COMMERCIAL unforeseen tariff increases .
“ Eskom was recently approved to implement an 18.65 % tariff hike come April 2023 , which is yet another blow to South Africans dealing with interest rate hikes and the rising cost of living . In contrast , most solar providers ’ annual price increases are in line with annual inflation , giving consumers the ability to plan and budget accordingly ,” explains Smee .
Factors to maximise your solar investment
1 . Choose your financing option wisely .
“ If you ’ re investing in solar power with the goal of adding to the value of your home , make sure that you own the equipment outright . If you ’ ve opted for the ‘ rent-to-own ’ ( and haven ’ t completed the contract ) or solar subscription option , the new owner will have to carry the costs of the contract .”
2 . Take the size of the installation into account .
“ The more solar panels on your roof , the more electricity can be generated .”
3 . Make sure that you purchase a hybrid solution .
“ A hybrid system consists of solar panels , a smart invertor , and a battery . The battery is what keeps your electricity running during loadshedding , using the power generated from the solar panels during non-loadshedding periods .”
4 . Choose a reputable service provider .
“ Make sure that your provider is accredited , uses the highest quality materials to increase their lifespan and that they offer a warranty should something go wrong .”
Finally , remember location is key . “ If your roof is constantly in shade , the solar panels will receive very little sunlight to generate electricity , making a costly installation essentially useless . Solar power has the potential to greatly increase the selling potential of your home – but all factors must be considered to maximise your return on investment ,” Smee concludes .
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SA Real Estate Investor Magazine FEB 2023 69