Are solar and battery backup solutions still worth it in community schemes?

In recent years, South Africans have grown accustomed to load shedding, but with significant improvements in the country’s energy supply, many are now wondering whether their investment in solar energy and battery backup solutions is still worth it. While load shedding might be a thing of the past for now, the benefits of investing in renewable energy solutions go far beyond just having a backup during power outages, especially with double-digit tariff increases on the horizon….

Here’s how sectional title schemes and homeowner’s associations in South Africa can still reap the rewards of solar and battery storage solutions, even without the constant threat of load shedding.

Although the country is no longer facing daily power outages, solar energy continues to provide significant financial benefits, especially during daylight hours. Instead of relying entirely on the national grid, which is increasingly expensive, you can generate your own electricity from the sun.

• Cost savings: Solar energy allows businesses and households to reduce their dependency on Eskom, whose tariffs have been increasing steadily. Even without load shedding, solar power systems can save you up to 30% on your electricity bills, especially if you take advantage of cheaper off-peak rates during the day.
• Long-term savings: Once your solar panels are installed, the ongoing cost is minimal, especially if you choose a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), which requires no upfront payment and includes maintenance and monitoring of the system. You pay only for the energy you use, often at a significantly reduced rate compared to Eskom’s rates.
• Battery backup: For those who want to maximise savings, battery storage is an invaluable addition. It allows you to store excess energy generated during the day for use during high-demand periods or at night. With a battery, you can power your scheme during peak hours when electricity prices are high, ensuring you’re not drawing from the grid at the most expensive times.

Battery storage solutions are particularly effective at managing demand charges, which are often a significant part of your electricity bill. These charges are based on the highest level of electricity demand over a given period. The higher the peak demand, the more expensive your energy bill becomes.

• Time-of-use arbitrage: If you’re on a time-of-use tariff, where electricity rates vary depending on the time of day, a battery system can store energy during off-peak hours when rates are lower. Then, it can discharge this energy during peak hours, helping you avoid the higher costs associated with peak-time consumption.
• Peak shaving: Battery systems can also be used to shave peaks in your energy demand. By strategically discharging your battery during times of high demand, you can smooth out your consumption and lower your peak charges, resulting in lower overall electricity costs.

Solar energy and battery storage offer the flexibility to adapt to your changing energy requirements.

• Scalability: Solar systems are modular, meaning you can easily add more panels or increase your battery storage capacity as your energy needs grow. This makes it easy to scale your system up or down depending on your consumption or expansion plans.
• Energy independence for growth: As South Africa transitions away from coal-fired power plants, the need for reliable, clean energy solutions is more important than ever. By investing in solar energy and battery backup now, you are positioning your community scheme to be less vulnerable to the grid’s limitations and future energy disruptions.
• Future-proofing: The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and other energy-intensive technologies means that energy demands will continue to grow. Solar and battery systems provide the flexibility to meet these future challenges while maintaining control over your energy costs.

As the world increasingly focuses on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints, community schemes and individuals alike can enhance their spaces by switching to renewable energy solutions. Installing solar panels and using battery storage demonstrates a commitment to green energy, which can attract environmentally-conscious buyers.

Even though load shedding may no longer be a daily concern for South Africans, the financial benefits of investing in solar energy and battery storage remain compelling. With significant savings on electricity bills, the ability to manage energy demand, predictable costs, and the flexibility to adapt to future energy needs, solar and battery systems are a smart investment for both body corporates and gated estates.

If you’re considering making the switch to renewable energy, explore your options with us and discover how you can start saving and contributing to a greener planet – today!

Contact us to learn more about solar and battery solutions that suit your needs and ensure much needed financial savings.