There is no other source of energy as abundant and renewable as the sun. During any given day, the sun can provide enough energy to keep the world running. Moreover, solar energy is one of the cleanest sources of energy, making it a key player in combating the climate crisis by reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
What is Solar Energy?
Energy is generated by the sun in the form of photons which make their way all the way to the earth within a few minutes after having been generated. When these photons impact the earth, they provide light and heat. We use solar energy to power our homes and businesses by converting the photons’ energy into thermal or electrical energy.
South African Solar Energy
The high irradiation rate in South Africa (which is an indicator of solar potential) indicates that the weather conditions are more conducive for solar energy in South Africa than in Germany, which is one of the world’s top solar producers. Load shedding is also an ongoing source of frustration in the country, which is intended to protect the country’s electricity supply from a total blackout, which could have far-reaching effects.
Businesses in South Africa that are unable to operate without power have been negatively affected by load shedding. As a direct result, businesses lose income, which may be difficult to recover given the current economic situation in the country. Additionally, households also suffer in the process of load shedding because it often occurs during peak hours when families are preparing dinner or getting ready for the day ahead.
Additionally, South Africa has a low population density, which means that vast tracts of land are available for solar plants. There are many parts of the country without access to electricity, and these plants could greatly improve their access to energy.
Solar Energy Advantages
Solar energy has many advantages that make it an attractive alternative to conventional energy sources.
- You can either use energy to power your whole building or you can supplement your energy consumption;
- Solar systems require low maintenance and are durable;
- The ability to reduce monthly electric bills in the long-term;
- It is possible to store solar energy for use during cloudy days;
- Since solar systems operate without power lines or machines, they are completely silent
- Extra electricity generated by solar on supplemented systems;
- It is also environmentally friendly since it is clean, renewable, and does not emit carbon dioxide
Plug & Play – Solar Suppliers
As a society, we have become increasingly aware that it is essential to become as self-sufficient as possible, and there are many ways that we can accomplish this. However, not everybody can afford a whole solar system. Plug & Play understands that finding ways to minimise monthly expenses while navigating ever-present load shedding schedules is a major concern for many South Africans.
South Africans can now go off the grid easily and more comfortably with our products backed by the latest technologies.
Get in touch with us for more information.