Solar Power Systems FAQ - South Africa

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to solar power systems in South Africa. Whether you're looking to beat load shedding or achieve energy independence, we've answered the most common questions to help you make an informed decision.

General Solar Power Questions

What is a hybrid solar inverter?

A hybrid solar inverter is an all-in-one device that manages power from multiple sources: solar panels, batteries, the grid, and even generators. It intelligently switches between these sources to provide continuous power while maximizing solar energy use and minimizing electricity costs. During load shedding, it automatically switches to battery power to keep your home running.

How does a solar system help with load shedding?

A solar system with battery storage provides backup power during load shedding. When the grid goes down, your hybrid inverter automatically switches to battery power within milliseconds, keeping your lights, appliances, and devices running without interruption. With solar panels, you can recharge your batteries during the day, ensuring you're ready for the next outage.

What's the difference between off-grid and hybrid solar systems?

An off-grid system is completely independent from the electricity grid and relies entirely on solar panels and batteries. A hybrid system remains connected to the grid but can use solar, batteries, and grid power as needed. Hybrid systems are more popular in South Africa because they provide backup during load shedding while still allowing you to use grid power when needed.

Inverter Questions

What size inverter do I need for my home?

Inverter sizing depends on your power consumption. Here's a general guide:

• 5kW: Small to medium homes - essential appliances, lights, TV, fridge, WiFi (ideal for basic load shedding protection)
• 8kW: Medium to large homes - all of the above plus some air conditioning, washing machine, dishwasher
• 12kW (3-phase): Large homes or small businesses with three-phase power - multiple air conditioners, pool pumps, workshop equipment
• 16kW: Large properties with high energy demands - run everything simultaneously without compromise

To calculate your needs, add up the wattage of all appliances you want to run simultaneously during load shedding.

What does single-phase vs three-phase mean?

Single-phase power is standard in most South African homes and uses one live wire. Three-phase power uses three live wires and is common in larger homes, farms, and commercial properties. You need to match your inverter to your property's electrical system. Check your main distribution board - if you have three separate breakers at the top, you likely have three-phase power.

What is an MPPT and why does it matter?

MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) is technology that optimizes the power output from your solar panels. Inverters with multiple MPPTs allow you to connect solar panels on different roof orientations or angles, maximizing energy production throughout the day. For example, a 3-MPPT inverter can handle panels facing east, north, and west simultaneously.

Can I add a generator to my solar system?

Yes! Most modern hybrid inverters (like all our Deye models) include a generator input port. This allows your inverter to automatically start and use a generator when batteries are low and solar production is insufficient. It provides ultimate backup flexibility.

Battery Questions

How much battery storage do I need?

Battery sizing depends on how long you want backup power and what you need to run:

• 5kWh: 2-4 hours of essential loads (lights, WiFi, TV, fridge)
• 10kWh: 4-8 hours of moderate loads or 2-4 hours of heavy loads
• 14-15kWh: Full day backup for essential loads or 4-6 hours of heavy loads
• 20kWh+: Extended backup or off-grid capability

Remember, you can start small and expand most battery systems as your needs grow.

What is LiFePO4 and why is it better?

LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) is the safest and longest-lasting lithium battery chemistry. Compared to lead-acid batteries, LiFePO4 offers:

• 10+ year lifespan vs 3-5 years
• 6,000+ charge cycles vs 500-1,000 cycles
• 90%+ usable capacity vs 50% for lead-acid
• No maintenance required
• Better performance in South African heat
• Superior safety with no toxic fumes

Can I expand my battery storage later?

Yes! Our DYNESS batteries are modular and expandable. The DL 5.12kWh can expand up to 50 units in parallel, and the Powerbrick can also be expanded. This allows you to start with what you need now and add more capacity as your budget allows or needs increase.

What does the 10-year warranty cover?

Our DYNESS batteries come with a comprehensive 10-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty ensures your battery maintains at least 70-80% of its original capacity over the warranty period, giving you long-term peace of mind.

Solar Panel Questions

How many solar panels do I need?

This depends on your daily electricity consumption and available roof space. As a general guide:

• 6-8 panels (3.3-4.4kW): Small homes, basic load shedding backup
• 10-12 panels (5.5-6.6kW): Medium homes, moderate daily consumption
• 14-18 panels (7.7-9.9kW): Large homes or small businesses
• 20+ panels (11kW+): High consumption properties or off-grid systems

Our 550W panels are high-efficiency, meaning you need fewer panels to achieve the same power output.

Will solar panels work during load shedding?

Solar panels alone won't help during load shedding - you need a hybrid inverter and battery storage. During the day, panels charge your batteries. During load shedding (day or night), your inverter uses the stored battery power to run your home. The panels continue generating power during the day to recharge batteries for the next outage.

How long do solar panels last?

Quality Tier 1 solar panels like our Longi and JA Solar modules typically last 25-30 years. They come with performance warranties guaranteeing at least 80-85% output after 25 years. The panels themselves often continue producing power well beyond 30 years, just at slightly reduced efficiency.

Do I need to clean my solar panels?

In South Africa, occasional cleaning helps maintain optimal performance, especially in dusty areas. Rain naturally cleans panels, but 2-4 times per year manual cleaning with water (early morning or late afternoon) can improve efficiency by 5-15%. Avoid cleaning during hot midday sun to prevent thermal shock.

Installation & Cost Questions

Can I install a solar system myself?

While DIY installation is possible for those with electrical knowledge, we recommend professional installation for safety and warranty purposes. However, many of our customers are professional installers who purchase equipment from us for their projects. If you're a DIY enthusiast, ensure you understand electrical safety, local regulations, and have the system inspected by a qualified electrician.

Do I need permission to install solar?

Requirements vary by municipality in South Africa. Generally, systems under 1MW for personal use don't require NERSA registration, but you should notify your municipality and may need approval for grid-tied systems. Always check with your local municipality and homeowners association (if applicable) before installation.

How long does installation take?

A typical residential solar installation takes 1-3 days depending on system size:

• Day 1: Roof mounting and panel installation
• Day 2: Inverter, battery, and electrical connections
• Day 3: Testing, commissioning, and handover (if needed)

What maintenance is required?

Modern solar systems require minimal maintenance:

• Solar panels: Occasional cleaning, visual inspection annually
• Inverter: Generally maintenance-free, monitor via WiFi app
• Lithium batteries: Maintenance-free, no watering or equalization needed
• Overall system: Annual professional inspection recommended

Will solar increase my property value?

Yes! Properties with solar systems typically sell faster and at higher prices in South Africa. With ongoing load shedding concerns, buyers actively seek homes with backup power solutions. A well-installed solar system is seen as a valuable asset that reduces operating costs.

Technical Questions

What is WiFi monitoring?

All our Deye inverters include WiFi dongles that connect your inverter to your home WiFi network. This allows you to monitor your system in real-time via smartphone app, tracking solar production, battery levels, grid consumption, and system performance from anywhere in the world.

What happens when batteries are full?

When batteries reach full charge, the inverter automatically diverts excess solar power to run your home loads, reducing grid consumption. If there's still excess power and you're not using it, the inverter will reduce solar panel output to prevent overcharging. Some systems can also export excess power to the grid if configured and approved.

Can the system work without batteries?

Hybrid inverters can work without batteries in grid-tied mode, using solar power during the day and grid power at night. However, you won't have backup power during load shedding without batteries. We recommend at least minimal battery storage for load shedding protection.

What is depth of discharge (DOD)?

DOD refers to how much of a battery's capacity you can safely use. Lithium batteries typically allow 90-95% DOD, meaning you can use almost all the stored energy. Lead-acid batteries only allow 50% DOD. This is why a 5kWh lithium battery provides more usable power than a 10kWh lead-acid battery.

Warranty & Support

What warranties are included?

Our products include comprehensive manufacturer warranties:

• Inverters: Typically 5-10 years manufacturer warranty
• Batteries: 10 years on DYNESS lithium batteries
• Solar Panels: 10-12 years product warranty, 25 years performance warranty

Do you offer installation services?

We supply quality solar equipment to both professional installers and end customers. If you need installation, we can recommend qualified installers in your area. Many of our customers are professional solar installers who trust our products for their projects.

Can I get technical support?

Yes! We provide technical support for all products we sell. Whether you're an installer or DIY customer, our team can help with product selection, system sizing, troubleshooting, and technical questions.

Ready to Get Started?

Still have questions? Contact us for personalized advice on the right solar solution for your needs. Browse our range of inverters, batteries, and solar panels to start building your load shedding solution today.

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