Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the solar industry has grown by almost 50% over the past decade.

 

To convert solar energy into electricity, solar panels are constructed from individual solar cells made up of silicon, boron, and phosphorus layers, each of which collects solar energy from the sun. Silicon wafers act as a semiconductor and provide the positive charge, the negative charge, and the phosphorus layer. 

 

A solar panel generates usable electricity when the sun’s photons strike the surface of the panel. The photons knock electrons out of the silicon “sandwich” and into the electric field generated by the solar cells.

 

Types of Solar Panels

 

• Monocrystalline solar panels. They are made from a single crystal of pure silicon that is cut into several thin wafers. In addition, since they are crafted of pure silicon, their dark black colour makes them easy to identify.
• Polycrystalline solar panels. The silicon fragments are melted and poured into square moulds, instead of being made from one silicon crystal.
• Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) panels. The PERC solar panel improves upon the traditional monocrystalline solar cell by adding a passivation layer to the rear surface of the cell.

 

Which Type of Solar Panel Is Best?

As far as solar panel types are concerned, crystalline panels provide the highest level of efficiency. Monocrystalline panels have an efficiency rating of over 20%, while PERC panels perform at an even higher level of efficiency due to their passivation layer.

 

If you decide to install solar panels for your home or business, be sure to do your homework before choosing the right one. Solar panels are designed for long-term installation, which can last up to 25 years. If you need assistance finding the most suitable solar solution for your home or business, feel free to contact Renaissance Solar.

 

The comparison of different green energy sources is never simple. This is because there are so many factors and variables that must be taken into consideration. It is never as simple as choosing one over the other. It is relatively straightforward to compare solar and wind power on a global scale, but trying to decide between them can cause a lot of headaches. We have compiled some helpful advice on choosing what is best for your needs based on our thoughts on the two green energy sources.

 

There is no question that wind energy is a more efficient source of energy than solar. Wind turbines emit less carbon dioxide than solar panels (in terms of how much CO2 is released) and can produce more than forty-eight thousand times more energy per kWh than solar panels. 

 

While solar panels can produce energy for a limited period, wind energy is becoming increasingly important as an alternative to fossil fuels in many countries.

 

Even though wind power is arguably the most efficient source of energy, it is not a clear favourite in areas with a high population density. They are generally regarded as an eye sore, are often very noisy, and disturb nature and wildlife in several ways. 

 

It is generally assumed that wind turbines are capable of working in windy areas, but that is rarely the case. Solar panels are much less noticeable and require considerably less space than wind turbines, and they do not make any noise. Wind turbines require a constant flow of strong winds to function, which is not possible in a residential area due to trees, houses, cars, etc. 

 

Since solar panels are more predictable, require less maintenance, and do not contribute to already high levels of sound pollution, they are a better choice for most homeowners. Solar panels can be easily installed in most homes, but wind turbines are not suitable for everyone. 

 

Are you looking for an effective solar solution for your home or business? Look no further. The team at Renaissance Solar can help. Get in touch to find out how.

 

PV voltage, or photovoltaic voltage, is the energy produced by a single PV cell. Photovoltaic (PV) systems also known as solar power systems, is a system designed to supply suitable power by utilizing sunlight and photovoltaics. It’s a way of generating electricity that can actually be used by consumers.

 

What is PV Power?

When the PV panel absorbs sunlight, the solar energy loosens electrons from their atoms, allowing them to produce electricity by passing through the material. The PV (photovoltaic) effect is where the conversion of light (photons) to electricity (voltage) happens.

 

3 Major Components of PV Systems

PV Panel

As we’ve mentioned previously, solar panels work by allowing particles of light (photons) to knock electrons free from their atoms, thus producing a surge of electricity.

 

At Renaissance Solar, we only use A-grade, tier-1 photovoltaic panels. And since they come with a 25-year, 80% performance warranty, it means that even after 25 years of use, your solar panels will still be working at 80% capacity. 

Inverters 

An inverter converts DC (Direct Current)  power to AC (Alternating Current)  power. The appliances we use in our homes, as well as the grid, require AC power and since solar panels produce DC power and batteries also store DC power, an inverter is needed. 

 

At Renaissance Solar, we only use the best inverters on the market: the Phocos andSunsynk  These inverters can easily handle a flow of more than their stated capacity. Entirely programmable,  they also offer efficient protection of the batteries. 

Batteries (Lithium)

At the risk of stating the obvious, batteries store excess electricity for future use. It acts as a backup should there be a power outage to allow uninterrupted operation of appliances. With an expected lifespan of 10 – 15 years, it will still continue to work but you’ll notice a reduction in standby time.

 

Renaissance Solar Offers High-Quality, Affordable PV Systems to South Africans

 

There are many solar power companies in South Africa but one name stands out from the rest: Renaissance Solar. That’s because we have extensive experience and a long list of satisfied customers to show for it.

 

Don’t get left behind. Invest in solar power to start seeing massive savings on your monthly energy bill. Get in touch with Renaissance Solar today!

 

Many South African households have been compelled to opt for renewable energy to power their homes due to consistent load shedding. Over the past few decades, solar panels have become more affordable and more efficient. Researchers are working to improve the efficiency rate of photovoltaics in order to maximize the use of solar energy.  

The efficiency of solar panels ranges from 15% to 22%, depending upon factors such as location, orientation, weather conditions, and similar factors. A solar panel’s efficiency is determined by the amount of sunlight it is able to convert into electricity. Performance is the amount of sunlight a solar panel is able to convert into electricity.

Standard Test Conditions (STC) are used to determine the efficiency of solar panels. STC specifies a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and an irradiance of 1,000 watts per square meter. This is what would occur on a sunny day with incident light hitting a 37-degree tilted surface facing the sun. A solar panel with a surface area of 1 m2 and 15% efficiency would produce 150 watts under these test conditions.

As a system, the efficiency of solar panels (modules) does not necessarily translate into the efficiency of individual solar cells. While the efficiency of solar panels is generally between 15-20%, it is possible for solar cells to achieve 42% in some cases. 

Solar Panel Selection: 4 Key Attributes

• The cost per square meter of your solar panels.
• A solar panel’s overall efficiency.
• Individual solar cell life expectancy.
• Your solar panel’s aesthetics and style.

A solar panel’s capacity to store electricity during the day may also need to be considered.

By installing a solar battery storage system in South African homes with solar panels, you will be able to use this electricity in the evening. This will reduce your dependence on the power grid. To help you find the most suitable solar panels for your specific home, speak to a solar expert like Renaissance Solar today. 

 

Looking for the best quality PV solar panels? If you live in Cape Town, then you’ll find nothing less than the best quality PV solar panels at Renaissance Solar, on your doorstep, and if you live a little further out from Cape Town, they’re just around the corner!

This team of qualified, experienced solar PV panels suppliers and installers have been in the industry for more than 10 years, offering high quality products that are all approved by the City of Cape Town, which is exactly what you want, when making in investment in PV solar panels.

Along with their installing partners, this team has proudly delivered the largest number of installed solar PV commercial projects in sunny South Africa, making them just the team to trust with your home installation, when you’re ready to say goodbye to Eskom.

If it’s a comprehensive solution that you’re looking for, to meet your energy and budget requirements, then you’ll get the best of it all through Renaissance Solar, without a doubt.

Best quality PV solar panels?

Before we get into what you can expect in terms of quality and longevity from Renaissance Solar PV panels, let’s take a peek into how this team has simplified what solar electricity power is.

In their own words, “Solar PV systems generate electricity by converting sunlight directly into electricity. The Photovoltaic cell (PV) consists of one or two layers of a semi conducting material, usually silicon which – when light shine on it – creates an electric field across layers, causing electricity to flow.”

Simplicity at its best! This writer is yet to find an explanation that sets out what solar electricity power is, that is this succinct and understandable to those of us who aren’t solar fundi’s!

Renaissance Solar is a local solar company dedicated to furthering the growth of solar energy in Cape Town. 

Much like their high quality solar hot water systems, they like to keep as much of their products local, including their high quality PV solar panels, so that they can operate at optimal levels in high radiation environments, like ours.

How long would you like your PV solar panels to last? Well, the team at Renaissance Solar believes you deserve the quality of solar panel that will give you the peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed lifespan of 25 years; now that’s an investment in the future if ever there was one!

PV solar panels need a system so that they can do what they do best!

Hybrid PV solar system or Grid Tie PV solar system? There’s the rub, and the main question when you enter the world of solar energy. 

The main point to keep in mind is that each system is different, depending on individual requirements, which is why you’d enjoy working with this team, who offer the latest solar power solutions to meet all the needs of individual clients.

Whether you need a solar power solution for a small or large project, the team at Renaissance Solar is on standby to guide you from start to installation and beyond, the moment you call on them to change your reliance from Eskom, to a reliance on the sun!

If you’re looking for a residential or commercial solar power solution that offers you fast payback periods with a fantastic ROI, contact the friendly team at Renaissance Solar today for the best quality PV solar panels and more!

 

Asking the burning question; how solar PV system works? Well, this can be quite a minefield for the uninitiated into solar energy, which is precisely why we need experts we can trust, to explain how a solar PV system works.

Add to this the fact that there are a few different types of solar PV systems on the market, as well as different configurations to meet the energy demands for individual households or businesses, and it really becomes a quagmire of tech-speak.

It’s essential to find people with integrity and an excellent long-term reputation for customer service to start finding your way around how a solar PV system works, and which would best suit your needs, which is where the awesome team at Renaissance Solar fits in perfectly.

If you live in Cape Town and surrounding areas, this is the team of solar experts you want on your side, to take you from concept to drawing board, and finally to installation.

In addition to this, the team does it all at great prices that are designed to allow Capetonians the opportunity to free themselves from excessive electricity tariffs and load shedding, once and for all, well into the future.

If 2022 load shedding is anything to go by, then 2023 doesn’t look too rosy at all, and neither do the hikes in electricity tariffs that are still to come!

How solar PV system works?

Renaissance Solar supplies and installs Solar Hot Water Systems, Hybrid PV Systems and Grid Tie PV Systems, and have been doing so for over a decade. 

You need only check out what their customer testimonials have to say about this awesome team, to know that you’re dealing with real people who are passionate about the best of everything for their clients!

Ultimately, at the bottom line, a solar PV system harnesses the energy of the sun, turning it into electricity that can be used to heat water, keep your entire home running irrespective of load shedding, or you could start with something as simple as the smallest Load-Shedder System.

No matter where you start with a solar PV system, it helps to remember that we live in one of the best areas of the world for solar energy, where we are literally bathed in sunlight, making solar energy well worth taking advantage of, if you get half a chance.

Yes, cloudy and rainy days do mean that solar panels don’t operate at their optimal levels, however, they still operate, and that’s what counts, especially if you’ve invested in batteries and an inverter to store the energy collected from UV rays.

Request a free quote for a solar PV system from Renaissance Solar!

Perhaps a little less money can be spent over the festive season and kept to invest in a solar hot water system, which already shaves up to 40% off your electricity bill.

Alternatively, you can currently use what’s saved, to invest in the smallest PV Hybrid System at R115 000, installed, to ward off what’s coming in 2023. 

You can always build on a system like this as time goes by, mainly because the quality of solar products from Renaissance Solar are made for South Africa, and as a local team they know exactly what you’ll need to meet your budget!

Let’s not forget that the smallest Load-Shedder System works out at only R64 000 currently, installed; no more worrying about whether the meat in your freezer will defrost and go off, or if the holidays will be spoiled because of load shedding!

Contact the team at Renaissance Solar today to change your world to solar energy in 2023, and remember to chat to them about their payment options that may be available, to make it a little easier on your budget!

 

The advancement of solar technology has been an ongoing race that started well over a century or more ago, and there are still incredible advancements happening as we speak, in our super-fast technological age.

Sometimes the history of something as revolutionary as solar energy and its birth leads us to questions like; who invented the solar cell? There’s seldom one person that can take credit for these types of advancements and inventions though.

More often than not, one inventor begins with one step, then another takes it a step further and so on, until, as we see today, we find relief financially, as well as from load shedding in South Africa, by what these searching and inventive minds started so very long ago.

Today we can rely on PV solar systems to keep us going while the rest of the country is in darkness, and we get to take a major financial load off when it comes to electricity tariffs, as they increase exponentially each year.

Who invented the solar cell?

When the historical inventors of the solar cell, known today as a photovoltaic cell (PV) or, in terms of a full system, a solar PV system, they weren’t thinking, as we do today, about protecting the environment.

They hadn’t yet seen what man would do to destroy our natural resources, which would send us in search of alternative energy sources. It was about pure science, and enquiring minds that gave us the opportunity to care about what the future holds for the environment today.

Here’s a very brief look at each genius that started the ball rolling towards the solar cell, though each deserves so much more, however, space is limited;

Edmond Becquerel

In 1839 Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect. This young French scientist discovered the process that can produce an electric current when exposed to light.

Augustin Mouchot

During the 1860’s Augustin Mouchot, inspired by Edmond’s work, started registering solar powered engine patents, which further inspired physicists right across to America. From there, this mathematician filed further patents in 1888 for solar powered devices. Phenomenal!

Edward Weston – the real father of solar cells!

Not too long after this, Edward Weston became the father-inventor who received 2 patents for solar cells; and so the journey began. In Weston’s words, he proposed to “transform radiant energy derived from the sun into electrical energy, or through electrical energy into mechanical energy”.

All these men with minds that let their imagination and hunger for advancement, along with their extensive knowledge, deserve so much more than what is written here, however, people such as the team at Renaissance Solar carry on their dreams today, with the same passion and commitment to a future that relies on the sun for energy, and nothing less.

Back to the future in 2022/2023 with Renaissance Solar

Renaissance Solar in Cape Town has been supplying, installing and designing solar PV systems, based on the principles born centuries ago, for well over a decade, pouring into all their installations a creative passion for people, quality products, superb customer service and after-sales service that makes them stand head above shoulders of the rest.

If there is anything you’d like to know about Hybrid or Grid Tie solar PV systems, solar hot water systems and budget-beating solar prices, this is the team to trust with your dreams.

Down to earth, honest and straightforward, Renaissance Solar is more than willing to share their expert knowledge with anyone who would like to know more about transitioning to solar energy, no matter where you start, big or small! 

 

Well, let’s get right into it with the question on the tip of many tongues right now; is it worth getting solar PV? The short answer? Yes, but we won’t leave you hanging there when it comes to something as important to your future and finances as a solar PV system can be.

We live in a world that has placed us all in a state of uncertainty, and we live in a country where load shedding adds an extra weight to that uncertainty, never knowing when the simplest of life’s tasks will become a major challenge, just because of a sudden power outage.

Homeowners and business owners are at wits end; solar power or noisy generator, just to survive and keep going, so that nothing is lost at whatever stage Eskom chooses as its next unpredictable load shedding schedule.

This has been going on for well over ten years now, so, let’s ask the question again at this junction!

Is it worth getting solar PV?

In a beautiful country that has abundant sunshine, to the extent that South Africa is the perfect site for solar, with a phenomenal 2,500 sun hours a year, compared the 1,000 hours of most European countries, the real question should be; why doesn’t every roof have solar panels soaking it up, turning it into electricity?

Aside from load shedding, lets whisper here about the ever-increasing electricity tariffs that have all but turned electricity into a luxury even for the average South African household, and it isn’t going to get any better in 2023!

Even if all you do is start with the smallest solar PV system from Renaissance Solar in Cape Town, South Africa, you’ll already start knocking a major chunk off your electricity bill every year, with quick payback periods that offer a great ROI.

No matter how small you start, you can always add on, and Renaissance Solar will be around for a long time to come, just as stable as they have been over the last decade and more.

The benefits of a solar PV system far outweigh any disadvantages, by a long shot. At most, your system won’t operate as well on a cloudy day as it would on a sunny day, but with the right batteries and inverter, and the right system to meet your power requirements, you won’t feel load shedding at all.

Let’s face it, the less you have to rely on an unpredictable grid that costs more every time you open your eyes, the better life becomes. 

An added bonus, is that according to local real estate agents, more than 50% of those in the market for buying homes, are willing to pay anywhere up to R 100 000.00 or more, for any property that offers a reduction in electricity costs. Solar PV system anyone?

Why choose Renaissance Solar PV Systems in Cape Town?

Quality and phenomenal customer service for a start. Then there’s the fact that the team at Renaissance Solar is passionate about what they do, which means that they’re only too happy to share their expertise with anyone planning to move to solar energy.

Have a look at what their customers have to say about this down to earth team here, who really care about integrity, great prices and amazing after-sales service.

Go ahead, contact Renaissance Solar to get the ball rolling towards a future where your electricity is generated from the sun, in perpetuity.

 

To generate electricity from solar energy, solar panels are constructed by combining layers of silicon, boron, and phosphorus, each of which is made from silicon, boron, and phosphorus. A silicon wafer functions as a semiconductor, providing a positive charge, a negative charge, and a negative charge on the boron layer. 

 

Monocrystalline Solar Panels

The single-crystal panels are made from a single crystal of silicon, which is divided into several wafers and is visible as a dark black colour because of its pure silicon content.

 

Polycrystalline Solar Panels

In contrast to single silicon crystals, these come from different silicon crystals instead. By melting and pouring silicon fragments into a square mould, polycrystalline cells are highly affordable since there is little wastage, and their square shape gives them their distinctive appearance.

 

PERC Solar Panels

PERC solar panels offer an improvement over monocrystalline cells by adding a passivation layer to the rear surface of the cell. They are a relatively new technology that adds a passivation layer to the rear surface of the cell to improve its efficiency.

Cost and Lifespan of Solar Panels

A common question people ask regarding solar panels is typically how much they cost. After which they want to know how long the solar panels will last. Unfortunately, there isn’t one straight answer. It all depends on the system you choose and the quality of the product. The lifespan of polycrystalline silicon and monocrystalline silicon solar panels exceeds their 25-year warranties. 

 

Due to its complex and inefficient manufacturing process with only a 50% yield for silicon crystals, monocrystalline panels are expensive. Because polycrystalline modules utilize leftover crystal fragments from monocrystalline production, which reduces the manufacturing process and the cost of production, polycrystalline modules are cheaper.

 

One thing remains true, however, installing solar panels on your property will always be a good investment. Here’s why:

 

1. It will lower your monthly electricity bill
2. It will allow you to reduce your carbon footprint by decreasing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
3. You can even store energy for colder, less sunny months
4. It will get you through that darn inconvenience of load-shedding.

 

Solar panels are an investment but will pay for themselves in just a few years. With the lifespan being a decade or even two, the prospect of saving money is even better when going solar. If free renewable energy is what you’re after, solar panels are the way to go. 

 

Everyone is trying to find ways to lower their monthly financial burden and with electricity rates increasing rapidly, you might want to consider installing solar panels. Renaissance Solar offers high-quality SABS-approved solar products with strong manufacturer warranties at affordable prices to the South African market. 

 

For more information or if you’d like to get started with the installation of your solar panels, get in touch with the friendly team at Renaissance Solar today!

 

When the sun’s radiation is captured and converted into heat or electricity, solar power is generated. As a result of technological advances, we have this source of energy at our disposal and will continue to have it for a very long time to come. This is the greatest advantage of solar power.

 

The cost of solar power (or the lack thereof) might be the biggest advantage but it surely isn’t the only one. Below are three other benefits of using solar power. 

Slow down Global Warming (Aka Climate Change)

Global warming is not a gimmick and poses a real threat to the survival of humanity. Scientists have spent decades doing research and finding alternative solutions to create electricity without creating air pollution. They’ve concluded that solar power is the best weapon for the fight against global warming. 

Reliable Source of Energy

If there’s one thing everyone knows for sure, it’s that the sun will rise and set every day. Cloud coverage might be a little more unpredictable but there are relatively accurate forecasts available to determine how much sunlight can be expected in various locations all over the world. 

Increase the Value of Your Property

Homes with solar systems installed sell for more, according to statistics. Additionally, you’ll obtain clean, renewable energy from the sun while reducing your use of fossil fuels. Thus, if you install solar panels, you will significantly reduce your energy bills, or even eliminate them. 

Why Solar Is Bad

Despite solar technology’s environmental benefits, it is found to contain many of the same hazardous materials found in electronic waste. As solar technology becomes more popular, disposing of hazardous waste becomes more difficult. That being said, solar technology is evolving at a very fast pace and solutions to this problem are already being researched.

 

We have no doubt that solar power will ensure a better future. The costs of solar power are expected to decrease in the near future to make it easier to move away from traditional power sources and our dependence on fossil fuels. 

 

If you have been looking for a solar power solution for your home or business in Cape Town, look no further. Renaissance Solar can help you reduce your carbon footprint by installing solar panels in your home. Get in touch with the team at Renaissance Solar for a free quotation today!