When deciding to purchase a solar system, there are a few key considerations that you should keep in mind. These will help you choose the right system to meet your needs and make sure you get the most out of your investment.

 

The first consideration is the size of the solar system. The size of the system you need depends on the amount of energy you intend to use and the amount of space you have available for installation. If you have a limited amount of space, then you may need to opt for a smaller system. The size of the system you choose will also determine the number of panels you need and the associated costs.

 

The second consideration is the type of solar system you want. Different types of solar systems are available, such as solar water heating systems, photovoltaic systems (PV solar), and hybrid systems. It’s important to choose the system that best suits your needs, as different systems may have different features and benefits.

 

The third consideration is the cost of the solar system. This includes the purchase price, installation costs, and any maintenance costs. It’s important to consider all of these factors when assessing the total cost of the system.

 

The fourth consideration is the quality of the solar system. It’s important to choose a system that is made from high-quality materials and has a good warranty. This will ensure that your system will last for many years and provide you with reliable energy.

 

Finally, the fifth consideration is the supplier you choose. It’s important to research suppliers and compare the different options available to ensure you get the best solar system for your needs.

High-Quality PV Solar Systems South Africa

At Renaissance Solar, we specialize in providing quality solar systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Our team of experienced professionals will help you select the perfect solar system for your needs and provide you with the best solution for your specific requirements.

 

Our team of experts will provide you with a detailed custom design and will help you determine the necessary components for your system. We’ll also guide you through the installation process and provide ongoing support to ensure you get the most out of your system.

 

We use only the highest quality components for our solar systems and our systems come with a 25-year warranty. This ensures that you’ll get years of reliable service from your system and will be able to maximize your investment. Get in touch with Renaissance Solar for the best in solar solutions today!

 

Solar is transforming South Africa in a big way – and it’s likely to be a major part of the country’s future. Renewable energy sources, like solar, offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional energy sources. Plus, solar energy is abundant in South Africa, making it a great choice for sustainable energy solutions.

 

Solar energy is already making a big impact in South Africa. Inexpensive solar power has enabled the country to become a leader in African renewable energy. South Africa is the largest solar energy producer on the continent, with over 2,000 megawatts of solar capacity installed in 2020. This is expected to nearly double by 2024.

 

Not only is solar energy providing much-needed electricity to the country, but it is also creating jobs and contributing to economic growth. Solar energy is helping to reduce the cost of energy in South Africa, which is a major benefit to the country’s citizens. Plus, the shift to solar energy has led to improved air quality, as solar energy does not rely on burning fossil fuels.

 

Now, why should you purchase a solar solution from Renaissance Solar in South Africa? Well, there are plenty of reasons.

 

First, Renaissance Solar is a leader in the South African solar energy industry. Their highly-trained technicians and engineers have years of experience in the field and they are committed to providing the highest quality solar solutions. Additionally, Renaissance Solar has a wide range of solar solutions to meet the needs of any customer, from small residential systems to large-scale commercial projects.

 

Renaissance Solar is committed to customer service. Their technicians and engineers are always available to answer questions and provide advice and assistance. Plus, their customer service team is always available to help with any issues that may arise.

 

Solar Power is helping people in South Africa cope with the poor power supply from Eskom, and Renaissance Solar is leading the way. Their commitment to providing quality solar energy solutions, affordable pricing, and excellent customer service make them the perfect choice for anyone looking to make the switch to solar energy. For more information, feel free to get in touch with the team.

 

Generally, solar panels produce more energy than is needed around the house. Whenever there is an excess, it is sent to the National Grid. You will be charged nearly three times as much if you buy this energy back from a supplier, so it makes sense to hold onto and use as much of your free solar energy as possible.

The excess energy generated by your solar panels can be used in a variety of different ways, depending on your needs. This article examines solar diverters and whether they are worthwhile.

What Is a Solar Diverter?

The purpose of a solar diverter is to divert excess electricity from your solar panel to your hot water cylinder (equal to the amount of electricity exported to the grid).

The system measures the flow of electricity entering and leaving your home, including the excess electricity generated by your solar system. Whenever surplus solar generation is detected, it diverts the excess electricity to your hot water cylinder rather than exporting it to the grid. As a result, your water heating will no longer be dependent on grid-supplied electricity, but instead will be powered by excess solar energy.

A temperature probe is also included which attaches to the hot water cylinder. When the cylinder temperature falls below the minimum allowable temperature, this device draws electricity from the grid to maintain the temperature of your water.

If there is no solar diverter, the system will provide electricity for home appliances as required at the time, while the excess electricity will be exported directly to the power grid.

It is well known that batteries are the most efficient way to store excess electricity generated by solar energy systems. For customers who are seeking a more cost-effective option, the investment in batteries can present a barrier. Having a solar diverter is definitely a wise addition for homeowners with standard hot water cylinders and solar power systems or for those considering installing one.

For more information about installing a solar diverter, feel free to get in touch with the team at Renaissance Solar today. 

 

The CSP method of converting the sun’s heat into electricity was once dominant; however, after photovoltaic (PV) solar prices plummeted, the CSP process faded. Even with batteries, PV, unlike CSP, does not provide long-term, dispatchable generation required by high-renewable energy systems.

 

CSP: How It Works

The concept of concentrated solar power (CSP) involves the use of mirrors to generate electricity. Using mirrors, sunlight is reflected, concentrated, and focused on a specific area, which is then converted into heat. This heat is then used to create steam that drives a turbine, generating electrical power. As CSP technology can store the heat produced, it can be repeated continuously. Therefore, it can be used on days where there is no sun, as well as before sunrise and after sunset.

 

One of the most obvious advantages of CSP is that it is renewable. It can be used continuously and will never run out, making it a sustainable energy source. In addition to reducing carbon footprint, CSP uses the earth’s natural resources instead of fossil fuels which emit carbon dioxide when burned, improving air quality and reducing the rate of climate change.

 

In contrast to solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind power, which provide intermittent supplies of electricity, CSP provides a relatively continuous source of electricity. The electricity generated by CSP plants is predictable and reliable because solar energy can be stored in the form of molten salts.

How Do Photovoltaics and Concentrated Solar Power Differ?

CSP systems convert the sun’s energy using mirrors to drive a heat engine and produce electricity. PV systems convert the sun’s energy using panels to produce electricity.

 

CSP has many benefits, but it also has some disadvantages, especially in populated areas, where it is not economically feasible to operate CSP plants. It is costly to operate CSP plants, and it is difficult to find materials that can withstand high temperatures. Concentrated solar power uses a large amount of water to drive steam turbines and cool thermochemical reactors. 

 

Looking for an affordable solar power solution for your home or business? Renaissance Solar can assist. Contact us today for a free quote. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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!

 

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!

 

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.