Plug and Play Solar
Even in a world full of uncertainty, we can rely on the sun rising each morning, providing enough energy to power our planet many times over.
Our Products
Inverters
Schneider and Victron inverters.
Switch Gear
No short cuts are used to make systems cheaper at the cost of safety.
PV Panels
Tier one PV panels that carry bankable 20 year linear degradation warrantees.
Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries and battery back-up systems.
Get a Quote For Your Project
No Project Too Big Or Too Small
Help preserve the planet for future generations.
The more renewable energy replaces fossil fuel as our primary source of energy, the better our environment will be in the future.
Sunlight hours already utilised
Per kW Saved every hour
Solar Products
Inverters
PV Panels
Plug and Play Energy uses tier one PV panels that carry a 20-year linear degradation warranty.
Switch Gear
Customer safety is taken seriously and only top quality products are used. IEC best practice is followed to provide safe installations. No short cuts are used to make systems cheaper at the cost of safety.
Batteries
Embrace a future where the lights stay on! Lithium-ion batteries have become more and more affordable. Battery back-up systems ensure continuity of power.
Home grown mounting systems
Plug and Play Energy has a mounting structure suitable for almost all roof types, with thatch being our one exception. We also have a carport solution which can be made water resistant.
Plug and Play Energy has developed a solar mounting structure which complies with all the leading best practices and standards. The 100% aluminium rail is locally produced with 95% of the other components also locally sourced.
Local is lekker! Our system is easy to install and good for the country. Plug and Play Energy is doing what it can to enhance local economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Call For a Quote:
0861 PLUG PLAY
Solar FAQ
Any questions? Have a look at our answers.
How many solar panels are needed to run a house?
The number of panels required depends on the specific household load profile. The best approach is to monitor the energy use of the home in question and work with accurate data. This is particularly important for systems where batteries will be used for energy storage. Furthermore, it is important to know what time of day the power is consumed. If a ballpark is required, a small two bedroom house would need around twelve 250W panels to cover the daily electricity usage. These would also be used for storing energy in batteries for night time needs. It is also important to know that these systems are not always linear and are need specific.
Which is better, Lead-acid or Li-ion?
Li-ion is better in regards to the performance, efficiency, and longevity of the battery. However, the initial cost of these batteries is substantially higher than that of lead-acid. Initial affordability usually determines whether the superior lithium battery is selected or not.
Can you buy and install your own solar panels?
Solar photovoltaic systems are complex systems that require knowledge of electricity and solar power generation. There are also legal and regulatory requirements that the installer is obliged to comply with. Only registered electricians are permitted to carry out certain electrical work on an electrical installation as electrical installations of any kind can be extremely dangerous. Electrical installations carry the risk of electrocution and electrical fires. Using an accredited installer is strongly advised.
Is getting solar panels a good investment?
Yes, solar systems generally fall into two types. Grid-tied systems that are primarily focused on generating savings from solar generated power, and hybrid systems that are focused on continuity of power. If specified and installed correctly, both methods will offer returns on investment over time, however hybrid systems are much more costly because the batteries are so expensive, and thus take a much longer time to get a return.
What is the difference between photovoltaic and solar panels?
The term “photovoltaic” refers to electricity-generating panels, whereas “solar panels” may refer to water heating panels (solar thermal) or electricity-generating panels (photovoltaic).
What is the photovoltaic process?
Silicon wafers are specially treated to create a wafer rich in electrons and one poor in electrons. The two wafers are then sandwiched together. Energy from the sun causes the electrons from the electron-rich layer to flow to the electron-poor layer creating an electrical current.
How long will my battery last?
This will depend on both the size of your battery and the load you intend to extract from your battery. The type of battery you have will also be a factor in how long your battery will last. Lead-acid batteries should not be discharged lower than 50-60% of their capacity. A lead acid battery will need to be approximately twice the size of an equivalent Li-ion battery. The smaller the load and the larger the battery, the longer your battery will last.
Which is better, lead-acid or li-lion?
Li-ion is better in regards to the performance, efficiency, and longevity of the battery. However, the initial cost of these batteries is substantially higher than that of lead-acid. Initial affordability usually determines whether the superior lithium battery is selected or not.
Does it pay to use my batteries at night?
In order to decide what is cost effective, you will need to know the following three factors. The expected cycles of your batteries, the price of your batteries and the cost per unit of electricity from your council. You can calculate the cost per kWh from your battery based on the expected life cycle of your batteries and their cost, and compare this to the cost you are being charged by the council. When used at night, Li-Ion batteries, which have far higher life cycles, are more likely to save you money.
Does my PV System charge my batteries when the main power is off?
Yes. Energy from the sun will still be sent to your batteries. This will extend the expected running time of your batteries as the sun continuously subsidises your load.
What maintenance do batteries need?
Li-Ion needs no maintenance. Sealed lead-acid batteries require no maintenance while flooded batteries will regularly need to be topped up with distilled or reverse osmosis water.
Lead-acid batteries require a cool and well-ventilated environment in order to prevent the build-up of hydrogen, which is highly flammable. Hot environments shorten the expected life of Lead Acid batteries significantly.
Battery FAQ
Any questions? Have a look at our answers.
Battery FAQ
Any questions? Have a look at our answers.
How long will my battery last?
This will depend on both the size of your battery and the load you intend to extract from your battery. The type of battery you have will also be a factor in how long your battery will last. Lead-acid batteries should not be discharged lower than 50-60% of their capacity. A lead acid battery will need to be approximately twice the size of an equivalent Li-ion battery. The smaller the load and the larger the battery, the longer your battery will last.
Which is better, lead-acid or li-lion?
Li-ion is better in regards to the performance, efficiency, and longevity of the battery. However, the initial cost of these batteries is substantially higher than that of lead-acid. Initial affordability usually determines whether the superior lithium battery is selected or not.
Does it pay to use my batteries at night?
In order to decide what is cost effective, you will need to know the following three factors. The expected cycles of your batteries, the price of your batteries and the cost per unit of electricity from your council. You can calculate the cost per kWh from your battery based on the expected life cycle of your batteries and their cost, and compare this to the cost you are being charged by the council. When used at night, Li-Ion batteries, which have far higher life cycles, are more likely to save you money.
Does my PV System charge my batteries when the main power is off?
Yes. Energy from the sun will still be sent to your batteries. This will extend the expected running time of your batteries as the sun continuously subsidises your load.
What maintenance do batteries need?
Li-Ion needs no maintenance. Sealed lead-acid batteries require no maintenance while flooded batteries will regularly need to be topped up with distilled or reverse osmosis water.
Lead-acid batteries require a cool and well-ventilated environment in order to prevent the build-up of hydrogen, which is highly flammable. Hot environments shorten the expected life of Lead Acid batteries significantly.
Contact Us
Please contact us for prices, quotations and system designs.
Please note that accurate quotations may require power monitoring and usually require a site visit .
