by creative | Feb 16, 2024 | Industry Insights, Thomas Electrical
In recent years, South Africa has been grappling with significant challenges in its electricity supply, leading to frequent load shedding across the country. This has not only disrupted daily life but also affected the economy. As a sustainable solution, solar backup systems have gained popularity.
When the national grid is under pressure, certain areas are deliberately cut off from power to prevent a total collapse of the power system. In South Africa, this has become a common practice due to aging infrastructure, maintenance issues, and insufficient capacity. Mitigating load shedding is a priority for South Africans and a solar backup solution is one of the most effective ways to achieve this.
The Solar Backup System
Mitigating load shedding with a solar backup system typically comprises solar panels, a battery storage unit, and an inverter. It harnesses sunlight, converting it into electricity, which is then stored for use when the main power supply is unavailable. These systems can range from small setups powering critical loads to larger systems designed to run entire households or businesses.
Advantages of Solar Backup Systems
- Sustainable and Renewable.
- Eco-friendly: Solar energy is clean, renewable, and does not emit greenhouse gases during operation.
- Renewable: Unlike fossil fuels, the sun’s energy is inexhaustible, providing a sustainable power solution.
- Helps in mitigating load shedding effects and relieves pressure from the grid.
Economic Benefits
- Cost Savings: After the initial setup cost, the electricity generated is free, leading to significant savings on utility bills.
- Increased Property Value: Homes with solar systems have been shown to have higher property values and attract buyers faster.
- Energy Independence
- Reduced Reliance on Grid: Solar backup systems decrease dependency on the national grid, mitigating the impact of load shedding.
- Self-sufficiency: Offers households and businesses a degree of autonomy in managing their power needs.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Maintenance Needs: While generally low maintenance, solar systems do require regular checks and cleaning to maintain efficiency.
Battery Replacement: Battery storage systems have a limited lifespan and will need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, depending on the technology.
As South Africa continues to face challenges with load shedding, solar backup systems present a viable solution for many. Despite the high initial costs and dependence on weather conditions, the benefits of sustainability, cost savings, and increased energy independence make it an attractive option
by creative | Oct 20, 2023 | Thomas Electrical
A little background
Thomas Electrical was established in 1999 by Shaun Thomas. This team of electricians have extensive experience in both domestic and commercial installations as well as maintenance, solar/backup systems and compliance.
Thomas Electrical offers electrical services, maintenance, contracting, solar, inverter and compliance in Cape Town CBD, Constantia, Llandudno, Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton and surrounding areas. Thomas Electrical, Thomas Solar and Thomas Compliant also provides service to Sea Point, Green Point, Tamboerskloof, Bantry Bay, Gardens, de Waterkant, the Southern Suburbs and surrounding areas.
They strive for efficient service delivery and quality workmanship, and have the backing of the Electrical Contractors Association to guarantee their work.
Electrical Maintenance
The Electrical Maintenance division specialises in fault finding and repair to all household and commercial electrics excluding appliances.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Most electrical faults as well as small contracts i.e. Small renovations and lighting
- Issue of compliance certificates
- Assessment of power consumption
- Outdoor and Landscape Lighting
- Bathroom and Kitchen Lighting
- Energy Saving Solutions
- Code updates and corrections
- Ceiling and Extractor Fan Installations
- Geysers and more
AREAS THAT WE SERVICE INCLUDE:
- Hout Bay
- Llandudno
- Camps Bay
- Clifton
- Bantry Bay
- Sea Point
- Mouille Point
- Three Anchor Bay
- Cape Town City Bowl
Electrical Contracts
Thomas Electrical contracts division specialises in mostly high end residential properties and commercial properties and retail outlets.
WE HANDLE:
- Residential – large renovations to total new builds
- Home automation
- Commercial- large renovations and new builds
by creative | Oct 20, 2023 | Thomas Solar
What is Battery Backup?
Typically a battery backup does not have any solar connected to it. We use an off grid inverter which uses power from the grid or a generator to charge the batteries. In the event of a power failure this inverter will used the stored energy from the batteries to keep powering the connected loads. Solar panels can be added to this setup at any time turning it from a battery backup only to an off grid solar system generating electricity and thus paying for itself over time.
What is an Off Grid System?
This system can run independent of the grid but if available the grid will be used to grid assist when the load exceeds the power being produced by the panels and the batteries. This system has batteries so is perfect for storing power to run your home through the night. Never again be interrupted by Eskom load shedding. A generator can also be added to this system.
What is a Grid Tied System?
Grid tied means that the installation is tied into the utility grid in our case Eskom. We apply to council and purchase their bidirectional meter. The power produced by the sun can be used to power daytime loads and any excess will credit the meter which can then be used for night time consumption. There are no batteries in this system so it is generally cheaper. You can add an off grid inverter later turning the system into a hybrid system. The problem with this system is that when the utility goes down or we have kids bedding the systems disconnects to avoid power going into the grid. You can however have a generator or smaller backup for essentials installed.
What is a Hybrid System?
Hybrid is a combination of both and by far the best system. A grid tied inverter will send the power produced from the panels into the grid and power your home. The off grid inverter will be linked to this grid and use that power to charge the batteries. This off grid inverter will then be used to power night time loads and in the event of a power failure keep sending power to anything connected to it. A generator can also be added to this system.
by creative | Oct 20, 2023 | Thomas Compliant
What is an electrical installation?
The regulations published under notice R2920 in the Government Gazette 23rd October, 1992 say that an electrical installation is where any machinery is used for the transmission of electricity from a point of control to a point of consumption on any premises. Vehicle, telecommunication, and certain other equipment including that of the supply authority is excluded from the definition.
Who is responsible for the safety, safe use and maintenance of an installation?
These same regulations state clearly that the USER or LESSOR is responsible for the installation.
How can a layman know if the installation is safe?
By ensuring that the installation is covered by a valid certificate of compliance. The law requires that the USER must possess a valid certificate of compliance for the installation being used.
Where can a certificate of compliance be obtained?
A certificate can be obtained from an ACCREDITED PERSON, who has been registered by the Chief Inspector of the Department of Manpower in terms of the regulations.
What must the accredited person do before issuing a certificate of compliance?
The law requires that a visual inspection covering no less than 12 aspects of the installation must be carried out as well as a series of 14 electrical tests.
What electrical tests must be carried out?
The tests required are:
- Continuity of all bonding conductors.
- Resistance of earth continuity conductor.
- Continuity of ring circuits (if applicable).
- Earth loop impedance test: main switch.
- Elevated voltage of neutral.
- Earth electrode resistance (if required)
- Insulation resistance.
- Voltage (Main DB) no load.
- Voltage (Main DB) on load.
- Voltage at available load (worst condition)
- Operation of earth leakage units
- Operation of earth leakage test button
- Polarity of points of consumption.
- All switching devices, make and break circuits.
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