Solar energy was invented in 1839, but it wasn’t until the 1950’s that we decided to power satellites in outer space. From there, solar technology advanced into what we know and use today. It’s no secret that solar power is the cleanest form of renewable energy.
How Do Solar Water Heating Panels Work?
PV panels (photovoltaic panels) are used to convert the rays of the sun into electricity. This is achieved when electrons move into silicon cells using photons of light whenever the sun is shining.
Solar power can be used to power your entire home or business or even just part of it. It’s the most reliable source of energy available today thanks to solar battery banks. That’s right, you can store solar energy for use at night or when it’s overcast for a few days in a row.
What is the Lifespan of Solar Panels?
The two primary types of solar heating panels are evacuated tube systems and flat plate systems. These products are expected to last anything from 25 – 30 years. Solar panels might indeed lose some efficiency in later years, but degradation rates are minor. Most solar panels work at 90% of their capacity after ten years.
Are Solar Batteries Worth the Investment?
Solar batteries allow you to store the additional energy produced by your solar panels instead of sending it back into the electricity grid. This way, you can maximise your solar energy usage daily. Whenever you require more electricity than your solar panels are producing, for example on a cloudy day or at night, you can easily use stored electricity.
How do Solar Batteries Work?
A solar battery is charged with the energy generated by your solar panels. In the average scenario, most power is used in the morning and evening. Since the sun generates the most energy when you’re not home during the day, all that energy feeds into the electricity grid feeds into the batteries— the energy you can use to power your home.

If you install solar batteries, you can store the excess energy generated by your solar panels for use any time you need them. Studies have shown that most people receive a minimum of 15% That sounds too low ROI by adding a solar battery to their solar energy system.

By closely monitoring your solar panels and usage, you can predict exactly how much energy your panels will generate and when to store it in your solar battery to cut electricity costs.

You can expect your lithium ion solar battery to last between 10 – 15 years, after which it will continue to work, just not at full capacity, and standby time will reduce gradually.

For more information about solar energy and how to successfully store it, get in touch with the team at Renaissance Solar. With extensive experience in the solar industry and many successful solar solutions installed, we have the skills and expertise needed to offer you the best solar solution available. Give us a call for a free consultation today!

Power output is an essential metric for your residential or commercial solar panel system. During the purchase and installation of your solar energy system, the price is calculated on the complete power output of the solar panels and displayed in watts or kilowatts. ( many other factors determine price too: size of inverter, number of batteries)

Three vital factors control the amount of electricity produced by solar panels: Panel size, solar cell efficiency and the amount of sunlight the panel receives.
Panel Size
The term “solar panel” indicates the traditional silicon PV panel typically used for residential applications. Each solar panel contains little squares that are individual solar cells. Linked by wires, these cells are where the magic happens, and electricity is made. The more solar cells work together, the more power they create. If you’re trying to calculate how much electricity your panel will create, the size matters.

While the standard size of solar panels remains the same, modern panels generate more electricity. Mainly due to improvements in cell efficiency by the manufacturers.
Solar Cell Efficiency
In the mid-1900s, the first solar cells could use 6% of the sun’s energy to convert into electricity. These days, the efficiency is closer to 25% in more advanced solar cells, with an average efficiency of around 19% for residential use. By combining the size of the panel with the efficiency of the cells, you get the power rating.
Power Rating
Panels come in many different wattage ratings, but the most advanced solar panel produces nearly 320 watts of power. (dont know where you get this from) These types of panels tend to be more expensive but work well if you only have limited space on your roof. Your solar installation team will assist you in determining exactly how many panels you would need to produce sufficient energy for your home.
How Many kW Solar Do I Need?

Depending on where you are in South Africa and what time of year it is, solar panels will generate a different amount of power. Adding more solar panels to your system is possible after installation, but you should size your system accurately based on your anticipated energy consumption.

If you’re thinking about switching to solar, speak to the team at Renaissance Solar to see how we can help you generate enough solar energy for your home. Get in touch today!

Are you interested in taking your home as much off the grid as possible but can’t seem to find the right time to do so. The team at Rennaissance Solar can assist. We know all there is to know about solar power.

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of calculating the number of solar panels is estimating your household’s annual energy usage. Various consumer products that are on the larger side can change your requirements significantly. For example, if you are heating a swimming pool or have an air conditioning system, the size of your solar solution will change drastically.
Calculating Your Solar Panel Requirements
If you’re wondering how to estimate energy consumption numbers and how many solar panels you’ll need, here’s the breakdown. Start by looking at how many kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity you use annually. Your service provider can provide you with a summary of your total power consumption over the last 12 months.

One kWh is equal to 1000 watts per hour. If you have 20 lights in your home that use 50-watt bulbs, you’ll use one kWh of electricity by having every light switched on for one hour. The average household uses around 10 000 to 11 000 kWh per year.

Look at your monthly electricity bills and see what you are spending per month and/or the units consumed. If it is around R1500 – R2 000 per month then a 5kVa Hybrid system will suit you with 8 x 455W panels and 1 x 5.5kWh Lithium Ion battery. If it is around R2 500 per month you need more like 10 panels and 2 batteries.

When you get to R3 500 per month you need an 8kVa inverter, 14 panels and 2 or 3 batteries.
And if around R4 000 a month then it’s 10kVa of the inverter, 16 Panels and 2 – 3 batteries. And so on …

How Many kWh Can Solar Panels Generate?
The amount of kWh solar panels can generate will depend on their exposure to sunlight. This will vary according to where you are in South Africa as well as what time of year it is.

While it’s possible to add more solar panels after the initial installation, the best option is to accurately size your system based on your prospective energy consumption. If you plan to invest in an air conditioning system, it must be taken into account.

If you’re a homeowner in the early stages of solar shopping and you would just like a ballpark estimate for an installation, we suggest you book a consultation with the team at Renaissance Solar. Give us a call today!