product for the warranty. – please go to our products page for the link to do the warranty if you have a FoxEss, Sunsynk or Revov equipment installed.

LV Li-Ion has a high internal heat factor and is not always easy to extend. The fire risk on the LV battery when damaged (ie. dropped) is much higher.  Moreover, the HV Li-Ion would have a low internal heat factor and is easier to extend. The fire risk is also much lower.

To understand the payback period and return on investment, it is important to take into account any future price increases in electricity tariffs, product price increase when needing to replace equipment in the future, any subsidies being given by the government or municipalities. The calculation includes the monthly electricity usage (in Rands), the total cost of your investment, electricity price increases and equipment replacement costs. Return on Investment begins once the payback period ends.