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Solar & Energy FAQ

The GridVolt Guide for Homes, Businesses, Farms, Schools & Hospitality.

How to use this Guide

Solar is not a one-size-fits-all purchase.
The right solution depends on when you use electricity, your tariff, the loads you need to support, your site, and your financial objective.
This guide answers the questions clients most often ask GridVolt and adds practical South African questions around:
– SSEG compliance
– batteries
– tariffs
– finance
– long-term ownership.

Important: municipal and Eskom requirements can change and differ by supply authority.
GridVolt confirms the requirements applicable to each project during the design and approval process.

FAQ Sections

1. Solar Basics
2. Designing the Right System
3. Batteries, Backup & Generators
4. Savings, Tariffs & Financial Return
5. SSEG, Registration & South African Compliance
6. Installation, Safety & Quality
7. Monitoring, Maintenance & Warranties8. Before You Buy Solar

1. Solar Basics

What is solar PV?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight directly into DC electricity. An inverter then converts and manages that electricity for use by your property.

A typical system includes PV panels, mounting, DC and AC protection, cabling and an inverter. Hybrid and off-grid systems also include battery storage and associated battery protection and controls.

Grid-tied solar reduces grid purchases while the utility is available. Hybrid solar combines PV with batteries and the grid to provide savings and backup. Off-grid systems operate independently of the utility and normally require larger PV and battery capacity, careful load management and often generator support.

kW measures real power at a point in time. kWp is the peak DC rating of a PV array under standard test conditions. kVA measures apparent power and is commonly used for inverter, transformer and generator capacity. kWh measures energy used or generated over time and is the unit that usually drives electricity cost.

Yes. Panels still generate from available daylight, although production is lower than on a clear day. A credible proposal should use realistic annual production assumptions rather than perfect-weather output.

A conventional grid-tied inverter shuts down when the grid fails for safety. A correctly designed hybrid system can continue supplying designated backup loads from batteries and available solar.

A well-designed and maintained PV system can operate for decades. Panels generally have the longest life; inverters and batteries have different service lives and warranties and may require replacement during the overall life of the PV array.

Yes. PV modules gradually degrade. Quality panels normally include a long-term performance warranty that defines the expected remaining output over time.

2. Designing the Right System

How does GridVolt size a solar system?

We start with consumption. GridVolt analyses how much electricity you use, when you use it, the applicable tariff and the loads that need backup. We then design the PV, inverter and battery capacity around the technical requirement and financial return.

Two customers with the same monthly bill can have very different load profiles. Daytime usage, evening peaks, demand charges and time-of-use periods change the ideal solution. Consumption analysis helps avoid both undersizing and unnecessary capital expenditure.

Data logging is valuable where interval consumption data is unavailable or where loads vary significantly. It helps us see peaks, base load, operating hours, power demand and opportunities for solar, storage and tariff optimisation.

It depends on panel wattage, orientation, access pathways, shading and mounting layout. Higher-wattage modules can reduce the number of panels required, but usable roof geometry is as important as the nominal roof area.

North-facing roofs are traditionally attractive in South Africa, but east-west arrays can be excellent where the goal is to spread production across the working day. The best layout depends on the customer’s load profile, not only maximum midday generation.

Yes. Flat roofs can use tilted, ballasted or mechanically fixed mounting systems depending on the structure, waterproofing and wind-loading requirements.

Yes. Ground mounts are often ideal for farms and properties with unsuitable roofs. They can provide good orientation and maintenance access, but foundations, soil conditions, wind loading, cable routes and security need to be considered.

Yes. Trees, buildings, chimneys and other obstructions can reduce generation. The impact depends on the array design and inverter technology, so shading should be assessed before finalising the layout.

Often yes, but expansion should be planned from the beginning. Inverter capacity, battery compatibility, MPPT inputs, switchgear, cable sizing, roof space and municipal approvals can all affect future expansion.

Sometimes. GridVolt assesses condition, electrical compatibility, warranties, communication protocols and compliance before incorporating existing equipment into a new design.

3. Batteries, Backup & Generators

Do I need batteries?

Not necessarily. If the goal is purely to offset daytime electricity use, a grid-tied system may deliver a strong return without storage. Batteries are useful for backup, evening solar utilisation, peak shaving, time-of-use optimisation and increased independence.

Battery sizing considers the energy required in kWh, the peak power required in kW, usable depth of discharge, expected outage duration, solar recharge opportunity and the customer’s financial objective.

A battery’s nameplate capacity is not always the amount of energy available for normal use. Usable capacity depends on the manufacturer’s permitted depth of discharge, reserve settings and system configuration.

Backup time equals usable stored energy divided by the average load, with allowance for system losses and operating limits. High-power appliances can shorten backup time dramatically.

Potentially, yes, but these loads can be large. We assess both their running power and start-up demand and decide whether they should be backed up, scheduled to solar hours, controlled, or left on non-essential supply.

A cycle is the process of charging and discharging a battery. Battery life is influenced by cycle count, depth of discharge, temperature, charge rates and the manufacturer’s operating limits.

Yes. Batteries can store excess solar for later use and, on suitable time-of-use tariffs, can shift energy from cheaper periods to expensive peak periods. The economics should be modelled before adding storage purely for arbitrage.

Yes, on suitable systems. Solar, batteries and a generator can be coordinated so the generator runs less and operates more efficiently while still providing resilience during prolonged low-solar periods or high loads.

Yes. During suitable operating conditions, PV can carry a significant portion of the load and batteries can reduce generator runtime. The exact saving depends on generator controls, minimum loading, fuel efficiency and the site’s load profile.

Yes, but off-grid design is different from adding backup to a grid-connected property. The system must cover seasonal solar variation, peak loads and periods of poor weather, with appropriate reserve capacity and usually a contingency such as a generator.

4. Savings, Tariffs & Financial Return

How much can solar reduce my electricity bill?

There is no universal percentage. Savings depend on the tariff, daytime consumption, solar yield, battery strategy, fixed charges and whether demand or time-of-use charges apply. GridVolt models the expected savings using the customer’s actual profile.  We typically save between 70 and 80 percent.

Oversized PV can produce energy when there is no load to consume it. If export compensation is limited or unavailable, that excess has less value. The best financial system is usually sized around useful energy, not maximum panel count.

Self-consumption is the percentage of solar energy used directly on site rather than exported. High self-consumption generally improves the value of each solar kWh when imported grid energy costs more than exported energy earns.

Self-sufficiency measures how much of the property’s total electricity requirement is supplied by solar and batteries rather than the grid.

Simple payback is the initial investment divided by annual savings. It is useful as a quick measure but does not capture finance costs, electricity escalation, maintenance, equipment replacement or the time value of money.

LCOE estimates the lifetime cost of producing each kWh from the solar system. It is useful for comparing the long-term cost of solar energy with grid electricity, particularly for commercial and agricultural projects.

Yes, in the right project. If monthly savings exceed the finance repayment and ongoing service costs, the client can have a positive monthly cash-flow benefit while paying for the system.

Tariffs can include energy charges, demand charges, capacity charges, line fees, fixed charges and time-of-use periods. Sometimes tariff optimisation creates savings before the first panel is installed and improves the return of the final system.

Time-of-use tariffs charge different rates during peak, standard and off-peak periods. Solar and batteries can be scheduled to reduce purchases during expensive periods and, where financially sensible, recharge during lower-cost periods.

Potentially. A battery can discharge during short demand peaks to reduce the maximum demand recorded by the meter. Successful peak shaving requires accurate interval data, sufficient inverter power and a well-controlled battery strategy.

Solar generation alone does not automatically remove fixed charges. In some agricultural or rural cases, a change in supply arrangement or tariff may reduce or eliminate certain charges, subject to utility rules and technical feasibility.

A Power Purchase Agreement is a structure in which a qualifying customer buys energy generated by a solar system under a long-term agreement rather than funding the full system upfront. Commercial terms and eligibility vary by project.

GridVolt can facilitate finance for qualifying projects, including structures with no deposit or 100% funding subject to credit approval, project size and the funder’s terms.  Financing ranges from 5 to 10 years.

5. SSEG, Registration & South African Compliance

What is SSEG?

Small-Scale Embedded Generation refers to generation connected to and operating in parallel with an electricity distribution network. Rooftop solar is the most common example in South Africa.

If the system is connected to or operates in parallel with the utility network, registration or approval requirements generally apply through Eskom or the relevant municipality. The exact process depends on the supply authority and system size.

Generally, yes. A zero-export setting does not automatically remove the requirement to register a grid-connected embedded-generation system. The applicable distributor’s rules must be followed.

A genuinely off-grid system with no electrical connection to the utility network is generally outside grid-connected SSEG registration. Local notification, building, electrical or other requirements may still apply.

It is a key South African grid-interconnection standard used for utility-interactive inverters. The selected inverter and its certification must meet the requirements applicable to the project and network operator.

A CoC confirms that the electrical installation covered by the certificate complies with applicable electrical installation requirements. Solar additions must be properly incorporated into the property’s electrical compliance documentation.

No. Grid-connected equipment must meet the technical and certification requirements of the relevant network operator. GridVolt verifies inverter suitability as part of the design and compliance process.

This depends on the municipality or Eskom connection, tariff, metering and approval. Export should never be assumed in the financial model unless the applicable arrangement has been confirmed.

Some distributors and municipalities provide an export credit or feed-in arrangement, while others may not. The rate paid for exports can be very different from the rate charged for imports.

Possibly. Export arrangements and some SSEG connections require an approved bidirectional or smart meter. Meter requirements and costs depend on the network operator and tariff.

An unapproved grid-connected installation can create safety, insurance and compliance risks and may lead to corrective work, disconnection or other consequences under the distributor’s rules. GridVolt recommends dealing with compliance as part of the project, not after it.

Yes. GridVolt can assist with the technical documentation and process applicable to the project. Requirements differ between municipalities and Eskom, so the scope is confirmed for each site.

6. Installation, Safety & Quality

How long does installation take?

Smaller systems can often be installed within a few days. Larger commercial, agricultural and ground-mounted systems require more time for civil works, structures, switchgear, commissioning and approvals.

GridVolt recommends professional installation. PV systems can contain hazardous DC voltages and high fault currents, and incorrect design can create shock, fire, structural, warranty and insurance risks.

PV arrays can operate at high DC voltage. Correct isolators, fuses where required, surge protection, cable selection, connectors and routing are critical for safe operation.

Correct earthing and bonding help manage electrical faults, touch voltages and surge protection. Requirements depend on the system architecture and must be incorporated into the electrical design.

Anti-islanding protection ensures that a grid-connected inverter stops energising the network when the utility supply fails, protecting utility workers and equipment. Hybrid systems can still power a separated backup circuit when correctly designed.

Yes. The structure must suit the roof or ground conditions and account for wind loading, corrosion, waterproofing, panel clamping zones and long-term durability.

Yes. Salt, humidity and wind can accelerate corrosion and contamination. Equipment selection, mounting materials, cable management and maintenance should reflect the site’s environmental conditions.

A proper handover should include system operation guidance, monitoring access, shutdown and restart procedures, warranty information, electrical documentation and the compliance documents applicable to the installation.

7. Monitoring, Maintenance & Warranties

Do solar panels need cleaning?

Yes, when soiling becomes significant. Dust, bird droppings, pollen, coastal salt and agricultural conditions can reduce output. Cleaning frequency should be based on the site rather than a fixed rule for every customer.

Periodic inspection is good practice. GridVolt maintenance plans can combine panel cleaning with visual and electrical checks, support and performance review depending on the selected plan.

Monitoring can show PV generation, consumption, grid import/export, battery state of charge, inverter status and alarms, depending on the system. It helps identify abnormal performance and supports remote troubleshooting.

Periodic inspection is good practice. GridVolt maintenance plans can combine panel cleaning with visual and electrical checks, support and performance review depending on the selected plan.

A product warranty covers specified defects in the physical product for a defined period. A panel performance warranty generally guarantees that output will not fall below a defined percentage over time. The terms and claim process differ by manufacturer.

Warranty periods depend on the selected panels, inverter, batteries and mounting equipment. GridVolt proposals identify the applicable manufacturer warranties, and selected inverter brands can qualify for extended warranty options.

The options depend on the brand, age and warranty status. GridVolt can assist with diagnosis, repair or replacement, and selected inverter models may qualify for extended inverter warranty cover.

In many cases, yes. We first assess the system’s condition, documentation, equipment compatibility and compliance before confirming the maintenance or support scope.

8. Before You Buy Solar

What information should I give GridVolt for an accurate proposal?

A recent electricity bill is the starting point. For commercial, agricultural and larger residential sites, interval data, meter information, operating hours, generator usage, equipment schedules and site plans can materially improve the design.

No. Compare expected generation, usable battery capacity, inverter power, equipment quality, protection, mounting, compliance, monitoring, warranties, workmanship, exclusions and after-sales support. A cheaper system can be expensive if it is undersized, non-compliant or poorly supported.

Ask for nominal and usable kWh, continuous and peak power capability, warranty period, cycle or energy-throughput conditions, recommended depth of discharge, expansion options and local warranty support.

Ask whether it is grid compliant for your application, its continuous and surge rating, PV input limits, battery compatibility, generator capability, monitoring, backup architecture, warranty and local support.

Check the electricity tariff, escalation assumption, solar yield, degradation, self-consumption, export value, battery operating strategy, finance rate, maintenance and whether VAT is included or excluded.

A solar system is a long-term operating asset. Monitoring setup, configuration changes, firmware, warranty claims, battery issues and electrical faults can arise years after installation. The installer’s ability to support the asset is therefore part of the value.

GridVolt combines energy analysis, system design, financial modelling, finance options, professional installation, monitoring and ongoing support. Our objective is to invest the correct amount of capital to deliver dependable energy and the strongest practical financial return.

Send GridVolt a recent electricity bill and tell us what you want to achieve: lower cost, backup, off-grid independence, tariff optimisation, generator reduction or a combination. We will use that information to begin the consumption and financial assessment.

Useful South African Reference Resources

For current SSEG rules and registration requirements, clients should use the requirements of their electricity distributor. GridVolt can assist in identifying the process applicable to the project.

– Embedded Generation Resource Portal (SSEG.org.za): South African municipal SSEG guidance, application resources, tariffs and FAQs.
– Eskom Small-Scale Embedded Generation information: Requirements for customers supplied directly by Eskom, including registration and compliance guidance.
– Relevant municipality or electricity distributor: Local tariffs, meter requirements, export rules and SSEG application requirements vary by supply authority.

GridVolt Energy Solutions

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This guide is general information and is not a substitute for a site-specific electrical design, tariff analysis or confirmation of current utility and municipal requirements.

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